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inside this issue...inside this issue...
TheThe
Berner BlattBerner Blatt
the newsletter of the
Bernese Mountain Dog Clubof Nashoba Valley
the club for new england berners & their families
April 2015
Greta in perfect “cover girl” pose for a mountain dog! Read her story and those of the other “Vermont 5” on page 8.
AnnualB.E.R.N.E.R.
Inc Issuepages 6-9
Calendar of Events .............................2Concurrent Specialty ........................3Spring Fun Day Schedule .................5
B.E.R.N.E.R Inc. ........................... 6-10Birthdays, Congrats .........................11
board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BMDCNVPresidentMarge [email protected]
Vice PresidentAlise [email protected]
SecretaryPat [email protected]
TreasurerBruce [email protected]
Karen Fox • 860-436-4292 • [email protected]
Sue Mahan • 978-386-7292 • [email protected]
Martha McCormick • 860-456-8881 • [email protected]
Jean Michael • 508-947-6503 • [email protected]
Anya Wittenborg • 781-316-2364 • [email protected]
Directors:
FMI: www.bmdcnv.org/events.html
Calendar of EventsBMDCNV
~ 2015 ~April 26:
BMDCNV Annual Meeting Boxborough, MA
May 16 & 17:BMDCNV Draft Test
Wachusett Mountain • Princeton, MA May 30:
BMDCNV Regional SpecialtyLadies Dog Club • Wrentham, MA
May 31:BMDCNV Supported Entry • Wrentham, MA
June 6:Spring Fun Day • Westford, MA
June 27:Classic Picnic • Kittery, ME
July 11:BMDCNV Supported Entry • Tunbridge, VT
July 25:Summer Picnic • St Johnsbury, VT
September 13:BMDCNV Tracking Test • Gardner, MA
October 17 & 18:BMDCNV Draft Test • Westford, MA
October 18:Fall Fun Day • Westford, MA
Nov 6 - 9Retreat Weekend • Ocean Park, ME
Trophy Donations Requested!BMDCNV has a very full 2015 calendar of events, supporting many conformation and obedience entries, including our regional/concurrent specialty, draft tests, and fun days! Your support of the breed by sponsoring a trophy, ribbons or ring favors is appreciated!General Fund-Suggest $20-payable to BMDCNV Send to: Donna Bennett 16 Mile Creek Rd, Old Lyme CT 06371FMI on Sponsoring a Placement Trophy @ Concurrent Specialty
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VOLUNTEER CHAIR Our Club seeks a highly organized, boots on the ground member who will assist in recruiting members for specific tasks at our functions. Volunteer Chair works closely with Karlo Laforteza, Martha Phelps and the Board members. This is a great position for someone who would enjoy meeting new members and would be a key person to motivate members toward active participation and involvement in club activities with their Berners. For complete job description or more information, please contact [email protected].
STEWARDS FOR SPRING DRAFT TEST We’re looking for stewards to help us out with this event on May 16 & 17 at Wachusetts Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, MA. No experience necessary - we’ll train you on the spot! Contact Adam Conn, Draft Test Chair - [email protected] or 978.461.1763
TWO STEWARDS FOR REGIONAL SPECIALTYIt’s spring! And that means, the BMDCNV Regional Specialty is just around the corner. The Regional Specialty will be held on May 30 in conjunction with the Ladies Dog Club show in Wrentham, MA. I will be Chief Steward and am looking for two Stewards to join me at the event. Contact Jim Todhunter - [email protected].
RING STEWARD Once again we’re offering a supported entry at the 4-day Vermont Scenic Circuit Dog Show to be held on July 11th in Tunbridge, VT. Please consider volunteering to be Ring Steward. Contact Buffy Bell - [email protected]
Help WantedHelp Wanted
BMDCNV Concurrent Regional Specialty
Saturday, May 30th
Crackerbarrel Fairgrounds, Wrentham, MA
Breed Judge...Sharon SmithSweepstakes Judge...Sue BrightmanJunior Showmanship...Abby Patrizio
Best Puppy, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor, Best Veteran, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Brace, Junior Showmanship, Veterans Parade, Parade of Champions & Title Holders
Hospitality Tent provided by BMDCNV Members
Educational Seminar with Judges in the tent following Saturday’s showComplimentary Beverages and Snacks
Please Sponsor a Trophy - Contact Donna Bennett [email protected] by April 30th
THREE SHOWS IN TWO DAYS !!Weekend Supported Entry - Ladies Dog Club - May 30th & 31st
MB-F Secretary - Entries Close May 13th
BMDCNV Specialty Show Chair: Marge Bumen
SAVE THE DATES...Sat & Sun, May 16th & 17th, 2015
BMDCA Spring Draft Tests - Wachusett Mt Resort
Sat & Sun, Oct 17th & 18th, 2015BMDCNV Fall Fun Day & BMDCA Draft Tests
Westford 4H Fairgrounds
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Tracy CaswellProspect, CT [email protected]
Kelly KeatingPeterborough, NH [email protected]
The OFA clinicon 3/22 at Suffield Veterinary Hospital in CT was very well attended. We had 9 Bernese and 15 other breeds including Bichon, Rottis, Labs, Spaniels, Golden, Great Dane, Poodle and a few others. Many thanks to the staff at the vet office for a very successful day and to Bruce Hallden and Vikki Fallin; Cromwell, CT, for all of their help. — Carol Jensen; Cromwell, CT
• • SAVE THE DATE • •BMDCNV Supported Entry
Saturday, July 11, 20154-Day Vermont Scenic Circuit
Green Mountain Dog ClubTunbridge Fairgrounds • Tunbridge, VT
Judge: Dr. Kenneth A. DoegFMI: http://infodog.com/clubs/2015104801.HTM
FMI and to volunteer for Ring Steward:Buffy Bell - [email protected]
OFA Clinic ~ March 22, 2015
Welcome!Welcome! New Members
I want to thank those in charge of the OFA clinic. I went for the first time and was very pleased with how smooth and painless the process was. I even had time to do a quick paw and nail trim before Moriah woke up! Thanks to Carol and Neal Jensen.
— Buffy Bell; Reading, VT
Celebrate Your Rescue Berner at Spring Fun Day!
We’re celebrating all Berners – no matter where they came from, who have been given another chance and have found a loving home with their forever family.
There will be gifts, treats, celebration cake, and a Parade for Rescue Berners.
You are invited to enter your Berner in the Parade. Email Linda DeCellas: [email protected].
ScheduleSpring Fun Day
Saturday, June 6 • 10am – 3pmMiddlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds • Westford, MA
Celebration of Rescue Dogs and their Families!Pre-register your Rescue Berner for Rescue Parade
FMI: http://www.bmdcnv.org/events.html
9:30 Grounds Crew Set Up. We need your help, please volunteer!
10:00 Registration. Upon arrival, please check in with the volunteers at the registration table and obtain your name tag. We want to meet you! Register for activities and conformation match. Pre-register your Rescue Berner for Rescue Parade.
10:00-11:30 Paws and Ears Trim. Have your Berners Ears and Paws trimmed and learn how to do @ home to perfection. $20 - donation
10:00-11:30 Berner Garde Data Entry. Enter your Berner in Berner Garde or just update your information.
10:00 Raffle Opens. Make your raffle selections early!
10:30 Puppy Play Corral. A Fun Day tradition! Let the little ones run and play with others.
10:00-10:45 Shy or Fearful Dog Discussion. Learn what the Shy or Fearful Dog needs to handle their world.
10:00-10:45 Ins and Outs of Carting Equipment. Explanation of Carting Equipment & the
proper fit for harness & cart hook-up for your Berner.
11:30 AM Rescue Parade - SPECIAL EVENT! All our Berners who have had another chance for a happy life proudly strut their wagging tails in a Parade dedicated to all Rescue Berners and their sprcial owners.
Pre-Register your Rescue Berner - see below. 12:30 Dessert Auction. A Fund Raising Effort with
Great Appeal! Please donate a Dessert to help with our Auction - see below
1:00 Pizza Party & Group Photo. Join us for lunch and a group photo
1:30 Raffle Drawing. Have your raffle tickets ready!
2:00 Looking for a Berner Puppy? Talk to the experts to start your search. Don’t miss this discussion to help you find the right BMD for
you and your family. Get the list of “Dos” & Don’ts” and learn about the red flags.
2:00 Foster Home Discussion. Every Rescue starts with a Foster Home. Are you interested to helping Rescue Berners? with Transportation, or Foster Home? Question and Answer discussion.
2:00-3:00 Conformation Match. Judge: Susan Morrill
You do not need to be a Member of BMDCNV to Come and enjoy Fun Day- Just Love Berners!This is a great time to come hang-out with friends, meet new members and socialize your Berner.
THE DESSERT AUCTIONBring your special recipe of delectable goodies... human and canine varieties... all are welcome! Let us know what you’re planning on donating. Please contact Diane VanPelt at:[email protected]
Join in the fun... everyone’s favorite fundraising event at
Spring Fun Day!
PRE-REGISTER YOUR RESCUE BERNER for the Parade!
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All Rescue Berner Families are encouraged to come to Fun Day.
Free Attendance. At 10am there will be an educational/training program for The Shy and Fearful Dog, conducted by Mimi Englander and Dawn Flaherty.
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The year 2014 - 2015 was another busy one for rescue. Here’s a summary of our rescue activities for the past year: BERNER Inc Hotline Calls
Each month brought many calls to our Ring Central Hotline. Calls came with the usual rescue requests: rehoming of Berners from private owners; transfer of Berners from shelters; rehoming referrals from other rescues; and rehoming referrals from veterinary clinics. There were calls from Berner owners asking for information on Berner activities and events; calls for advice on medical and training issues; calls asking for breeder referrals; and calls from people wanting to donate cash or items to Berner, Inc. Online Presence and Resources
Social media continues to grow as a resource for education and information from Berner, Inc. Through our educational efforts on social media, we are informing people who need to give up their Berners of the rescue option—and also of the unintended harm they may be exposing their dogs to on craigslist.
Last year we began restructuring our Facebook page with the expert assistance of BMDCNV member Karlo LaForteza. Our Facebook management is now in the capable hands of BMDCNV member Ellie Kittler. We encourage all BMDCNV members to visit and post to our Facebook page.
BMDCNV-Berner, Inc. website continues to be our main source for finding new homes for our rescues. We’ve been able to place all of our rescue Berners directly from the our on-line adoption applications on the website. This has always been a reliable and successful method for re-homing our Berners. With the addition of Facebook, we will be able to reach more potential adopters if we need them.
Several Club members forwarded listings for the personal sale of Berners on Craigslist to us this year. If the listing is active, I reply with an offer to help the lister rehome the Berner. However, most listers want to sell their dogs, and Berner, Inc. does not buy dogs from craigslist. Too many dogs from Craigslist usually end up in unsuitable homes. And many of them eventually end up in rescue. Surrenders
In 2014, all of our rescues were single dogs. Nine dogs spent time in our foster program. The other 3 were evaluated by Berner Inc. and then went directly from their previous homes to their adoptive homes. Currently, 3 of our fosters are still in foster homes. Our 4th foster died from a neurological disorder that had been untreated by the surrendering owner.
As in previous years, some of our rescue dogs were purchased from pet stores supplied by puppy mills. Some Berners had been sold as puppies by bad breeders and puppy brokers on-line, a practice that shows no signs of declining. We continue to take dogs into rescue from owners who cannot afford to keep their Berners. We continue to rescue dogs from seniors who can no longer handle or afford their Berners. A common thread among our rescues was treatable health issues that had not been resolved by the surrendering owners. Adoptions and Adopters
In 2014 the Berners in our rescue program ranged in age from young (8 months) to veteran (8 years). Likewise, our adopters
Rescue NotebookRescue NotebookBerner, Inc. Year in Review–2014by Linda DeCelles, Berner Inc. Rescue Chair
WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE
ranged from young adults to seniors.
The number of applications for adoption far outnumbered the Berners available for adoption. A trend in applications last year was requests from potential adopters for companions for their own dogs. Many of these dogs were Berners, but there was a large number of other breeds, from Shih tzus to Newfoundlands. Several of our rescues were adopted to homes with one or more resident dogs. Due to the large number of requests for Berners who can live with other dogs, our one-dog-only rescues have been harder to place and have spent extended times in foster homes.
It has also been challenging to place our veteran rescues in new homes. Fortunately, the fosters for some of our oldest Berners became failed fosters and adopted them. Financials
We remained in the black for 2014. All but two of the Berners who came into rescue required veterinary expenditures. Some required only 1 visit for a wellness check, while others needed multiple visits and medications to treat a series of ailments such as chronic ear infections and heartworm. We spent approximately $5100.00 from March 2014 to January 2015 for veterinary expenses. This figure is lower than our costs for 2013-14 because in that year “the Vermont 5” required extensive care as well as spaying.
So far in 2015 we have not had some of the major medical expenses we’ve had in previous years. We’re fortunate that most of the veterinarians and others we work with give us discounts. However, at any time Berner, Inc. could be faced with major medical expenses for our rescues. We’re dedicated to caring for every Berner we can rescue, so we rely on donations to help keep our balances up for when the need arises. Berner, Inc. is deeply grateful to all of our donors; without you we would not be able to care for the deserving Berners we rescue. Foster Program
Our foster homes did a lot of work this year. Without them, we could not rescue all of the Berners who need rehoming. Here’s a standing ovation for our 2014 foster homes: Judy and Mick Beck; Fran and Phil LaFlamme; Linda Botti; Lisa Rattenni; John Lee and Susan Silvia; Ellie Kittler; Allison Bailey; Gib Otten and Linda DeCelles.
In 2014 our foster homes cared for Berners with serious medical issues, including heartworm, DLS, and Wobblers Syndrome. Many of our foster dogs needed repeat visits to the vet for problems such as chronic ear infections, allergies and obesity. Many of our foster homes worked with behavior problems, including shyness, phobias, and on-leash aggression. Foster Berners remained in their foster homes for several weeks to several months.
We’re fortunate to have on hand new foster families who have not yet fostered a Berner. We expect that will change in 2015. We are always ready to welcome new foster homes to Berner, Inc.
If you’re interested in helping out with fostering a rescue berner, check us out on BMDCNV/Berner, Inc. website... www.bernerinc.org and fill out and return the adoption/foster application (same for fosters and adopters) or email the Rescue Chair directly at: ldecelles@ verizon.net.
Bailey3 years • Leominster MA
Lily18 months • Natick MA
Daisy8.5 years • Salem CT
Gunther4.5 years • N. Reading
Lizzy 7.5 years • Wakefield RI
Marley3 years • Jamestown RI
Moose8 months • Milford MA
Murray 8 years • Bolton MA
Nanuk3 years • Brunswick ME
Tilly18 months • Monroe CT
Tony4.5 years • Lenox MA
Yukon4.5 years • York ME
2014YEARBOOK
WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE
BERNER INC. ~ April 2014 - April 2015
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SURRENDERS12 - Surrenders3 - Dogs in Foster8 - Dogs Adopted1 - Dogs Euthanized5 - Males (1) intact7 - Females (1) intact
BREEDER7 - Known5 - Unknown
SURRENDER SOURCE9 - Individual Owners3 - Animal Control
SURRENDER STATE1 - Connecticut1 - Maine2 - Massachuetts2 - New Hampshire5 - Rhode Island1 - Vermont
SURRENDER REASON1 - Impound2 - Personal Circumstances3 - Economic Hardship1 - Owner I l lness3 - Behavior1 - Moving
FINANCIALS$0000.* - Individual & Corporate Donations *not available at time of printing$550. - igive donations$5100. - Expenses
ADOPTIVE HOMES 3 - Connecticut1 - Maine3 - Massachuetts0 - New Hampshire1 - Rhode Island0 - Vermont
STATE COORDINATORS1 - Connecticut0 - Maine*3 - Massachuetts0 - New Hampshire*1 - Rhode Island1 - Vermont* to be determined
board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BERNER INCPresident & Director - Alise BurbridgeTreasurer & Director – Tom McKinneyClerk & Director – Anya Wittenborg
Director – Dawn FlahertyDirector – Linda DeCellesDirector – Beth Atkinson
The Vermont 5: A Year Later
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ELLIE: “Be A Dog” by Jeff Zapatka When we first heard about ‘Lucy’, Ellie’s rescue
name, we didn’t know quite what to expect – especially knowing the situation from which she was rescued. When my wife, Julie, relayed the story to me, I agreed that it sounded like we could help. So, we headed up to Massachusetts.
We arrived at the home of Berner Inc. rescue chairs Linda DeCelles and Gib Otten. We went into the backyard and saw this little, underweight Berner with a patch of hair missing from around one of her eyes where she had recently had surgery. She was noticeably scared and wouldn’t move from the spot on which she was standing. Eventually she allowed us to pet her, but she would not move. Gib gently picked her up and brought her to our car. It wasn’t going to be an easy transition, but to start we thought it’d be best for her to have a new name, and so Ellie was born.
We began our journey home where Ellie would meet our 7-month old Berner, Wrigley. In the car Ellie looked nervous but she would lie down on the back seat every so often. We had brought some delicious dog treats but she wouldn’t take one. We later found out that she was not food motivated in the least and her fear overrides everything -- something we’d have to work on, for sure.
We arrived home and did our best to walk Ellie to our backyard to have her meet Wrigley. Ellie was a bit shy, but our Wrigley is like the welcome wagon which, especially in this situation, could be a little much. The two greeted one another and Wrigley got a little too ‘personal’ so Ellie let out a little growl, warning Wrigley. We were a little concerned, but it ended up being the only time, to this day, where she has growled at him. It was just a little too much, too fast for her and she let him know it.
Now, with the greetings out of the way, we had to get her in the house. She has a little problem with doorways that has been slowly improving. Initially, I had to carry her in, which progressed to my leaving the back door open and, after a few dry runs where she’d get to the steps, whine and run away; eventually she’d run full speed through the doorway. It used to take 10 minutes at times which, in the dead of winter, can be rough on the heating bill. Now, I can just open the door and ask her to come in and she will. It’s still at a rapid pace but I think that will change, too.
It has been great to watch the progress of our little girl. Many times we found ourselves, early on, debating whether or not to bring Ellie somewhere, wondering if she would be able to handle it, and every time she would surprise us with how well she adapts to
situations. She’s made great strides on walking with a leash. She initially would walk for a few feet and then stop, and Ellie is like a boat anchor when she stops – she really means it! Luckily, with the help of her new pal, Wrigley, she has learned to leash walk really well. If she does stop, she’ll respond well if I do a quick double pat on my leg and offer a little encouragement. She also liked to be in the middle of the pack – with Wrigley on one side of her and Julie or myself on the other side. That has even lessened to where she’ll happily walk out in the open. One of the funniest things Ellie has learned is when we attach the leash to her collar that means we’re going somewhere. She gets
so excited that she’ll grab the leash in her mouth and run around with it. She’s also grabbed Wrigley’s leash, which was attached to Wrigley, and pulled him to go. She also lets out these adorable noises due to her excitement. It’s really cute!
Ellie has also become quite a fan of the local dog park. Her confidence level has consistently increased with each visit. It has become noticeable in the way she carries her tail, which has gotten higher and higher. She has also increased her independence by exploring the park with Wrigley, far away from us, ultimately trotting back with a huge smile on her face and a wagging tail. The last time we were there, she had actually played with another doggie regular there – Sasha, Wirehaired Griffon. That is something she had only done previously with Wrigley and never at the dog park.
We love Ellie and she shows us that she loves us, too. When we’re sitting on the couch with her, she’ll often ‘claim’ one of us for her own. She’ll climb halfway onto a lap where she’ll get some petting. If you stop, however, she’ll be sure to let you know that she’d like some more with a little bump of her nose on your hand. She is willing to accept petting for as long as a person is willing to do it – she loves it! She has also become much more comfortable relaxing on the floor of our living room. She was very cautious when she slept on the floor. She would sleep in a position that was very upright and it looked to me that she wanted to make sure she was able to move at a moment’s notice. Now, she ‘racks out’ as I call it. She is totally on her side with her paws stretched out. Just the other day, I walked up to her while she was in that state and she stayed right there – she didn’t move a muscle.
I really believe that she will, some day, be mentally rid of her past and just ‘be a dog’ as my wife and I put it. I look forward to that day and I think it’s not too far off in the future. I love our little Ellie and I am so happy that we were blessed with the opportunity to become her guardians.
You’ll recall in December 2013, BERNER Inc. took in five Bernergirls from a neglectful breeder in Vermont. The Berner girls
had been stashed away with many other dogs in an unheated, filthy house with little food and no water. When they were impounded by Animal Control, the Berner girls, who ranged in age from 2 to 7 years, were malnourished, underweight, dirty and fearful. With the support of local rescue volunteers, we were able to get the dogs assessed, treated, fostered and adopted. Just over a year later, each of the Berner girls is living and thriving in loving homes.
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chairpeoplechairpeoplethethe BMDCNVThese dedicated chairpeople provide essential services to you, our membership. Please feel free to contact them with your questions, concerns, suggestions, requests for help or offers of help. Our mission is to provide the best for Berners and their families.
Berner Blatt EditorLinda [email protected]
Breeder Referral ProgramMegan [email protected]
MembershipKarlo Laforteza38 Thompson StMilford, CT [email protected]
E-List Help DeskJeff [email protected]
Members List ModeratorSharon [email protected]
Public EducationMartha Phelps, Diane Smith& Karen [email protected]
Puppy ReferralLaurel [email protected]
Regional Club Rep (RCR)Karen [email protected]
RescueLinda DeCellesGib Otten1-877-4BMDCNV (toll free)[email protected]
Training ResourcesPaul [email protected]
Trophy [email protected]
Volunteer CoordinatorMartha [email protected] & MeansJudy Hartman- Web Page RetailLynne Bailey- Blatt Custom [email protected] Web MasterMimi [email protected]
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Vermont 5...continued from page 8
GABBY by Jennifer BordiereThank you for letting us tell Gabby’s story. She is such a wonderful
little girl and deserves the world!! For the first time in 14 years we were without a Berner. We had
to let go of our last girl in June 2013; she was the last of the “gang of four”. The gang, as we referred to them, was made up of: one a pup from our breeder, two adult rescues and a fourth adult male who was re-homed with us. It was odd not to have a Berner in the house, but we kept saying “the pup that needs us will find us”, and she did.
Gabby (who did not know she had a name), aka “Gabby-Girl” “Gabby-Doo” and “My Little Girl”, found us on December 18, 2013. She was different than any other Berner we had taken in. She was very sick, she was very scared and fragile and sadly, she was very “invisible”. She was and is however a very gentle soul; which is miraculous given her beginnings.
We spent most of the first year teaching her to be a family member and working with her to instill feelings of security and self-worth. Gabby makes strides and then she regresses and we work all over again to reassure her. She is quirky and has her oddities (eats in one room and drinks water in another) – but she is learning to trust and
finds comfort in her routine. She learns things in months and years, versus other dogs that can learn in days and weeks.
Her tail wags a lot more, she has a visible smile at times, and she has a hop in her walk when she lets herself get excited. She seeks affection and loves a good cuddle. We say she is the quirkiest Berner we’ve ever
had, but she is also the most precious little girl we’ve ever had. We find it disheartening that such a wonderful creature has to be
taught her own self-worth, but on the other hand we feel that is why she came to us. We are over the anger of what her circumstances were and where Gabby came from; it does not serve her in any way. We work everyday to replace her fears with kindness, love and security.
GRETA By Dave Gingras
I remember driving up to Vermont to pick up the “Vermont Five” and seeing how scared they all were to be outside, and how timid they
were to be around new people. One of the first few days after we brought Greta home, we turned
on the ceiling fan and before we knew it Greta was trying to cram her Berner body between the TV stand and the grandfather clock. She had never seen a ceiling fan and was terrified. Despite this, it only took a few days for her to begin learning what it meant to a real dog. Before long she was fitting right in as another member of
our furry, fuzzy family. She has emerged from her shell as a goofy, fun loving, lazy, lovable, and just happy dog.
Last summer she accidently followed our black lab Maudie by jumping off the dock and into Lake Champlain. She was initially quite surprised, much like when she first saw the ceiling fan, but
later that day we were able to convince her to get into the kayak for a ride (she’ll do anything for a dog treat). Although she can be shy to try new things, she trusts us and quickly conquers her fears. And once they are conquered, watch out! She can be fearless and full of playful energy.
Greta loves going for hikes, frolicking in the snow, and playing with her black lab sister and lab-border collie mix brother. She is growing to love the dog park and training classes, despite being more interested in people than the dogs. She loves traveling and has gone all over New England meeting new friends. We recently learned that Greta has food allergies. This came about after ongoing ear infections that just wouldn’t go away. So she now eats a limited ingredient salmon-based food and gets treats that are made with kale and peas. (She’s not the only pescatarian in the house.) It’s been great watching her grow as a member of our family, but also as a dog. It’s been quite an amazing transformation and we couldn’t have asked for a better Berner.
SIENNA By Daryl BichelSienna lives at Taylor House Bed and Breakfast in Boston with
Dave, Daryl, Jose and Andrei. She has overcome separation anxiety and become very comfortable in her new home. She is small, weighing around 50 pounds, but sure has big feet! She is especially attached to Daryl, and likes to be with him whenever possible. Last fall they enrolled in an agility class and Sienna had fun learning to navigate the course (and eating all the treats).
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In 2008, the BMDCNV membership established a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to address the needs of the ever-increasing number of Berners being relinquished by their owners and to educate the public in the responsible care of this
wonderful breed. The work of BERNER, Inc. is supported by the generous
donations of people like YOU! Please consider honoring the achievements or the life of your dog (or of a friend or family member) with a tax-deductible
donation either by Paypal on the web site, or by mail to:
BERNER, Inc. P.O. Box 1221 Arlington, MA 02474
BERNER INC NEEDS YOU...to Get Donations from retailers you shop with on-line! When you register with igive.com and designate Berner, Inc as the cause you’d like to support, ALL your on-line purchases will automatically generate a donation from the retailer to Berner, Inc.... at NO cost to you!
It’s quick... It’s easy... and FREE!Learn more at http://igive.com//Q6w2UJmt
iGive.com®
Change online shopping for good.
$952earned to date!
Over the years five marvelous golden retrievers have graced our lives and entertained our guests. Our first venture into Bernerdom has been quite a success though, thanks to Sienna and Berner, Inc. She is gentle, affectionate, beautiful and simply adorable. She has a unique way of sitting on her hind haunches with her paws up, an indication she would like to be petted. She is intelligent and obedient too, having learned many commands in very short order after her adoption.
Sienna is also energetic, playful, humorous and quite photogenic. We fling her into snow banks and sometimes even bury her in snow, and she bounds out to chase us. We dress her in funny hats and glasses, as well as t-shirts and kitchen aprons, all of which she will happily wear as long as we like. We frequently send photos of her
Vermont 5...continued from page 9with catchy captions to friends. She is certainly a joyful presence in our lives.
SUMMER by Karen Peck & Dave Andruszkiewicz
Sweet Summer Girl, yes that’s exactly what we call her, because that’s exactly what she is. She is such a blessing and has brought such happiness to our home, and has become her little Berner brother, Chance’s, best friend. The two of them are quite comical together, she being such a peanut, and Chance Man, a big teddy bear. These two have become such good companions, we cannot be happier for them.
We’re so grateful that we rescued her. From the moment we saw her, we knew she had found her forever home with us. Today, you would never know she was abandoned and neglected. Summer is so loving and loves to cuddle, and we Iove to cuddle with her, too.
— Editor’s Note - Many, many thanks to all of you who submitted updates on their rescue Berners for this very special rescue issue. Due to the number of wonderful, touching stories, we did not have space to print them all in this issue. We will plan and look forward to printing those that did not appear in this issue, in a special “rescue update” section of our upcoming May issue. I know all our readers will look forward to enjoying them!
Don’t just take your Berner for a walk... Take your walk for a Berner!Berner Inc has recently been listed a beneficiary for donations from
WoofTrax Walk for a Dog! You can support Berner Inc Education and Rescue by simply walking your dog! Here is how it works:
• Download the app from (http://www.wooftrax.com/get-the-app/) on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
• Go to the SetUp tab and enter your name, email address, name of dogs (you can upload dog’s picture), and select MA as the state, and “Berner Inc Bernese Education and Rescue Northeast Region” as the shelter/rescue you are walking for.
• Take the phone with you when you walk your dog(s), Open
the app and press “Start Walking For Berner Inc Bernese Education and Rescue Northeast Region”.
The app automatically starts mapping your walk, speed; distance traveled, and maintains a history along with the name(s) of the dog(s) you are walking with. When your walk is stopped it is credited to Berner Inc. The more people walking, the more WoofTrax can donate to Berner Inc. If you hit the “About” tab, the app provides a personal history for number of times and miles you have walked as well as the total number of people and miles walked for Berner Inc.
WoofTrax will send donations to Berner Inc about twice per year and notify you by email when donations are made.
Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...
Happy Birthday! Dear Robbie-Bobbins, Hey, you’re eight - and even
more great! xxx,ooo, — Susan & Jim Todhunter; Wayland, MA
StoliWoof, woof...
it’s my 3rd Birthday!Windbeams Majestic Mountain Fire
Love our big boy!— Vicki Fallin and Bruce Hallden;
Cromwell, CT
Happy Birthday, Chloe!Myotie’s Watching and Waiting • 04.15.09
— Neal and Carol Jensen; Cromwell, CTWindbeam Bernese Mountain Dogs
Happy Birthday, Shanti -10 years old!AM/CAN CH Mad Maple Sugar’s Shanti Bear
04.22.15Photo: Best Veteran in Sweeps at the Working Dog Show 2015
— Celeste O’Malley; West Brattleboro, VT
Happy 6th Birthday to Marco
Windbeam’s Thundercloud
andWillow Windbeam’s Northern Light
04.06.12— Neal and Carol Jensen;
Cromwell, CTWindbeam Bernese
Mountain Dogs
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BMDCNV38 Thompson St.Milford, CT 06460-63231
Contact [email protected] receive an electronic color issue of the Berner-Blatt
BMDCNV
BERNER Inc.
Spring Draft Test
For only the second time in Nashoba Valley’s history, the club will host a Spring draft test!This is a great opportunity for those new to draft to come out and see Bernese Mountain Dogs (and their friends!) recreate a bit of the historical function for the breed.
May 16 & 17Wachusetts Mountain Ski Area
Princeton, MA
If you are interested in helping out, please contact Adam Conn, Draft Test Chair, at [email protected] or 978-461-1763
SHARKALANCHE Predicted!
EXHIBITORSdraft test premium is available at http://bmdca.org/Draft/pl
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe’re looking for stewards –
no experience necessary; we’ll train you on the spot!
Sign Up Your Rescue Dog for Events at Spring
Fun Day!page 5