Bernie - "Puppy B"

Tara is my baby.  Bernie, also known as "Puppy B", is John's baby.  He's mine too, but he's John's baaaaaaby.  That dog loves John more than anything in the world.

Bernie is a Boykin Spaniel.  They are a very smart breed and if trained properly make a wonderful hunting dog.  They are bred small so they can fit into a boat with ease, they are sturdy so they can withstand cold temps and cold water and they are very fast despite their size.  We have had two Boykins, the first one, Piney, got very sick with a rare disease when he was 2 1/2 and we had to put him down.  John didn't think he could get another one because of the close relationship you form with them but after a few months realized the best way to heal from that loss would be to get another little guy!  We found a breeder up north that has championship dogs year after year and picked out Bernie.  He was a stinker from day one.  If anyone has been around this breed they will understand the personality and bond you form with them.  They are unlike any other dog.  I think he is part human.... it's their eyes.  They gaze at you, look you in the eye, respond to you as if you're carrying on a conversation... it's much different for me since I was raised with the good ol' lab.

Anyways...  Bernie is such a big part of our family and our house wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if we didn't have him around.  He and Tara love each other and provide hours of entertainment for me and John every night.  I'll admit, Bernie and I have had our differences.  He gets jealous when John is giving me attention and not him.  He likes to chase me up the stairs and swat at me with his paws.  He sasses me when I scold him.  By sass I mean he woofs at me and swats me and continues to do whatever it is I have firmly told him NOT to do.  John sits there and laughs which definitely doesn't help Bernie understand that I am just as worthy of respect as John is!  But then.... then he'll do something like this....

And I can't help but think he's the sweetest little brown booger that I've ever seen.  He loves John's house shoes, his closet, his dirty clothes hamper...anything to do with John is where Bernie wants to be.  I guess I'm the same way!  So we have that in common.  Except for the dirty clothes hamper.  

T and B are best friends.  I don't think B would act like he was her best friend in public, but at home he really likes her.  Boykins are kind of snobby... they think they are better than other dogs and do not usually participate when around other dogs.  Bernie will sit away from the others and just watch them, like "Look at those dumb dogs, playing in the dirt..."  Tara is the opposite but I'll rave about her unselfish and generous qualities in another post.

My sweet girl, who wouldn't want to be her best friend?!