Ali & Rudy Clumber Spaniels | The Law Firm of Erin N. Birt, P.C.

At Birt Family Law, we believe comfort, connection, and healing can come from many sources—including a few furry ones. Whether greeting you from a framed photo in our waiting area or offering a smile from a storybook page, Ali, Rudy, and Rosie are more than just beloved pets—they're calming companions in our Restorative Divorce® environment. These animals remind us daily of the importance of patience, playfulness, and unconditional support—qualities we aim to reflect in how we guide families through challenging transitions.

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Ali the Survivor

Clumber Spaniels: Patient, Supportive, Eager to Make People Happy

Ali and Rudy are Clumber spaniels. Clumbers are gentle giants and the largest of the spaniel dogs.

Ali is a lively girl who survived a medical condition against all odds. As a puppy, Ali had a liver shunt and survived surgery to go on to become a fun-loving dog who likes nothing more than to eat leaves and lick smiling faces. She spends most of her day playing with her favorite kid, sleeping, and trying to get an extra treat.

Rudy The Rescue

Rudy was rescued by the Clumber Spaniel Rescue and Placement Committee of the AKC and went on to become Ali's brother. He spends his days sleeping, snoring, and running all around his backyard.

Both Ali and Rudy enjoy walking, swimming, and...more sleeping. Research indicates just looking at a dog can make you smile and we often use pictures of Ali & Rudy to help our youngest clients feel more comfortable, and smile.

Rosie The Ruler

Cats: Caring, Playful, Affectionate, Reduce Stress and Loneliness

Rosie is a female domestic short haired cat that was surrendered to the DuPage County Animal Services when she was 6 years old. Rosie, unfortunately, did not do well at the shelter and became sad. Adult cats are often overlooked and she wasn't considered for adoption for 8 months. Our Attorney & Mediator, Erin Birt, fell in love with her at first sight and brought her home where she immediately began to rule the house. She loves to yell from the top of the stairs to encourage Rudy and Ali to run around and get a work out!

Rosie spends her days watching birds from every window (she often sees robins, cardinals, finches, orioles, great horned owls, and red-tailed hawks!). She is now happy and safe and glad to take a picture to help any of our clients smile.

Why Our Team Uses Pictures of Pets to Help Our Clients

Viewing pictures of pets and animals can help lower the stress for children involved in a Restorative Divorce, Guardian ad litem case, or parenting coordination case. Animals can also be a stress relief for adults seeking a mediation friendly attorney, an experienced mediator, a collaborative divorce attorney, or a settlement based family law attorney. We often have fun videos of cats, dogs, and pets playing in our waiting room, which helps everyone feel more relaxed when visiting our office.