Bertie Russell Wooster Koehler left us on Saturday, March 28, 2026. He was 11 years, 3 months, and 14 days old.
Bertie asked Sherri to take him home from an auto repair shop where she used to take her vehicles for maintenance in North Portland. He was 6 months old and his owner wasn’t able to care for his puppy. Bertie, who was first known as “Mack”, had been brought to the shop as one of the mechanics was considering buying him from his first owner, who also worked at the shop.
Bertie had other plans. He persisted in running to Sherri in the waiting room and wriggling under her legs, shaking. He was very friendly, but also very clearly under a lot of stress.
His owner, observing his puppy coming to Sherri for the 6 or 7th time, commented, “You and your wife really love animals, right? Would you be interested in a puppy?”
This is how Sherri came home from an oil change, practically on her wife’s birthday, with a 6 month old English bulldog puppy who needed three surgeries right away! Bertie, like most brachiocephalic dogs had an overgrown soft palate, partially blocking his airway and his nares (part of the nose) were also over developed. He also was cryptorchid, which requires surgical intervention for the health and safety of the animal.
After addressing his health issues, Bertie did not have another health issue until the last year of his life. He developed arthritis that caused him weakness and shaking, a ramp and a gentle assist to his hips for stairs or getting onto the sofa or our bed helped him a lot. He even enjoyed a week+ camping trip to California this past October!
Bertie’s last day was, for him, a perfect day. We all got up early for an easy ramble at a new, creekside park, on a sunny spring day. Bertie was so excited to be headed out for an adventure that he clambered up into the camper van without the need for assistance! Once his bed, blanket, and bolster were set up, he hopped onto his bed, ready to be secured for the ride. He then barked happily for nearly 10 minutes when we got underway.
We had just arrived at the park when Bertie appeared to have a massive stroke. Sherri was able to get out of her seat and hold him while he passed. Both she and Christie were with him for his last moments.
Bertie had been a little shakier for the 6 weeks prior. We had found an anti-inflammatory medication that was working well for him and he was feeling good, full of sass and belligerence. His last night was spent head-butting moths, playing with his kitty, and keeping Sherri company in her studio.
While it was the best possible day for Bertie, both Sherri and Christie are in shock and grieving. Sherri especially is feeling this loss, Bertie having been her companion for yoga classes, art workshops, appointments, and errands for over 10 years and 9 months.