Bertie – The Mini Schnauzer Making A Maximum Difference

July 24th 2024

A local Miniature Schnauzer and his owner are prize winners after entering a national award celebrating the powerful bond between dogs and their humans.

The Woof & Well Award was launched by Vet’s Kitchen in recognition of the contribution dogs make to the health and wellbeing of their family and others. Bertie and Jennifer’s entry immediately tugged at the heartstrings of everyone at Vet’s Kitchen who read their story.

Their story reveals how a dog, even a small one, can drastically change a person’s quality of life and be the perfect antidote to loneliness and unexpected heartache.

Jennifer Waite, 60, from Cowes, Isle of Wight, tragically lost her husband in 2019 just before the pandemic and the two lockdowns. Their adult children had left home and Jennifer found herself unexpectedly and suddenly living alone.  

Jennifer decided to open her heart and home to an 8-week-old Miniature Schnauzer puppy, Bertie. He very soon became much more than just a companion.

made a huge impact on my mental and physical health,” says Jennifer. “He gives my days structure and is an endless source of joy. He has kept me company, entertained and cheerful through grief, the two pandemic lockdowns and ever since.”

Jennifer and Bertie, now 20 months old, go for three walks a day and this has open the door for both Jennifer and Bertie to make new friends, another lifeline when living alone. Bertie has also been instrumental in Jennifer’s recovery from a broken leg.

She says, “In 2020 I broke my leg and subsequently had to have a second operation in April 2021. My physiotherapist believes my leg’s good recovery is partly due to the three walks a day Bertie and I do – come wind, rain or shine! Bertie has been the best physiotherapist!”

“We thought it was time to give our dogs recognition for their love and loyalty.” says Laura Shears, MD of Vet’s Kitchen. “Humans and their canine companions have always made for a winning team and more than ever in recent times, we have relied on them for the emotional support we need. Bertie is such a special pup and we wanted to recognise how much this little dog has given to Jennifer and made the biggest difference to a life.”

“Having Bertie has hugely improved the quality of my life and my physical and mental wellbeing,” says Jennifer. “Bertie has been my constant companion since losing my husband. He is loved by everyone and this provides human interaction for both of us. He is always there for me and never fails to make me smile.”