A Blind Dog Named Bert: How a Brisbane Paint and Sip Funded a Year of Rescue
There is a specific kind of music in the home of Trent and James. It isn’t the 80s and 90s pop hits that usually soundtrack their business, Paint Juicy. Instead, it’s the steady, rhythmic snoring of Bert, a senior Beagle currently tucked into his favourite cushion.
To the casual observer, Bert is just a happy old hound. But to those who know his story, Bert is the blind, resilient catalyst for a fundraising phenomenon that has just secured the future for dozens of other senior dogs across Queensland.
A Leap of Faith for a "Senior Gent"
When Trent and James decided to add to their family five years ago, they already had Penelope, a pampered Beagle they’d raised since she was eight weeks old. Penelope was used to being an "only child" and being thoroughly spoilt. They weren’t necessarily looking for a challenge, but then they met Bert through Beagle Rescue Queensland (BRQ).
Bert was the definition of "special needs": fully blind, senior, and carrying a long list of chronic health issues.
"The team at BRQ treated us like family from the first phone call," Trent recalls. "They were upfront about every single health hurdle. We signed up anyway."
Life with a blind dog required a total shift in perspective. In the Trent and James household, the "golden rule" is simple: nothing moves.
"We were very conscious that once we placed things, they stayed there," Trent explains. "The water bowl doesn’t move. The lounge doesn’t move. He’s so clever; he has these things memorised quickly, even if we are visiting a new place, but it’s still crucial that we don't go moving things on him."
The Eyes of a Beagle
The first week with Bert went surprisingly well, mostly because Bert simply wanted to be with people. He slept on Trent and James' bed from day one—and five years later, he still does.
“We never leave him alone, ever," says Trent. "He’s always with one of us or someone we trust to look after him.”
"You can't scroll on your phone; you are his eyes," Trent says. "You learn very quickly to be patient. And you learn to talk more! He can't see you, but he loves to know that you are around. So we chat to him—he’s very responsive to his name—and he’s a happy boy."
The sibling dynamic eventually settled, too. Penelope, now 11, initially didn't understand why this new addition kept walking into her. But over time, she learned that Bert wasn't like other dogs.
Today, the two often nap together, a sight Trent describes as "sweet and cute."
The Bert Effect: How One Beagle Inspired a Community
Seeing the care Bert required—and the tireless work BRQ put into rescuing dogs just like him—sparked an idea. As the owners of Paint Juicy, Australia's most awarded mobile paint and sip business, Trent and James realised they had the perfect platform to give back.
"Charity nights are the easiest format we run, and the most rewarding," James explains.
"Nobody has to sit through a guilt-trip speech or an awkward auction. Guests rock up, paint a pre-sketched Beagle, sing their lungs out to 80s and 90s hits with singer Lotti Rem, and the donation is built into every single ticket."
The night was a runaway success, raising $2,000 in just three hours. Paint Juicy waived its usual margins, ensuring $30 from every $59 ticket went straight to the rescue.
A Safety Net for Senior Hounds
When the $2,000 was handed over to BRQ, the rescue’s manager, Michelle, revealed the magnitude of the gift: it would fully fund the BRQ Seniors Program for the next 12 months.
Launched in 2025, the Seniors Program is a sanctuary for older Beagles who, due to age or chronic illness, are considered "unrehomable." These dogs live out their lives in permanent foster care, with the rescue covering every cent of their medical and nutritional needs.
The $2,000 from Paint Juicy covers:
- 12 months of specialised senior food
- All parasite treatments (flea, tick, and worming)
- Yearly vaccinations for every dog in the program
“In rescue, we say you have to give a bit of your heart so as to make theirs whole again. The money raised from the Paint Juicy event is humbling." — Michelle, Manager, Beagle Rescue Queensland
It means we do not have to worry about buying their food or medicine for the next year. Paint Juicy's philanthropic gesture has made a real difference."
The Reward of the Rescue
"When we told the story of how Bert came to us, there was applause," Trent says. "We might have gotten a bit teary. Seniors have so much to give! All they want is love and a stable environment. We cannot describe in words how much we love Bert and how much he brings to our lives."
As Bert continues to snore on his cushion, his legacy is now officially written in the health and happiness of every senior Beagle across Queensland for the year to come.
For these "Dog Dads," it was the ultimate way to give back to the organisation that gave them their best friend.
Get Involved: Support the Seniors
- Want to help a senior hound? Beagle Rescue Queensland is always looking for donations, volunteers, and foster carers to support their life-saving work. You can view Beagles available for adoption or donate at beaglerescueqld.com.au.
- Paint Your Own Pet! These fabulous ‘Paint Your Pet’ sessions are now available in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Goulburn, Penrith, Forster and more. Find them at paintjuicy.com.au/paint-your-pet.
- Ready to paint for a cause? To book a spot or host a charity fundraiser, visit paintjuicy.com.au and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
