The Bert Show Episode Summary

Podcast: The Bert Show
Episode Title: Vault: This Woman Was Fired For Saving A Dog!
Date: January 16, 2026
Host/Cast: Bert, Jeff, Valerie Cheatham (guest), and various cast/callers

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the controversy involving Valerie Cheatham, a longtime assistant manager at Neiman Marcus, who was fired after intervening in a situation where two dogs were left in a hot car. The show's hosts and callers discuss the ethical, moral, and legal implications of Valerie's actions, critique the response from Neiman Marcus, and debate the responsibilities of employees and pet owners alike. The tone is candid, outspoken, and supportive of Valerie.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Incident Breakdown

• Valerie Cheatham’s Actions [(00:11) & (03:15)]:

  • Valerie, seeing two dogs locked in a hot car (sunroof open, windows slightly cracked; reported temp was 89–90°F), tries to get water to the animals.
  • She removes her shoes, gets on the hood to reach the sunroof, but is confronted by the car’s owner, Ramona Lindsay, who yells and files a complaint.
  • Valerie is fired by Neiman Marcus for "inappropriate behavior."

• Details from Multiple Angles:

  • Police and Bystanders note community concern; other customers and an off-duty officer (working store security) observed the situation and couldn't intervene due to job restrictions [(03:30)].
  • Owner’s Defense: Ramona Lindsay claims the dogs were fine due to open sunroof and that she was gone 15–40 minutes [(00:49)].
  • Animal Welfare Facts: Humane Society representatives clarify that even with open windows, a car can heat up to deadly levels rapidly [(02:23)].

2. The Moral Debate

• Universal Outrage: All show hosts express disbelief and support Valerie’s actions, emphasizing animal safety over property or customer status [(01:52), (09:06)].
• Comparison to Child Neglect:
  • Bert and others draw direct comparisons, asking if people would ever accept leaving a child in similar circumstances [(08:10)].
  • Valerie provides a somber reminder of a local child’s death under similar conditions [(08:31)].

3. Corporate Responsibility and Customer Status

• Neiman Marcus Criticized [(09:34)]:
  • Show suggests the store prioritized a big-spending customer over an employee’s ethical decision.
  • Discussion includes speculation about the influence of customer spending history on the outcome [(09:34), (13:33)].
  • Valerie refutes the idea that spending should affect decisions regarding life or safety [(07:45)].
• Mall Security and Animal Training: Valerie questions the proficiency of mall security and police in handling animal welfare emergencies [(06:38)].

4. Valerie’s Perspective and Aftermath

• Her Position:

  • Valerie is clear she’d repeat her actions to protect any creature in distress, regardless of personal cost [(01:36), (07:45)].
  • She has no interest in pursuing legal recourse against Neiman Marcus, focusing instead on future employment [(10:44)].

• Public Support and Job Offers:

  • Callers from the business and HR community offer Valerie job opportunities live on-air [(15:11)].
  • Cast and callers encourage listeners to protest Neiman Marcus’ decision by boycotting the store [(16:02), (17:33)].

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Valerie on Her Actions:

  • "If I had to do over, I would do it again." [(01:36)]
  • "Tonight I'm going to go home and sleep like a baby. And I hope the people in corporate can do the same." [(01:46)]

• Animal Safety Facts [(02:23)]:

  • "On an 85 degree day... in 10 minutes the temperature in a car climbs to 102 degrees. In 20 minutes... to 120 degrees... That causes brain damage, death, ruptured blood vessel. I mean, it can kill your dog."

• Valerie on Priorities [(07:45)]:

  • "This whole thing is not about me. It's not about her. I want people just to think about the animals that we share our lives with... we should put their needs before ours."

• Critique of Corporate Priorities [(09:34)]:

  • Bert: "Maybe Neiman Marcus takes a look at that and says, well, this woman is a big spender here... it's gonna be easier for us to lose an employee than it is $50,000 spender."

• Valerie's Exit [(16:55)]:

  • Bert: "If Neiman Marcus came back... said, 'Oof, boy, did we screw things up... Why don't you come on back, we'll give you another $10,000,' would you take your job back at Neiman Marcus?"
    Valerie: "Not after I had the heart attack." [(16:55)]

• Listener Support:

  • Multiple business professionals call in to offer Valerie employment [(15:11–15:55)].

Timestamps for Key Segments

• The Incident News Recap: 00:11 – 01:45
• Ethical/Moral Debate Among Hosts: 01:52 – 04:20
• Valerie Cheatham Joins Live: 03:15
• Details of the Confrontation: 03:30 – 04:20
• Animal Welfare Science: 02:23, 04:44
• Neiman Marcus Response & Corporate Speculation: 06:35 – 09:56
• Call-In Job Offers and Listener Reactions: 15:11 – 16:02
• Discussion of Boycott as Protest: 16:02 – 17:51
• Closing Remarks and Farewells: 17:51 – end

Conclusion

This Bert Show episode powerfully explores what happens when corporate priorities and ethical action collide. Valerie Cheatham is overwhelmingly supported for her intervention to save dogs in danger, with both the hosts and listeners questioning Neiman Marcus' values. The discussion broadens to larger questions about animal welfare, corporate accountability, and doing "the right thing" even when it costs you. Valerie's integrity and public support are at the heart of the episode, with many listeners inspired to act both for her and for animal safety going forward.