Friday, November 18, 2011

A Big Decision Made

Guess who's wall this is?   Yep, I have a picture wall.  These are My Vickie's favorite pictures.  

On the left is a picture she commissioned from Art By Elizabeth back in July of this year.

On the right is a special gift from Barb, Nellies Human 

And the top picture is the one that helped me and My Vickie make a very important, life changing decision.  The decision we are finally putting into words.
You see, I am a great search dog,  Well, anyway I think so and so does My Vickie.  I can find human remains as small as a drop of blood.  I can find you if you are lost in the wilderness, trapped in a disaster or heaven forbid, drowned in a lake or river.

I have taught thousands and thousands of people how to stay safe should they ever get lost, how to treat dogs when they first meet them, and how to respect us so we will respect you.

I follow in the steps of three other amazing dogs, the best of them all being Jamie.  There was Andy, McKenna, Jamie and Me. 

The line ends here.  Yep.....Me and My Vickie have decided to retire from the world of search and rescue. 

No more dreading those midnight phone calls.

No more working in white out snow storms, pouring rain, fierce desert heat, dark of night, treacherous terrain.....ect. ect.

No more missed holidays with family, (OK there was only a few of those thru the years)  and on and on and on.

But not to worry, This is a good thing....

Check back tomorrow to find out WHY we made this decision.....

Love
Bert

PS, sorry to take up blogging space for this info, but as I said last week, my blog is a kind of personal journal for My Vickie and me so we have to record a bunch of stuff.

30 comments:

Sheila and Bob said...

We thank you for your Service,
God Bless.


Sheila & Bob
Hamish & Sophie & Foster Tucker

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We just hopped ofur from Alasandra's blog. Are you keepin Care Bear?!?! We is so excited we will check back tomorrow! Purrs from all of us at Prancer Pie -Prancer, Princess, Precious, and Princeton.

Scrappy Angel said...

Will be back to follow up...

Retiring might have been a tough decision, but you definitely deserve a WALL!

Good work!

rottrover said...

A blog is a kind of a journal. We're always interested in what you have to say :-)

Road Dog Tales said...

Bert & Vickie - This must be a bittersweet decision, but we know you have many more great things and adventures ahead for you both - just a different kind! We're betting your retirement won't be spent on the couch! BOL!

The Road Dogs

Boondocks Love Shack Pack said...

We know that wherever God is leading, you're going to do great!

Love ya, pal!!

AROOOOOF!
Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack

houndstooth said...

Just as our family is getting ready to start! Our SAR puppy comes home soon. We know you've done a great job and you deserve a happy retirement!

Bunny

24 Paws of Love said...

Gosh, I don't really know what to say. Sounds like it is a sad and happy decision.

Thank you for being there to save so many. May your next adventures be everything you dreamed of. :)

Love the picture of you in the snow, hard at work.

Adien Crafts said...

Hi Bert, fabulous photo's and paintings and a great life of service so far, you should be so proud of yourself. can't wait to hear what the next great adventure in your life will be! Dex and Lou xxx

Molly the Airedale said...

We love your picture wall, Bert. There are so many memories right there!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Finn said...

I love your wall of pictures! WHy shouldn't you have one?! I am so interested in your recent decision too, we love hearing what you have to say!

Ruby and Penny said...

Enjoy your retirement. You deserve a rest after your brave service.

Love Ruby & Penny

How Sam Sees It said...

Thank you Bert & Vickie - you deserve a good rest!

Sam

Scooter said...

Hey Bert!
Wow, I love your wall! Those pix are wonderful. I think you have certainly earned your retirement. You've done an amazing service to the world and you've earned your reward. I can't wait to see what's next in your lives.

Hello Bert & Your Vickie. This is Sarge's Mom. I want to thank you both for your hard work and dedication. You are both very, very special and we are all indebted. Enjoy the next phase of your lives and I can't wait to follow along with Sarge.
Love,
Lori & Sarge

KB said...

Those are all handsome and beautiful picts on your wall. I love it.

I can understand that this is a really big decision. I'll be waiting to find out why... although I might be away from the internet for a little while (I'm not sure yet).

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Your WALL is WONDERFUL!!!

Now about your RETIREMENT... I can certainly UNDERSTAND. SAR is very VERY much Stressful..

I can Not wait to hear about the NEW chapter in your lives.

THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your years of dedication and service.
Our blogs and our Readers are very much PERSONAL and we all love to share the Good times and the Scary times and the ImPAWtant thingys in our lives. I don't think there is ANY subject that isn't of interest.

GOOSE said...

Bert and Vickie I know you will follow where God leads, of that there is no doubt.
The world of search and rescue will miss you dearly, that's for sure.
But I am confident whatever your next adventure will be, is right where you should be.
Many Blessings,
Goose

K9 Katastrophie said...

You two have worked so hard. I am glad you be able to rest up now!

Licks,
Ruthie

Nadia said...

Thank your for playing your part in protecting people! I am sure you loved doing it, but you can't do anything forever!

I just found your blog. I am glad I did! I actually have a cat named Bert! haha! :)

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Burt, you have worked very hard with your Vickie for so long and if anyone(s) deserves a rest, it is the two of you! Very, very well done, and we can't wait t find out more tomorrow!

Woofs,
Tommy (and the Gang)

Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner said...

I am curious about the picture on the bottom. You didn't mention it. Is it a canvas print?

It sounds like your mom put in many years of hard work with Search and Rescue (and you too). Everyone has to take a break someday.

Charlotte said...

oh my wonderful Bert - what a great job you and your Vicky did! I'm very excited which news you'll have tomorrow. I adore you whatever it will be!
Love and kisses your Charlotte

PS as you've heard from Pia - (her mum and mine are colleagues in the same museum) do we all have stress now - and there is no time to make new pictures - but at the end of the week the new museums-quarter will be opened and than we try to recompense everything! :-)

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, I love your wall Bert.
I am wondering what type of things you and Miss Vickie will be up to now. Praying that everyone is well. Have a fun filled weekend and I too thank you for all you've done.
Hugs, Noreen & Reggie

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Oh Bert and Dear Vickie, we can't wait to hear what your next big life adventure is. We think the job you do or have done sounds absolutely amazing. Love you both and hugs to you. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Sagira said...

Thank you so much for all you have done to make the world a better place...truly!

Curt Rogers said...

I'm sure this is a decision that wasn't arrived at lightly. I have every faith that you'll both be moving on to new and exciting adventures that will satisfy your souls and bring contentment to your lives. I can't wait to hear the news!

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

I used to have a stepdad that would search for bodies in rivers and lakes. He missed many family events doing this... I can understand your decision!

Unknown said...

Dear Bert,
A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. Yous needs to follow your heart!
Kisses
Nellie

Unknown said...

Dear Bert,
A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. Yous needs to follow your heart!
Kisses
Nellie

2browndawgs said...

Beautiful pictures. I am sure it will be hard to replace you as a search team, but we can't wait to hear what is next.