TheThe

Berner BlattBerner Blatt

the newsletter of the

Bernese Mountain Dog Clubof Nashoba Valley

the club for new england berners & their families

June/July 2016

AnnualB.E.R.N.E.R.

Inc Issuepages 6-9

Calendar of Events .............................22018 National News ..........................3Tracking Test ......................................4Regional Specialty Results ................5

B.E.R.N.E.R. Inc ............................. 6-9Photo Contest Results,Birthdays & Brags ............................10Retreat & Summer Picnic ...............11

Congratulations to cover models, Chloe & Haley the winners of the 4th of July Photo Contest! Loved, owned and photo by Joanne Brown; Greenfield, MA.

inside this issue...inside this issue...

Help WantedHelp Wanted

board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BMDCNVDirectors:

PresidentMarge Bumenpresident@bmdcnv.org

Vice PresidentPatricia Buickeroodvicepresident@bmdcnv.org

SecretaryCarol Jensensecretary@bmdcnv.org

TreasurerBruce Halldentreasurer@bmdcnv.org

Karlo Laforteza • director_Laforteza@bmdcnv.org

Sue Mahan • director_mahan@bmdcnv.org

Steve Diers • director_diers@bmdcnv.org

Jean Michael • director_michael@bmdcnv.org

Anya Wittenborg • director_wittenborg@bmdcnv.org

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ATTENTION CRAFTERS & ARTISANS! We are inviting you to share your special talents by creating unique handmade items for our Craft and Artisan Table at the BMDCNV Holiday Party on December 11, 2016 at the Host Hotel in Sturbridge. Proceeds from your artwork/items will support BMDCNV. To donate items or get more information, please contact: Nancy and Linda Bates at lindmariebates@comcast.net

HOSPITALITY DONATIONS NEEDED We will have a hospitality tent for our new Supported Entry at the Cape Cod Cluster show on Saturday, September 17th. IF you are interested in bringing items such as food, drinks or volunteering at the tent, please contact Susan Morrill at dr.suelittlebmd@verizon.net

FMI: www.bmdcnv.org/events.html

Calendar of EventsBMDCNV

~ 2016 ~July 30: Vermont Summer Picnic

St. Johnsbury, VT

Sept 17: BMDCNV Supported EntryFalmouth, MA

Sept 18: Picnic and Seaside Stroll Groton, CT

October 15 & 16: Fall Draft TestWestford, MA

Oct. 16: Fall Fun DayWestford, MA

Nov. 10: Retreat Weekend Ocean Park, ME

Dec. 11: BMDCNV Holiday PartySturbridge, MA

New Members

Showcase

Krista Florio; Peabody, MAKrista.florio@gmail.comHow many dogs = 1 Bernese; Cody, 3 months old.My dog loves = taking car rides

Our dog has become such a big part of our family already. He has such a great disposition and loves all people and things. In our spare time, we take him everywhere with us. He loves the car and he also loves lying in my arms while I drive (which probably isn't the safest!) Cody is the best thing that ever happened to us and brings so much joy into our lives even if he does chew up my boyfriend's work boots which are bigger than him --but of course, not for long!

Welcome!Welcome! New Members

Madeline & Taylor O’ConnellSudbury, MA 01776

William & Sharon BridgeAshaway, RI 02804

Krista FlorioPeabody, MA 01960

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 EditorCarolyn Masseybernerblatt@bmdcnv.org

Breeder Referral ProgramMegan McTavishnorarose2@sbcglobal.net

Health Liaison Chair: Karen Foxhealth@bmdcnv.org

MembershipKarlo Lafortezamemberchair@bmdcnv.org E-List Help DeskJeff Nowakelisthelp@bmdcnv.org Members List ModeratorSharon Bradymoderator@bmdcnv.org

Public EducationMartha Phelpsand Diane Smitheducation@bmdcnv.org

Puppy ReferralLaurel Woodpuppychair@bmdcnv.org

Regional Club Rep (RCC)Karen Foxrcc@bmdcnv.org

RescueLinda DeCelles1-877-4BMDCNV (toll free)rescue@bernerinc.org

Social Media Chair: Facebook & Twitter -Karlo Lafortezasocial@bmdcnv.orgInstagram -Nadine Thomas

Training ResourcesPaul Emerson508-243-3922training@bmdcnv.org

Trophy ChairDonna Bennetttrophychair@bmdcnv.org

Volunteer CoordinatorMartha Phelps802-368-7656volunteers@bmdcnv.orgWays & MeansJudy Hartman- Web Page RetailLynne Bailey- Blatt Custom Ordersshop@bmdcnv.org Web MasterMimi Englanderweb@bmdcnv.org

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National Specialty Updateby Craig Healy, Assistant Show Chair - Chealy9135@gmail.com

2018 BMDCA National News

Since our last meeting on April 24th in Sturbridge a great deal has transpired behind the scenes to continue to prepare for the 2018 National Specialty. Many of our club members were able to travel to the 2016 National Specialty in Frankenmuth MI this year and reported back with some great information to help us with scheduling and planning considerations—Thank you! One thing that was clearly evident is that the popularity in Drafting continues to grow and as a result we are pleased to inform you that we will be proposing four draft tests for the 2018 National Specialty! We currently have two draft chairs for 2018 so we will be seeking two additional chairs to help us in offering these four tests! Please let us know if you are interested.

We have had a number of new volunteers step forward to chair events for 2018 over the past month and we greatly appreciate each and every one of you that have joined the team! We still have several great opportunities available for anyone else interested in volunteering, the open positions include:

If you would like learn more about any of these positions, please feel free to reach out to me or Jim Todhunter at Nationalchair@bmdcnv.org

I’d like to take a moment to dispel a rumor that began after the annual meeting with regards to the Westville Lake Dam site which we are proposing to utilize for our Draft test site and Agility in 2018. Some folks had heard that the location would not yet be open at the end of April which is when the National Specialty is scheduled for in 2018. This is both true and false. The facility will not be open to the public in April but from our discussions with the Army corps of Engineers who operates the site it has been determined that the site could be available to us in April, but we would need to bring Port -a- Pottys on site as their water would not yet be in operation. I hope this will put any fears to rest as I know everyone truly loved this remarkable location!

• Agility Chair • Announcer • Catalog Sales • Draft Test Chairs (multiple openings)• Draft Workshop • Fundraising Chair • Herding Secretary • Junior Showmanship Chair

• Planning Book Production Manager • Premium List • Registration Chair • Rescue Photo Presentation• Transportation Chair • Trophy Chair • Website Content Chair • Website Mail Contact

• • SAVE THE DATE • •

BMDCNV Supported Entry Saturday, September 17, 2016

Cape Cod ClusterCape Cod Fairgrounds

1220 Nathan S. Ellis Hwy, Falmouth, MA

Closing date: Wednesday, August 31, 2016Judge: Mrs. Sandra Walker

Annie Schneider Davis and I would like to thank the Tracking Club of Vermont & Smokey House Center for putting on a lovely day of tracking tests. In addition, we want to thank our outstanding judges Mie Kingsley, Mike Clemens and Dorie Viguers. Both Brigitte & Greta obtained their AKC Tracking Dog (TD) titles! I have to say I think I had the MOST beautiful tracking backdrop! LOVERMONT!

Tracking is a basic form of search and rescue utilizing the instinctive canine scenting ability. Tracking usually takes place in fields and woods, and Bernese Mountain Dogs enthusiastically take to this sport.

BMDCNV at AKC Tracking Tests in Vermontby Heidi Henderson; Killington, VT

Share photos & videos of your Berners! Join the Facebook group at

fb.com/groups/BMDCNVMembers

https://www.instagram.com/bmdcnv

Congrats Ollie!

Bernese love having a job to do, and Tracking is one of the most natural! The challenge is to teach the dogs to follow a specific scent trail, one of our choosing instead of theirs. And, as an added bonus, partners at both ends of the leash will benefit from all of the exercise involved. Tracking is a good sport for dogs of all ages, including puppies and veterans. Dysplastic and otherwise compromised dogs can track as long as they don’t limp and it is not too much for their physical condition.

For more information about how to get involved in tracking or earn your tracking title visit: http://www.bmdca.org/breed_education/pdf/06_bernese_activities_tracking.pdf

Instagram Photo of the Month

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Regional Specialty Results

Ladies’ Dog Club, Inc.Wrentham, MA • Saturday, June 4, 2016

Judge: Mr. E. A. (Skip) Thielen Editors Note: pictures also

include Supported Entries on

June 4th & 5th.

Ladies Dog Club, Inc. Editor’s Note: pictures also include winners from Supported Entries on June 4th & June 5thchange date to Saturday, June 4, 2016)Judge: Mr. E. A. (Skip) Thielen

Best of BreedGCH BELNOIS ROMEO RUBA CUORIOwner: Pamela Eldredge & Veronique Matte-PaquetBreeder: Veronique Matte-Paquet & Pier Anne Lavoie

Best of Opposite Sex/ Best of Breed Owner- HandlerCH LEDGEWOOD’S STELLAR EVENTOwner & Breeder: Abby Patrizio & Kim Behrens

Select Dog/Best VeteranCH SEAWIND FARM’S FEELING LUCKYOwner: Alise Burbridge & Lorraine Salter

Breeder: Alise Burbridge

Select BitchCH HICKORY'S WHERE FOR ART THOU MY LOVE V LEFLEOwner: Rachel Meyers & Daniel Meyers & Jolie DiamondBreeder: Amy Tucker & Jolie Diamond

Award of MeritCURSALLAGH'S NEVER SAY NEVER IIOwner: Judith Bache & David SchantzBreeder: Patrik Pavlovic

Award of MeritCH STEADFAST BRIGHT JUPITEROwner & Breeder: Dorri Poppe

Winners DogASGAARD'S WELCOME TO THE NEW AGEOwner & Breeder: Martha McCormick

Winners Bitch/Best of WinnersINDIAN HILLS DUCHESS OF THE HOUSE V FULL MOONOwner: Diane DeyetteBreeder: Renee Tiano

Reserve Winners DogTWINHEARTS GET YOUR GAME FACE ONOwner: Lynn Meyers & Danielle Meyers & Rachel MeyersBreeder: Danielle Meyers & Rachel Meyers & Joelle Diamond

Reserve Winners BitchSKYLYN'S TANGOS WITH VALKYRIEOwner: Jody A Hansen & Amanda Jankowski & Christine McLeanBreeder: Christine McLean

Best Bred By ExhibitorURSLI FIRN CGCOwner & Breeder: Paul J Emerson & Mary J Durham

Best 4 & Under 6 Months PuppySMOKEY KEEP KING MOONRACER’S TREASUREOwner: Carolyn Massey & Christina GarrettBreeder: Christina Garrett

SWEEPSTAKES RESULTSJudge: Mr. William Matlock

Best in SweepsSUPER MINI MACCIE VOM RUMMELSBACHOwner: Susan K. MorrillBreeder: Jurgen Mogge

Best of Opposite Sex SweepsAYEHLIS BUCKLEY V MARBENSOwner: Fara Bushnell & Tiggie GerliBreeder: Fara Bushnell

Best of Veterans SweepsCH SEAWIND FARM’S FEELING LUCKYOwner: Alise Burbridge & Lorraine SalterBreeder: Alise Burbridge

Best of Opposite Sex Veterans SweepsFCF SNOW PAW PASS’S KARMAOwner: Heidi HendersonBreeder: Amy Crane

Best Puppy SweepstakesASGAARD’S WELCOME TO THE NEW AGEOwner: Martha McCormickBreeder: Martha McCormick

66

The year 2014 - 2015 was another busy one for rescue. Here’s a summary of our rescue activities for the past year: Trends: Behavior issues continue to be common in the dogs surrendered, whether it’s the stated reason for surrender or not. Most of the surrenders had had little or no formal training. All of last year’s surrenders were under-socialized. The older dogs showed varying degrees of shyness and stranger fear. The younger dogs had few boundaries when meeting with strangers, and jumping/mouthing was an issue. All of the surrenders were purchased from puppy mills, puppy brokers or backyard breeders. This continues to be a nationwide problem for our breed.

Foster Program As usual, our fosters did stellar work in preparing the rescues for new homes. The shortest stay in foster was 10 days, the longest stay was 4 months. The fosters worked on a range of behaviors, including socializing the dogs with strangers and visitors, separation anxiety, preventing counter-surfing, and mouthing and nipping. We added 3 new foster homes. Currently, we have 5 foster homes. Several BMDCNV members are on stand-by to foster in needed. Still, we’re always recruiting new foster homes. We’ll always need back-up fosters if our “go to” fosters are unavailable, or if we get an influx of rescues at one time. We always need experienced fosters for dogs with serious behavior issues.

Education and Outreach Ring Central Call-line and Email: These are our main outlets for intake of rescue Berners. We also use these outlets to counsel and educate people who call in with the intent of surrendering their Berners. Last year I talked with and advised 4 owners who didn’t want to rehome their dogs but were overwhelmed and felt they had no alternatives. All of the callers had fallen for the popular “gentle giant” image and weren’t prepared to handle the normal behaviors of rowdy young Berners. They were referred to young adult training classes and in-home trainers. I sent them training tip sheets and references to training guides. All of the owners followed up with positive progress reports.

We also advise people on issues concerning their Berners, mainly health and behavior issues. Facebook and Social Media: We continue to discuss ways to use our Facebook pages to educate the public about acquiring a Berner and the lifetime needs of Berners. We now have access to a BMDCNV Instagram account.

Financial All of our rescues in the past year needed some kind of veterinary care. Fortunately, there were no major financial hits, as we had with the Vermont Five. We still had to cover bills for microchips, treatment for ear infections, etc. One dog had to

Rescue NotebookRescue NotebookBerner, Inc. Year in Review–2015by Linda DeCelles, Berner Inc. Rescue Chair

WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE

be neutered. We try to keep expenses down by asking for discounts from veterinarians, and we’re fortunate to have vets who give us standing discounts. But we still rely on donations and fundraising to make sure we stay in the black. We continue to look for and accept suggestions for fundraising. iGive is a constant source of income for us. But we need more people to join up and name Berner, Inc. as their charity. Rescue Notebook in BernerBlatt tells you how to sign up for iGive.

By Lisa Marazoff; Westmoreland, NH

Bruin is our second rescue. Our first girl, Panda (AKA Hazel), was only with us about 16 months, and during that time she endured a second knee surgery (she came to us recuperating from the first), a severe bout of Lyme disease, and then we lost her to cancer the following year. She was a wonderful girl that we cherished our time with. A few months after losing her, we received a call from Anya Wittenborg that Berner, Inc. had a very special case. A pregnant Berner had been given up to rescue, and would we be interested in one of the puppies? We received the call at the end of November, and in December, Bailey the rescue Berner had 10 pups; 9 survived. We were ever so lucky to bring home Bruin (AKA Poe) in February 2012 from his foster Mom Alise Burbridge, and he has been the king of the homestead ever since. He has two rescue sisters and a rescue brother (all non-Berners) and has always had 2 or 3 cats to share the home with, and he couldn't possibly be any more accommodating or loving toward them. His favorite time is when our grandson, Rowan, comes to visit. They have grown up together (both will be 5 this year), and have a very special bond. Bruin epitomizes everything a Berner should be. His gentle nature is so surprising to those that meet him for the first time (and aren't familiar with the breed). I know some day he's going to break my heart--he's such a special boy that I cannot imagine my life without him!

Bruin

2015YEARBOOK

WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE

BERNER INC. ~ April 2015 - April 2016

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RESCUE STATISTICS:Fosters: 8

Adopted: 8

Age range: 17 months to

4 years

Neutered males: 4

Intact males: 1

Spayed females: 3

SURRENDER LOCATIONS:

MA: 4

RI: 2

CT: 1

NH: 1

REASONS FOR SURRENDER:

Moving: 2

Can’t afford: 2

Senior Owner Surrender: 2

Behavior issues: 2 (jumping-mouthing strangers; stranger fear)

STATE COORDINATORS:

CT: Nancy Bard

VT: Cathy Estes

RI: Marjorie Cott le

MA: Linda DeCelles & Anya

Wittenborg

NH & ME: Linda DeCelles

Bear4 years • Leicester MA

Charley3 years • Sumner ME

Falco19 mos. • Colchester VT

Scout4 years • Arlington MA

Nala4 years • Brockton MA

Sadie 2 years • Bedford NH

Stella2 years • Ipswich MA

board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BERNER INCPresident & Director - Alise BurbridgeTreasurer & Director – Tom McKinneyClerk & Director – Anya Wittenborg

Director – Dawn FlahertyDirector – Linda DeCellesDirector – Beth Atkinson

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MAVIS by Mari Higgins; Pawlet, VT

It’s been almost eight years since Mavis joined our family. We had two Berners at that time, Josie and Hudson, and weren’t really looking for a third. But we wanted to help BERNER, Inc. by fostering. Well, that foster became an adoption and we’re so very glad it did!

Mavis turned nine in November. She’s slowed down some (and snores a bit when she naps), but she still has more get-up-and-go than most dogs half her age. Really, the key now is to make sure she doesn’t overdo it. She does enjoy pampering even more now, and desires hanging out on the couch for petting as much as her hikes.

Mavis can still be shy in crowds. Though she’s not a fan of all men, she has grown close to her chosen ones. It’s been wonderful to see her blossom with Rob. He’s just her guy, and she loves to be doing anything with him. We have so many great stories about her. It would be hard to imagine life without our Mavis!

FOSTERING CHARLEY by James Buickerood; Pepperell, MA

After our adopted Berner Greta’s sudden death in December, we were Bernerless, and expected to be so for some time. Because we were both anticipating at least a year of a lot of travel for work, we resolved not to adopt a puppy for the foreseeable future, and even taking in a foster Berner might prove problematic. Yet, some weeks later when Linda DeCelles called to ask if we could foster and attempt to rehabilitate a young Berner who rejoiced in the name Harley, we agreed quickly – though, given the description of his issues, we (mostly I) agreed with some trepidation.

Harley was reported to have numerous behavior problems. Nothing on the order of problems we’ve dealt with in the past, especially biting, but worrisome enough. Though always mindful that the focus of our work with Berner, Inc. is the welfare of the Berners, I confess to particularly dreading dealing with one issue Harley was said to have – defecating in the house. We had been through years of that with the rescue boy Hank and I was resolved never to spy (or step in) scat in my home ever again. Other issues reported included (but, huckster-wise, I should say, were not restricted to) aggression towards small children, fear of children, history of counter surfing, urinary incontinence, barking at noises,

trash diving, general fearfulness. All I could think of driving home was the pooping….. Yet the boy clearly needed to get out of the situation he was in, and Pat and I wanted to help.

And we are so glad we did. Despite the fact that the beginning was not all that smooth. It took one and a half hours for Harley to come anywhere near me, consistent with the owners’ claim that he was afraid of men. Indeed, during that visit to the home to rescue him, Harley appeared to be afraid of pretty much everything and everyone except the father of the family, behind whom he cowered much of the long afternoon. Eventually we loaded him in the car (yes, loaded him: it took three of us a good eight minutes to accomplish the feat), set him in the back seat with Pat, and took off for home. It took less than half an hour for Harley (instantly rechristened Charley) to relax to the extent of cuddling with Pat and by the time we reached home he was all but snoring.

We all popped out of the car and – wait for it – Charley came right up to me as I closed the driveway gate, took a couple of brief pets on the noggin and zoomed over to Pat. I was crestfallen. I consider myself an unqualifiedly manly man, and here was this notorious man-fearing chickenheart treating me as if I were human. (My self-image is still rather cloudy.) More importantly, Charley seemed to have made a rapid and substantial change, which was soon proved nearly universal with respect to his catalog of issues. From the time we picked him up until we painfully and regretfully turned him over to his wonderful new family, Diane and Bruce MacEwan, Charley revealed himself to be a remarkably loving, gentle, playful dog. He never once had a household accident, never once attacked the trash that was readily

available, never worked the kitchen counters, almost never barked, never exhibited fear of children or aggression towards anyone, never showed the general fear and skittishness impressed upon us by his owners.

WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE

...continued on page 9

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.

$1317earned to date!

9

Charley...continued from page 8

Family Dog Training, located in Hudson, MA is offering the following benefits to BMDCNV, BMDCA and BMDCC members:Rescue Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by members: (verified through the rescuing organization)• Free tuition in any training classes at Family Dog Training• Free telephone/email behavioral consultation• 50% discount on in-home consultation within service areaOther Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by members• 50% discount on all Family Dog Services including training

Visit us at: http://www.family-dog-training.com

Contact Paul Emerson at bernerfur@charter.net or 508-243-3922

Reminder...

WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE

As Berner rehabilitators, we were clearly surplus to requirements this time around. We had virtually nothing to do but play with him, pet him, nap with him, walk him, and generally just shower affection on him. He more than simply returned the last.

Charley did, however, show some trepidation upon meeting large men (except me, naturally). To address this, we took him for walks near other folks. Living in a rural area, we have bumper crops of large men. And we enlisted the help of terrific, generous Club members who came to our open house weekends to acclimate Charley to big guys. Really, these people, whom I’ll not embarrass by identifying here, did whatever work needed to be done to help Charley with this – his only genuine – issue. We are so grateful to them, and we are sure Charley is too. He took some time to approach the men who visited as we sat and chatted, but in every instance Charley did in a reasonable space of time approach each man for his tribute unsolicited. He is not cured, if that’s the right word, of this affliction, to be sure, but it was clear to us when he was here and is apparently still the case as Diane tells us, that Charley is nowhere near as apprehensive of human males as he was when we took him in. All in all he appears to be as happy a Berner as he was a miserable boy before Berner, Inc. in the shape of Linda DeCelles rescued him.

FALCO, Our Recent Rescue Boy by Jim & Karen Tompkins; Colchester, VT

We got Falco through BERNER, Inc. back in March. He came to us at age one and a half with practically no training, only that which Linda DeCelles was able to give for the short time she was fostering him, after his neuter surgery. After we got him home he became a real challenge in that he wanted to be the number one in our household like he had been with his original owners. Beyond that, we made a lot of mistakes in our misguided training attempts including taking him to a training seminar where the people used methods very foreign to us, which emphasized pack leader control

and restraint.

After extensive email correspondence and phone conversations with Linda and with a local trainer who employed similar methods to hers, we’ve made substantial headway in turning this unruly teenager into a gentleman. He’s actually a real love and now is doing everything he can to please since we figured out that he really needed a lot of positive reinforcement. We have a Golden and a Chocolate Lab and there’s a lot of horseplay that has been going on since we got him, but with the training he’s been getting, that has subsided a great deal to a manageable level.

Though we were very apprehensive in doing so, we took Falco to the recent club Fun Day in Westford, MA, and we were ecstatic on how well behaved he was. He interacted with the other Berners so well, that we couldn’t believe it was the same dog. Since getting back his training is moving along at warp speed and we are now extremely pleased with our boy and his progress. Like I said above, he’s an extremely loving guy who just needed a loving and consistent family life.

Falco & Miley, Falco's lover, best friend and chew toy.

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Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...

Gus is Two! Happy Birthday!

05.14.2014Arundel Belmont’s Treasure

- Pam and Charles Swearingen; Belmont, MA

Betruf Celtic Trinity is Two! You can never be too beautiful, too sweet,

too happy, too friendly, or too loving, but our now two-year- old therapy dog, Trinity, is all of those and so much more. Happy birthday,

baby girl, and to your littermates Clooney, Ciaran, Calla, Riley, and Tonka. You make our

hearts whole again. Love, Nancy and Linda Bates; Dedham, MA

Welcome home Maggie! WE LOVE YOU! Thank you, Megan, for

letting her join our family. - Phil, Loretta, and Remi; Middleton, MA

4th of July Photo Contest

Finalist 1: Rogue & Luna, photo by: Carolyn Massey

Finalist 2: Rogue & Luna, photo by: Carolyn Massey

Finalist 3: Chloe, photo by: Joanne Brown

Finalist 4: Sage, Syndey & Sherman, photo by:

Margot BurwoodFinalist 5: Meikka & Isaak, photo by: Sue Morrill

Finalist 6: Trinity, photo by: Linda Marie Bates

Finalist 7: Paige, photo by: Tricia Sullivan

Finalist 8: Poet, photo by: Tricia

Sullivan

Finalist 9: Mac, photo by: Barbie Beck Wilczek

Thank you to Carolyn Massey, Barbie Beck-Wilczek, Joanne Brown, Sue Morrill, Linda Marie Bates and Tricia Sullivan who submitted pictures for the Photo Contest.

5th Annual BMDCNV Fall Retreat Weekend At Oceanwood

http://shop.bmdcnv.org/product/2015-retreat-weekend-in-ocean-park-main

Reservation Form and check payable to BMDCNV: Melissa George 237 Rand Hill Rd Alton Bay, NH 03810.

is available at Yahoo Group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/BMDCNVmembers/files

REGISTER ON-LINE:

RESERVATION FORM:

REGISTER BY MAIL:

Saturday, July 30, 2016 • 10am- 3pm Dog Mountain • 143 Parks Rd • Saint Johnsbury, VT

www.dogmt.comPlease RSVP to Heidi Henderson at

snowpawpass@yahoo.com or call 802-422-3084

Outdoor cover is limited to the chapel and the gallery so shade tents are a good idea. Also bring a chair for yourself or a picnic blanket to lounge on. There is access to water for dogs to drink, but bringing it is a good idea as well.

10-12pm Arrivals – get acquainted with the grounds and take a short walk to upper area.12-1:30pm Barbecue – you bring it – a grill master will be on hand. Please bring a side dish and your own drinks. We have paper products.1:30-3pm Group Photo is planned. Individual Photos available at the most scenic spot in Vermont!2:30pm Blessing of the Berners in Dog Chapel3pm Wrap it up and say good bye!

Come & join us for a fun-filled day with your Bernese Mountain Dog at Dog Mountain!

3rd Annual Dog Day Picnic

November 10-13, 2016 Oceanwood Camp and Conference

Center • Ocean Park, Maineoceanwood.org/facilities

Rates: $250 pp

$80 pp deposit will hold your reservation.

Includes all meals, lodging and events! Payment

must be received before you can be listed for

preferred housing.

11

Join us for BMDCNV Retreat Weekend! The Wilczek’s will be presenting their carting workshop on Friday, November 11, 2016. Throughout the weekend, we will also offer Rally, Camp Games, Crafts, and many more activities. Early registration ends on July 31, 2016!”

Come to relax; take in the sights; visit the gallery; enjoy a walk…all on the 150 acres of dog friendly property. There are hiking trails, dog ponds and of course - the world famous Dog Chapel! It’s an off leash haven for all! Dogs are welcome in the Chapel and in the Gallery.

Itinerary

In RemembranceTo Robbie

Your great light shines no more upon this earth,its sweet illumination gone from view.

Leaving lost we that stay behind and weep,remembering fondly shared days too few.

Ever happy, lifting all whom you met,touching each heart with your warm Berner love.

Your spirit led us on a course so true,a heavenly beacon sent from above.

Oh, how to fill this void and quell the ache?Oh, how to feel alive in your vast wake?You whisper, “This is not my story’s end,

but a new beginning I undertake.”

Oh sweet, Robbie, beloved friend, our Robu,our hearts are low as we enter this night.

Yet, we know this promise you’ll surely keep,together again we’ll share your pure light.

— James & Susan Todhunter; Wayland, MA

BelCane Reubens Robbie V Peacefield CD BN RA CGC THD CD-C TDIA

04.28.2007 -06.08.2016

BMDCNV19 Lantern Ln.Milford, MA 01757-3709

Contact Memberchair@bmdcnv.orgto receive an electronic color issue of the Berner-Blatt

BMDCNV

BERNER Inc.

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