Some of you may have noticed that Bertha, our lovely black Labrador, has been part of Brighter Futures for Kids for a long time. She appeared in our videos, sat calmly beside me during sessions, and became a familiar, reassuring presence for many children. She also joined me in face to face sessions with children offering Animal Assisted Therapy. 

We wanted to let you know that Bertha died last weekend.

Her death was sudden and caused by cancer we didn’t know was there. One moment she was her usual calm, happy self, and the next she became very unwell. Although this has been incredibly sad for us, and we miss her terribly, we are grateful that she did not have a long illness and that she was surrounded by love right up until the end of her life.

Bertha has now been laid to rest in our garden, alongside our other very special therapy dog, Tilly.

Why Bertha mattered so much

Bertha wasn’t just “in” the videos — she helped children feel calmer just by being there. She had a gentle way of supporting anxious or distressed children without ever needing words. Many children found it easier to listen, learn, share their worries and practise brave skills with Bertha quietly beside them.

That is why she became part of our logo and our story.

In our From Fearful to Fearless course, Bertha’s role was simply to be herself: calm, friendly, accepting, and safe. 

Supporting children who may be experiencing loss

Although many children who use Brighter Futures for Kids won’t have known Bertha personally, loss is something that touches most families at some point. Children may be coping with bereavement, separation, change, or other forms of loss in their own lives.

Children don’t always express grief in obvious ways. Some may ask lots of questions, others may become quieter, more emotional, or show changes in behaviour. There is no single “right” response, and reactions can come and go over time.

What helps most is:

• honest, age-appropriate explanations

• reassurance that feelings — whatever they are — are okay

• and knowing that supportive adults are there to listen when they need them 

If your child is experiencing loss — whether of a family member, friend, pet, or another important person — you might find some of the resources we’ve shared on this blog helpful:

• advice on helping your child cope and prepare when someone they love is dying

• a guide to resources for bereaved children and young people

• advice on how to help a child or young person who is grieving 

• a look at how bereavement affects children

• a guide to the impact of bereavement on young children

• a guide to the impact of bereavement on teenagers  

Looking forward 

Although Bertha is no longer with us, her spirit and the values she represented remain central to Brighter Futures for Kids.

Her daughter, Betsy, who some of you may remember as a puppy in one of our videos, will be taking over her role and animal-assisted therapy and our commitment to supporting children will continue, just as before.

Bertha helped many children feel braver, calmer, and less alone. We are so proud of her legacy.

Warmest wishes

Frances x