The pouring rain didn’t dampen the spirits of several Bernese mountain dogs and their guardians last weekend.

The reunion/birthday party was held to both celebrate the eight Bernese puppies’ first birthday and to reunite them with their mom and siblings.

Rescued during a cruelty investigation last year with the help of the RCMP, when the puppies were only two weeks old, the litter was malnourished, dehydrated and found in substandard living conditions.

“More than 30 people came, including the families and volunteers who helped foster and care for the puppies prior to adoption,” says BC SPCA Sunshine Coast Branch manager Cindy Krapiec.

“It was so great to see them all! They’re all happy, healthy and obviously thriving in their forever homes.”

Cared for in a foster home and requiring round-the-clock care and multiple vet check-ups when they first came into BC SPCA care, the dogs were all adopted into loving homes with help from the Burnaby SPCA. The change a year can make is absolutely amazing, Krapiec notes.

“The dogs all appeared to recognize each other and spent the entire party playing – they didn’t mind the rain,” she says.

“Us humans were all soaked through – but it was worth it! It’s a truly happy ending to a story that could have ended horrifically, had the BC SPCA not intervened.”