BEHAF's

BACCHUS & ARI'S story:

There are those of us who believe that God does not and will not give us more than we can handle. However, sometimes no matter how strong our faith, events happen that make us question that belief. When yet another difficulty looms or loss occurs, one finds oneself asking "Just how much does God think I can take?" The story of Ari and Bacchus, and a Crazy Lady named Cathi is one such tale.

The story actually began many years ago. Back in 1998, Cathi was one of five Crazy Ladies who had a crazy dream. Frustrated and distraught from hearing about other berner owners who were financially unable to provide the medical care their beloved dogs deserved, Cathi had the idea of an organization that would help owners with demonstrated financial need provide that care to their berners. From that idea, the dream of BEHAF was born. Little did Cathi know that one day she would be that owner in need.

October 2003 - Last year Cathi resigned from the BEHAF Board to focus on the difficulties in her personal life. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try or how heartfelt our wish, we cannot change the inevitable. Being unable to work due to a disability and going through a divorce at the same time is tough enough. Add in the serious illness and impending loss of not one but both of her canine friends and one has to wonder just how much tragedy one person can be expected to handle. Especially someone who has shown herself to be generous and compassionate in her concern for others. Yet that is exactly the position Cathi found herself in this past September.

At the end of August, her older Berner, Bacchus (7 ˝ yrs) was tentatively diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his right foreleg. Two days later, her other Berner, Ari (6 ˝ yrs), bloated. At the emergency vet's, they found that Ari's stomach had already twisted, and estimated $2000 for surgery and aftercare. Not wanting to lose Bacchus AND Ari, Cathi decided to give Ari a chance. Following surgery, Ari remained hospitalized due to heart arrhythmias and required a blood transfusion. After 4 days in the hospital, Ari was released to come home. Cathi was overjoyed to have her girl home, and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, both emotional and financial, from the berner community.

Ari stayed for only 2 more days. Early the morning of her third day home, Cathi awoke to find Ari by the front door. Her heart had given out and freed her spirit to soar to the Rainbow Bridge.

Ari's Tribute

Inside the front door is a good place. A place where Ari waited for me, even if I just went out to check the mail. She sat peeking over the screen door and listening for my footsteps. And wherever I went, and wherever she was when I left, she would always be waiting for me there.

It was a place of excited dancing at the prospect of another adventure, even if it was just a walk in the park or a ride in the car. And when the sun came through in the afternoon, it was a good place for a nap.

When you picture Ari in your minds eye, see a silly girl. Sitting there with head cocked, one ear flipped over, and her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth. Smiling.

I see Bacchus looking around quickly as if he's just seen something out of the corner of his eye. And I know what he sees. The hint of a halo and the wisp of a wing.

I believe Ari knew exactly what she was doing. She showed such courage to make sure she was home. And I believe when Ari left her crate this morning, she knew exactly where she was going. And she made it as far as inside the front door. And the angels took her from there.

My sweet, sweet girl. I will miss your kisses, soft as velvet.

The next day, Bacchus' diagnosis of osteosarcoma was confirmed by the referral vet. Treatment options for Bacchus were severely limited. Because of his bad left elbow and a previous partial tear of the cruciate ligament in his right knee, Bacchus was not a good candidate for amputation. He was being supported with diet and pain medicine, and a whole lot of love. Not even a week after the final diagnosis, his pain med had to be upped to something stronger. That seemed to be controlling his pain for a time but he developed swelling in a lymph node and continued to lose weight despite Cathi offering him anything and everything she could think of to eat. Cathi focused on keeping him comfortable, making every day as special as she could until Bacchus let her know he was ready to join Ari at the Bridge.

In Loving Memory of Ari
December 28th 1996 to September 8th 2003
B-G Dog ID= 34042

In Loving Memory of Bacchus
November 15th 1995 to January 27th 2004
B-G Dog ID= 14189

Thank you all for the generosity and compassion of the Berner community who contributed
to Ari and Bacchus' expenses and helped a Crazy Lady turn the dream of helping Berners into a reality.

Cathi, and Bacchus and Ari.

"TO LOVE ONE BERNER IS TO LOVE THEM ALL!"

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BACCHUS & ARI'S story:

Ari's Tribute

"TO LOVE ONE BERNER IS TO LOVE THEM ALL!"