RIP Gerta (aka, Gert the Flirt)

May 5th 2008 to December ? 2010?

I loved you sweetheart, and am glad I didn't see you being anything other than happy, bouncy, and the puppy I knew, adored, and cherished. Always in my heart you will be <3.

The Best of Gerta Pictures

The only one where I think she resembles her sister, Godiva. 

She looked like this most of the time ^_^

The night I picked her up!

The first time seeing water (she came to love it).

<3

If I could, I would have made this my X-mas card.

Perhaps my favorite of her :)

Gerta's Release :'(

Sorry to bring bad news but Gerta hs been released due to kidney disease . Barbara Lippert is not able to adopt her at this time- expecting a new grandchild they will help care for. So If you would like to adopt Gerta please let me know . If you have any Questions about her care you may e-mail or call the GEB vets or Kathy Kraft. There is a wonderful couple that works for GEB that will take her if you are unable.\

Thanks

Roberta

Hi Jen,

I knew I remembered your name. You were Yarmouth�s raiser. Gerta has congenital renal dysplasia, this means that her kidneys did not form properly in the womb. Many times problems do not crop up until later in a dogs life but unfortunately Gerta is in compensated renal failure currently. She does well, eats and drinks and plays but it is realistic that she will need intensive and ongoing care. I have included a summary of canine kidney failure for older dogs. Much of this applies to Gerta as well.

Let me know what questions you have.

Dr. H

Thank you for letting me know everything, especially about the couple that would be willing to take her; this really helped my decision.  Gerta was definitely one of my favorite dogs and I want the very best for her...unfortunately, at this point in time and considering the severity of her situation after talking to the vet, I think she would probably be happiest living the remainder of her days out with the GEB couple, where I know they will probably give her the love and attention she deserves, as well as the exercise and mental stimulation.  But, if they should become unable to take her, I might reconsider.  I just feel that their specific situation of personally working with the school will probably suit her better than what I can provide right now, being a student.  All that I'd ask is if they could keep in touch with me occasionally so I can know that she's okay, even just a few times a year.  So if you could make sure they have my contact information, I'll release my potential ownership of her.  This is very difficult, as I'd originally hoped to adopt her, but I think it will be what's best for her.  Thanks again, ~Jennifer

***I love you, Gerta <3 It truly was out of love.***

Gerta's In For Training

Earlier this week, I received an email from Barbara saying that Gerta still arrived for her IFT (In For Training) even though she was still in heat. She passed her IFT just fine, though they decided to not use her for breeding after all, meaning she will go straight into the guide dog program.
This concerns me just a little, as Gerta is already over 20 months old. Apparently they start releasing dogs for no fault of their own after they exceed the age of two. This means that even if she needs just a little more time working, it could cost her the chance of being a guide.
The entire process takes around four months, so I'm hoping that if she does end up dropping out, she can wait as long as possible before doing so. Then, no one will have to hold her temporarily very long before I get my apartment in May and she can stay with me permanently without hassle. Oh Gerta....

My Holiday With Gerta

I've only been gone from school ten days, and already it seems so much has come and gone.

I had the privilege of sitting my co-raisership dog Gerta (see photos) for the last time before she has her IFT (In For Training test to see if she can be in the Guiding Eyes Program) on January 5th while her other raisers visited family in Myrtle Beach. It was a wonderful ten days, spent walking (of course) and in general enjoying myself with a dog that I trust very much and adore. Gerta was even better than the last time she visited, and seemed much calmer and enjoyed sleeping much of the time whenever we weren't out walking our three miles. She was also exceptionally responsive to every command I gave and seemed very secure in knowing my pack leadership. I even taught her a new game of "hide and seek" where she would sit and wait while I hid her toy, and she' have to go find it somewhere in the house. She got much better at this game before she left, really getting to use her nose and brain! For Christmas, however, she decided to go into heat again, which might mess things up for her up at the school for her scheduled IFT. Hmmmm....

When she was picked up this morning, the Lipperts told me that their plans had changed, and that if Gerta were to fail in the program, they wouldn't be able to adopt her as intended due to a few years of traveling they planned to do in the near future. Because I've had Gerta for a total of 6 months of her life, they told me I'd be eligible to adopt her then as my own dog. Imagine that! But while I don't exactly enjoy walking three miles a day to keep her in shape and as mellow as a lamb, she is easy to have around and one of the best dogs I've worked with, so I suppose I would take her if need be. This means I will have to hold out on getting a cat (yes, I was thinking of getting a cat, as much as I love dogs) to see how she does, in case she needs to come live with me in May in my new apartment. Again with the Hmmm...

In other updates, I will be spending my January with two Jack Russels and a Chihuahua for one week (some serious alpha/exercising going on), and hopefully walking Carly the Chow-Shepherd mix for $10 a walk if her owner is still doing okay. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten my roller blades yet for Christmas, and probably won't until the middle of the month. Quite the bummer.

Until my next post <3

Photos of Yarmouth, Godiva, Gerta, and neighbor Katrina