Like people, dogs have different personalities and fates. Berta was noble. A large, shaggy mongrel took several decrepit brethren under her wing. When they, at the appointed hour, came to the entrance of the volunteer, Berta let them eat first.

The winter was strange, biting frosts were replaced by thaws, and even at all, flogged passers-by with freezing rain. Berta, judging by her color, a sheepdog half-breed, with soft, curly hair and a fluffy tail, every evening was waiting for her benefactress at the entrance. Stray animals were not welcomed in their micro district. It was believed that throwing food in the trash is more correct than feeding stray dogs.

Berta was very grateful and, despite her imposing appearance, very affectionate. At the sight of a girl, she took off and rushed to “hug”. Sessions of tenderness she was ready to last for hours. The volunteer planned to gradually attach the entire dog company, but there were few places in the shelter and they were always busy. All the girl could do to help was food and a little caress for Berta. The old men, made wise by the hard life of a dog, although they showed joy at the meeting, did not come close.
Everything changed when, one morning, Berta announced her arrival to the girl with a loud bark. When she went outside with a portion of sweets, her heart sank with pity. The dog looked completely miserable. Her wet fur was clogged with snowballs and ice, and she stood ankle-deep in a freezing puddle.

The girl realized that she could no longer leave the dog on the street. She feverishly looked for a way to persuade Berta to enter the entrance from which she was always driven out. The volunteer did not have a suitable collar, and she had no idea how to convince a thirty-kilogram dog to follow her.
Berta resolved her doubts, she attentively watched her benefactor, as if waiting for her to finally be invited to visit. One had only to point to the door, and the mongrel joyfully slipped inside and sedately sat down on the rug at the door of the desired apartment. Berta tried very hard to please the girl’s mother, she performed the simple trick “Give me a paw” flawlessly. As a reward, the dog demanded affection, closing his eyes in pleasure when he was scratched behind his ears.

This time, exhausted from the caress and warmth, Berta did not even reach for the bowls. She was wiped dry from snow and dirt and allowed to sit on a sofa covered with plaid. Tired and completely happy, the dog fell asleep, hugging the first toy in his life.