Roberta

My name is Roberta (aka Bertie Beetle)! I am an 8 year old Tibetan Spaniel. I came to my foster home after losing my right eye but don’t feel sorry for me … it hasn’t changed (or fazed) me one bit!

My hair is still growing back from my operation (I did request a stylist but they gave me a buzz cut instead) but it won’t be long till my lion’s mane returns to its former glory. Don’t let my age fool you either, I get around like a star and love going for walks and rides in the car.

But most of all, I love being with my humans. I am a champion sook who is always looking for the perfect place to snuggle. I don’t even need to be on you, just near you. If you are in the garden, I am in the garden. If you are doing the dishes, I am doing the dishes (I like to help around the house). I am not a barker, but I will let you know if I think I haven’t had my daily quota of cuddles and it is time to settle in for a cup of tea and a belly rub.

Because I am an older lady with refined tastes, I can be a little bit of a fussy eater but my foster mum can fill you in on what I like prepared every day, it’s not a lot but it needs to be perfect, just like me!

MY IDEAL HOME: I LOVE LOVE. My perfect home would be calm, where someone is home most of the time (although I don’t mind some time to myself) who can be my perfect companion.

I am very happy as an only dog but would I think I could share with another small calm dog. I would love to go to a home where I can go on at least one daily walk. In fact, I am a bit of a show off so beware, walks with me sometimes take a bit long because everyone wants to stop and admire how beautiful I am!

I am superb on my leash (if I do say so myself) and I have even perfected my café lifestyle and will wait patiently while you get a morning coffee and croissant!

Because of my gorgeous coat I will need someone who is committed to keeping me well groomed with regular brushing and a bath when I get a little bit mucky.

I usually take myself outside when I need to toilet but I do occasionally forget my manners. I think over time I will adjust well to any new home with a steady routine and regular walks.

I would love to sleep inside at night! At the moment I sleep in the living room on my own little bed. I love to be on the couch but I struggle to get up and down on my own so if you are happy to have me up there with you I will need some help (I am pretty small after all). I am quite happy in a crate if you have one in your house – just so long as you make it cosy for me.

MY ENERGY LEVEL: My foster mum would say that I am low energy but I still love my walks. At the moment i have two or three 10-15 minute walks a day and i think they are pretty great. However, these walks are easy and gentle - pretty much anyone could walk me!

MY SUITABILITY TO CHILDREN: I haven’t met any very small children during my time in foster care. My foster mum thinks I would be fine with calm children who understand that I am a dignified older dame who loves warm humans with gentle hands.

MY SUITABILITY TO CATS AND DOGS: I would be very happy as an only dog but I feel comfortable with other small dogs that are calm. I can be a little bit nervous around boisterous big dogs, but would be open to a meet and greet if you think your current canine companions would be kind and gentle with me.

I don’t currently live with any cats. I have seen a few when I have been out and about but they don’t really faze me. My foster mum thinks I would probably be fine, but a meet and greet would be important if you have any cats.

*In foster care in Newtown, Sydney*