Alberto — The Steadfast Soul

Our sweet, quirky boy. Sensitive and sometimes shy, he had his own routines, like only eating from a square Chinet plate. He danced like popcorn when he was happy — and stole our hearts completely.

In 2012, while living in Orange County, Kimber set out to find a friend for Lily, who had joined the family two years earlier. On the OC Pound Hounds website, she spotted a small blonde Chihuahua named Alberto — lovingly called “Bertie” by his first rescuer, Michele. When Lily came along for the meet-and-greet, the choice was clear: they left as a family of three.

Alberto’s story began with hardship. He had been found on the streets, half-starved and terrified, then mistreated in the shelter with high-pressure hoses. Michele, with extraordinary patience, helped him heal — feeding him, reassuring him, and waiting for the right family to come along. That family turned out to be us, and from the start we knew he was special.

Alberto had his own code of living, and he made his preferences known. He was not an “outdoor dog.” He had refined food tastes, though he never turned down a meal. He had signature moves — his joyful “popcorn” dance and the proud “Hello Kitty” stance that always made us laugh. Behind his sometimes-serious exterior was a dog of remarkable intelligence and deep affection, who gave his whole heart to those he trusted.

On August 4, 2024, we said goodbye to Alberto with love, gratitude, and gentleness. He was the steady anchor of the Three Chimigos, the quiet strength at the center of their bond. Not a day passes that we don’t miss him — his wisdom, his quirks, his loyal presence.

Alberto’s legacy is devotion and love, lived out every single day. He will always be the best boy, our steadfast companion, and the truest reminder that healing is possible when trust is met with love.

Our Itty Bitty Alberto

Oh Alberto, our sweet boy

We think of you every day.

I woke early this morning, lifted the shade
to a sky overcast and gray
No ray of sun to brighten my heart,
and I thought of you today.


The breezes of summer are no more
and have moved along on their way.
The crisp air of autumn has settled in,
and I thought of you today.


The crunch of the leaves under my feet,
I remembered how you loved to play,
chasing the leaves across the yard,
and I thought of you today.


As the daylight faded into dusk
and the shadows came to play,
I lit a candle and watched the flame dance,
and I thought of you today.


I crawled into bed, turned out the lamp
and glanced where you used to lay.
The tears came again, as they always do,
as I thought of you today.

I woke early this morning and lifted the shade
to a sky overcast and dull and gray
Or was it smoke from the ashes of my heart,
weeping because it feels we are apart?
And I thought of you today.

The burning rays of summer seem to be gone

Left with coldness where warmth was before

And as the daylight fades into darkness

I know night will bring stark emptiness.

And I thought of you today.

I see that the sun came up again today

I see your image as every shadow plays  

I’ve learned that when I talk to you I’m better

And the sadness slowly gets quieter

And I thought of you today.

The joy you brought to my life is unmeasured

Every small memory becomes a golden treasure

Thoughts of you brings hope to an empty space

Just once more I want to see your beautiful face.

And I thought of you today. 

Oh Alberto, our sweet boy

We think of you every day.

- Dr. Sue original, adapted from an anonymous piece of poetry found long ago.