Fused Glass Bernard: A Promise Seven Years in the Making

Several years ago, Matt bought me a little fused glass girl for my birthday. I had seen her at a local art studio and fallen in love with her. Fortunately, Matt was paying attention.

She has been with us ever since.

Fused glass little girl.

In 2019, we made the very difficult decision to put our dog Bernard to sleep. Bernard was always number one in my world. He was lovable, lazy and had more personality than most people. You always knew what Bernard was thinking. Interest. Happiness. Annoyance. Complete disgust. Whatever he was feeling, he had a way of making sure you knew it.

He was also the greatest canine legal mind that ever lived.

Bernard helped me write countless briefs and motions. We talked through cases together. I would explain the facts, tell him what was bothering me and talk through whatever problem I was trying to solve. Bernard would listen. By the end of the conversation, I usually knew what I needed to do.

Bernard knew everything.

When Bernard died, Matt apparently thought he would finally move into the number-one position.

He did not.

Bernard simply became omnipresent. He now settles most of our arguments. One of us, well, really mainly me, invokes Bernard. Because now Bernard truly knows everything.

After we lost him, Matt promised me that someday we would get a little fused glass dog made to go with my girl. A little Bernard.

And then time did what time does.

We didn't forget. We just never took the time to figure out who could make him or exactly how to make it happen.

Seven years went by.

Recently, I took a fused glass class at Art Fusion Studio on Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. While I was there, I discovered that they also make custom pieces.

Well. Maybe we had finally found someone who could make Bernard.

I sent them pictures of Bernard and pictures of the little girl and asked what they could do. We went back and forth a few times about his colors and markings until I was satisfied. It turns out I have very definite opinions about what a tiny fused glass version of Bernard should look like.

A few days later, he was ready. Bernard, the inspiration for the custom fused glass Bernard.

Bernard, the inspiration for the custom fused glass Bernard

Seven years after Matt promised me that someday my little fused glass girl would have a dog, she finally has her baby Bernard.

And I think they belong together.

There is one small irony in all of this. Bernard despised walking. Absolutely despised it. Going for a walk was not a fun activity as far as Bernard was concerned. It was something being inflicted upon him.

And now he is a fused glass dog destined to stand for eternity. He would be disgusted.

Fused glass little girl and Bernard.

Gosh, I still love that dog.

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo, for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.