May - Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley

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The
May 2015
the newsletter of the
Bernese Mountain Dog Club
of Nashoba Valley
the club for new england berners & their families
Annual
Meeting
pages 6 & 7
Shelley Tyre Outstanding Service Award
2015 Recipient - Steve Diers with Moffett
inside this issue...
Calendar of Events..............................2
Concurrent Specialty.........................3
Spring Fun Day Schedule..................5
Annual Meeting..............................6, 7
Rescue Notebook............................8, 9
Birthdays, Congrats & Brags...........11
Welcome! New Members
BMDCNV
Calendar of Events
Heather Boucher
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
heatherjboucher@yahoo.com
~ 2015 ~
May 16 & 17:
BMDCNV Draft Test
Wachusett Mountain • Princeton, MA
Dawn Velsor
Taunton, MA 02780
dawnv22@verizon.net
e
s
a
c
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Sho
New Members
May 30:
BMDCNV Regional Specialty
Ladies 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
Are you a new Member?
October 17 & 18:
BMDCNV Draft Test • Westford, MA
Tell us about yourself in our New Member
Showcase. Click on this link...
http://bmdcnv.org/newmember.html
Complete the quick summary, hit submit,
email your pic and you’re done! Please
complete your submission by the 20th to be
included in the next issue of the Berner Blatt.
October 18:
Fall Fun Day • Westford, MA
Nov 6 - 9
Retreat Weekend • Ocean Park, ME
We look forward to meeting you!
FMI: www.bmdcnv.org/events.html
the
BMDCNV
President
Marge Bumen
207-351-5988
president@bmdcnv.org
Vice President
Patricia Buickerood
978-433-5267
vicepresident@bmdcnv.org
board of directors
Secretary
Directors:
Carol Jensen
860-632-9955
secretary@bmdcnv.org
Karlo Laforteza • 203.684.8079 • director_Laforteza@bmdcnv.org
Treasurer
Alise Burbridge • 781-749-5253 • director_mccormick@bmdcnv.org
Bruce Hallden
860-613-2646
treasurer@bmdcnv.org
Sue Mahan • 978-386-7292 • director_mahan@bmdcnv.org
Jean Michael • 508-947-6503 • director_michael@bmdcnv.org
Anya Wittenborg • 781-316-2364 • director_wittenborg@bmdcnv.org
2
BMDCNV
Concurrent Regional Specialty
Saturday, May 30th
Crackerbarrel Fairgrounds, Wrentham, MA
Breed Judge...Sharon Smith
Sweepstakes Judge...Sue Brightman
Junior 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 show
Complimentary Beverages and Snacks
Please Sponsor a Trophy - Contact Donna Bennett ddtails@cs.com 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, 2015
BMDCNV Fall Fun Day & BMDCA Draft Tests
Westford 4H Fairgrounds
3
Classic Summer Picnic
Come to
h
picnic wit
mp
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r
friends & n!
a
in the Oce
Sunday, June 27th • 11am-3pm
Fort Foster in Kittery, Maine
Large Pavillion(Easy parking & plenty of shade this year)
~ Entrance fee $10 per car ~
Bring your dogs, chairs, towels and picnics.
All paper plates, utensils, cups, etc. will be supplied.
Directions for Route 95 north take exit 2 north
From South, exit onto Route 236 south to Route
1 to Kittery Traffic Circle and take right @ Dairy
Queen and follow signs to Kittery Point-236
south. Route 236 merges onto Route 103: go
over bridge and pass Ft. McClary. After you pass
the gas station on your right you will see a sign
for Fort Foster cross bridge Turn left & proceed
approximately ½ mile to Fort Foster Gate. Parking
at the large pavilion or general parking. Fort
Foster, Pocahontas Road, Kittery Pt., Maine.
Any weather cancellations will appear on club Facebook page.
• • SAVE THE DATE • •
BMDCNV Supported Entry
Share photos & videos of your Berners!
Join the Facebook group at
Saturday • July 11, 2015
4-Day Vermont Scenic Circuit
Green Mountain Dog Club
Tunbridge Fairgrounds • Tunbridge, VT
Judge: Dr. Kenneth A. Doeg
FMI: http://infodog.com/clubs/2015104801.HTM
fb.com/groups/BMDCNVMembers
the
BMDCNV
Berner Blatt
Editor
Linda Botti
bernerblatt@bmdcnv.org
Breeder Referral
Program
Megan McTavish
norarose2@sbcglobal.net
Historian
Vacant
historian@bmdcnv.org
chairpeople
FMI & to volunteer for Ring Steward: Buffy Bell - bellsvt@gmail.com
These 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.
Membership
Karlo Laforteza
38 Thompson St
Milford, CT 06460-6323
memberchair@bmdcnv.org
Public Education
Martha Phelps,
Diane Smith
& Karen Allen
education@bmdcnv.org
Rescue
Linda DeCelles
Gib Otten
1-877-4BMDCNV (toll free)
rescue@bmdcnv.org
Volunteer
Coordinator
Martha Phelps
802-368-7656
volunteer@bmdcnv.org
E-List Help Desk
Jeff Nowak
elisthelp@bmdcnv.org
Puppy Referral
Laurel Wood
puppychair@bmdcnv.org
Members List
Moderator
Sharon Brady
moderator@bmdcnv.org
Regional Club Rep (RCR)
Karen Fox
rcr@bmdcnv.org
Training Resources
Paul Emerson
508-243-3922
training@bmdcnv.org
Ways & Means
Judy HartmanWeb Page Retail
Lynne BaileyBlatt Custom Orders
shop@bmdcnv.org
4
Trophy Chair
Donna Bennett
trophychair@bmdcnv.org
Web Master
Mimi Englander
web@bmdcnv.org
Spring Fun Day
Celebration of Rescue
Dogs and their Families!
Pre-register your Rescue
Berner for Rescue Parade
FMI: http://www.bmdcnv.org/events.html
Saturday, June 6 • 10am – 3pm
Schedule
Middlesex County 4-H Fairgrounds • Westford, MA
9:30 Grounds Crew Set Up.
11:30 AM Rescue Parade - SPECIAL EVENT! All our
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.
12:30 Dessert Auction. A Fund Raising Effort with
Great Appeal! Please donate a Dessert to help
with our Auction - see below
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
in Berner Garde or just update your information.
10:00 Raffle Opens. Make your raffle selections early!
Pizza Party & Group Photo. Join us for lunch
1:30
Raffle Drawing. Have your raffle tickets ready!
2:00
Looking for a Berner Puppy? Talk to the
2:00
Foster Home Discussion. Every Rescue starts
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.
1:00
10:00-11:30 Berner Garde Data Entry. Enter your Berner
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.
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
and a group photo
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.
with a Foster Home. Are you interested to helping
Rescue Berners? with Transportation, or Foster Home?
Question and Answer discussion.
2:00-3:00
proper fit for harness & cart hook-up for your Berner.
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.
PRE-REGISTER YOUR RESCUE BERNER
for the Parade!
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: ldecelles@verizon.net.
Join in the fun...
everyone’s favorite fundraising event at
Spring Fun Day!
THE DESSERT AUCTION
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.
5
Bring 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:
bernergal@comcast.net
34th BMDCNV Annual Meeting
Debbie Jacobs CPDT-KA, CAP2
Shares “Fearful Dog” Advice at
34th BMDCNV Annual Meeting
never know how afraid he used to be. With years of clicking and
treating, his confidence has grown by leaps and bounds.
Address the emotion -> change the behavior.
Even though their fear may seem irrational to us, it’s quite real
to our canine companions. When working with fearful dogs we
should change the word “won’t” to “can’t.” Instead of being upset
and punishing the “won’t”, help them learn new skills so they
“can.” It’s hard to be afraid when you’re having fun! Help them
learn behaviors they enjoy.
by Nancy Bates; North Easton, MA
W
ith humor, video clips and illustrated points of advice,
Debbie shared her experiences of living with and training
the fearful dog - including her fearful dog, Sunny.
Feeling frustrated? Walk away.
Rule out the Medically - driven fears.
When frustrated, Debbie recommended we should respond
with thoughtfulness and patience - not anger. Every dog is
different and as Debbie said “it takes as much time as it takes” to
make progress.
My Tibetan Mastiff, Dralion and Bernese Mountain Dog, Ariel,
ate the same food, went to the same training classes, lived in the
same house, and were both well socialized as pups. However,
Dralion was terrified of thunder among other things and Ariel is
fearless to the point of being reckless. We noticed Ariel’s behavior
had a positive influence on Dralion and helped mitigate some of
his fears.
Debbie pointed out, one of the first steps to take with a fearful
dog is to rule out medical conditions. Illness, injury, loss of vision
and hearing can cause a dog to be fearful. Hypothyroidism and
tick borne diseases can affect behavior too.
The first behavior we have to change is our own.
We need to have patience not just with our dog but with
ourselves. And as Debbie said, “Never doubt the power of
positive reinforcement.”
One of the most amazing transformations I’ve seen in a fearful
dog is Stanley, who was rescued by Dawn Flaherty. On his first
visit to my house, Stanley wouldn’t let me pet him. After years
of dog parties with birthday cake, he now loves visiting and the
way he parties with the other dogs and their humans you would
Never use food to lure a dog towards what they are afraid of.
Our primary goal should be to never put a fearful dog in
situations where they feel the need to behave aggressively or
escalate aggression they are displaying.
It took me years to realize that when someone asked “Can I pet
your dog?” that the right answer for Dralion was “NO” because he
didn’t want strangers petting him. Even though he looked cuddly
he was genetically pre-disposed to be wary of strangers.
Bullies only reinforce “learned helplessness”.
Dogs who are bullied into behaving certain ways, may behave
that way so long as the abuser is present. By being forced repeatedly to confront what it’s afraid of, the dog hasn’t learned not to be
afraid; “it has learned to stop trying to make the terror go away.”
Early Socialization gains a strong foot-hold against
fearfulness.
Debbie’s books not only give advice about shy, anxious, and
fearful dogs but also about the importance of early socialization of
puppies.
Our new Berner puppy, Trinity, is afraid of the vacuum cleaner
and since we have 2 Bernese in the house we do a lot of vacuum
cleaning! She feels safe going upstairs when we vacuum. I have
been clicking and treating her when she comes near the vacuum
and in time I hope she’ll just stay on the floor like Ariel and I’ll be
able to vacuum around her.
Debbie had so much information to share, I wish there had been
time for questions and hope we invite her back!
Dawn Flaherty and Stanley meet Debbie Jacobs
BMDCNV By the Numbers...
WAYS AND MEANS
PUPPY
FINANCIALS
nations
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MEMBERSHIP EVENTS
p Dues $7,463 Orders Shipped
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675
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9
37
Income
$16,
ds 5 Performance Events
s
Inquiries
365 Active Househol
Way’s and Mean’ $6,153 Expenses
10
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7 Gathering Events
scue Households
in
ReMarge
72By
Workshop BMDCNV $1,499 Net Ga
Bumen,1President
64
THE BERNER
BLATT
BREEDER REFER
RAL
MONTHLY
PROGRAM
DISTRIBUTION
Not available at
126 - Mailed
time of printing
. 319 - Electronic
34th BMDCNV Annual Meeting
T
he Shelley Tyre Outstanding Service
Award honors someone whose
service and contributions to the club
and/or the breed have been exceptional.
Formerly known as the Kennel Ration or
Gaines Good Sportsmanship Award, it
was renamed in honor of club member,
Shelley Tyre, who unexpectedly passed
away in March 1999. The membership
nominates a club member in good
standing, who has made an extra special
contribution to the club either recently,
in the past or on a regular and consistent
basis.
This year’s Shelley Tyre Outstanding Service Award recipient
has been a BMDCNV member for 15 years. During 8 of those
years, he served as Treasurer, steadily maintaining the financial
helm during good times and bad. He developed new systems
and methods to manage our club’s fundraising efforts, retail sales,
financial reporting & investments for the club’s future.
• He is a breeder, and has owned and bred multiple breed
champions.
• He has competed with his berners in rally and agility.
• He was RV Chair for the Nashoba 2008 National Specialty
during which he masterfully organized and attended to the
needs of 24 RVs and their people and dogs.
Speaking of RV’s, at dog shows his motor home is always a
gathering place for berner friends. If you
are at the right place at the right time,
you might be the lucky recipient of one
of his famous breakfast egg and ham
sandwiches.
He can be counted on as a leader and as
an active, hands-on volunteer, supporting
our events with his skills and know-how.
He always tries to see situations from
multiple perspectives so that the right
decision is reached, regardless of whether
it is the decision he personally prefers.
He sees a need and takes care of it before
anyone even knows about it. Having earned the nickname
“MacGyver”, there is nothing this man can’t build or fix!
As an example of his kind-heartedness and superior multitasking ability, at one show, he cooked 10 people breakfast,
competed in agility, entertained children by setting up an agility
course for them in the RV village, ran over and competed in
agility again, replaced a friend’s motorhome awning, installed
another friend’s roof vent covers and fixed their battery, and then
helped to cook the group dinner.
And finally, there is his enduring love of the breed so clearly
demonstrated when watching him with his girl Moffett. What
a team, whether in the ring, or home, or out and about, buddies
joined by a heart string.....Moffett the “Wonder Dog” and Steve
Diers the “MacGyver” – this year’s recipient of the Shelley Award.
VOLUNTEER
BMDCNV Celebrates Title Earners
Dog Name
• CH Tharp’s Set Fire to the Rain
• GCH CH Tennescott White Mtns The Balsams CDX RN DD
• Orloff Gitta CD RN
• Spruce Peak’s Pay it Forward V. Trailbound RN
• Southwind Le Mans Best Friends BN RN NDD
• Intervale Always a Dreamer RN ANDD
• M&M Mtns Perfectly Meant to Be! CD RE DD BNDD
• M&M Mtns Sure Fire ShermanDD BNDD
• GCH Purple Fugitive Spring Auf
Southwind RN CD NDD
• Tennescott White Mtns Dalton CGC
• GCH Backcountry Pandemonium NAP RA TDX NDD DD VDX BNDD CD WDX OAP
• Spellbound Sunny Day • Betruf Ajax RA NAP MDD BDD ANDD
• Betruf Zurrimutzi V Southwind BN TD NAP
NFP CGC NDD BN DD BNDD ANDD RN
• Iron Vom Granzweg CGC
• CH Ledgewood’s Royal Invitation BN NDD
• Tennescott White Mtns Moriah CGC RN
• Southwind Summer Wages CD
• CH Southwind Come Softly to Me CD
• GCH Tennescott White Mtns Ripley Falls CD
RE OAP NJP NFP MDD BNDD
• CH Seawind Farm’s Imagine That
• BelCane Reubens Robbie v Peacefield CD
• Chloe RN Awards
Gold Pins Awarded to Chairs ~ 2014:
• Megan McTavish,
• Dinae Van Pelt, Dessert Breeders’s Forum
Auction Chair
• Abby Patrizio, Supported • Marjorie Cottle, Show Entry (2) & Concurrent
Presentation Rosettes
Specialty
• Carol Jensen, Winter Walk
• Martha Phelps, Supported • Marge Bumen, Classic
Entry & Handcrafted
Picnic, Concurrent
Trophy’s
Specialty, Annual Meeting
• Debra Metcalf Morris
• Heidi Henderson,
Raffle @ Specialty
VT Summer Picnic
• Bill & Cheryl Brickach,
• Linda DeCellas, Raffle Chair
Hospitality @ Specialty
• Gib Otten, Raffle Chair
• Karen Fox, Head Draft
• Steve Grega, Raffle
Steward @ Specialty
• Julie Mott, Graphic Designer
• Karen Fox, Berner Garde • Michelle Keck, Graphic Clinic
Designer
• Karen Fox, OFA /Health
• Mimi Englander, Graphic Clinic
Designer
• Karlo Laforteza, Berner
• Patricia Buickerood, Award Garde Clinic
Certificates
• Karlo Laforteza, Facebook • Melissa & Matt George, Launches
Retreat Weekend Chairs
• Elizabeth Malcolmson, • Beth Atkinson, Nominating
Fall Draft Tests
Committee Chair
• Alison Jaskiewicz, Fall
• Adam Conn, Supported Entry
Draft Test Secretary
7
Owned by
Deborah Tharp
Barbara J Beck-Wilczek and
William R Wilczek
Linda Seaver
Michelle Keck and Celeste O’Malley
Dr. Jonathan C and Judith Conns, Lynn and Lloyd Jones
Lynn P and Lloyd E Jones
Michele C. LaBagh and
Robert and Margo Burwood
Margo Burwood
Adam Conn
Barbara Beck-Wilczek
Beth Atkinson
and Wendy Bennett
Stephanie & Bill Freeman and
Dayna L. Merrow
Cheryl and William Brickach
Cheryl and William Brickach
Karlo and Kristina Laforteza
Abby Patrizio and Kim Behrens
Wynanda Bell, Barbara Beck-Wilczek
and William Wilczek
Dr. Jonathan C and Judith Conns
Dr. Jonathan C and Judith Conns
Barbara J Beck-Wilczek
and William R Wilczek
Alise Burbridge
James and Susan Todhunter
Dawn Flaherty
Rescue Notebook
Rescue Updates Continued
from Annual BERNER Inc
Issue - April 2015
DAISY MAY
Our rescue girl Daisy May’s birthday is January 18th,
but there is also another special day we celebrate with
her, May 27th, Gotcha Day. That is the day this sweet
8 1/2 year old senior girl came into our lives. When
we took Daisy Mae in as a foster, she was overweight,
arthritic, and so out of shape, we had to carry her up the 2 steps from our
garage to the house. Almost 11 months later, after a healthy weight loss diet,
joint supplements, and regular exercise, she hops, runs, and rolls in the yard,
and has no trouble going up and down the 15 stairs to the 2nd floor, so she can
sleep with us!
Within days of getting to know this beautiful soul, we knew we could never
let her go. Everyone says Daisy May is so lucky we took her in and adopted her,
but in our hearts, we know that we are the lucky ones.
— Fran & Phil LaFlamme; Salem, CT
BAILEY
BARC’s Bailey - age 6 years.
Cheese lover, squirrel chaser, bed
hog, and all around lovebug. We
adopted Bailey from Berner, Inc.
in January, 2013. Though very
sweet, she was also very timid
and a flight risk. With time and
patience, Bailey has come a long
way. It seems like every day we
learn a little more about her.
Last summer she decided to show us that she loves to swim (not just a dunk,
but full doggy paddling!). Though we had taken her to the water several times,
she had never done more than get her paws wet, despite our encouragements.
Bailey is a cherished member of our family and we are so thankful to have her
in our lives!
— Matt & Judy Hartman; Amesbury, MA
CINDER
Cinder came into my life when she
was almost 4 yrs of age. Cinder was
homeless for a few years and bounced
around from one person to another
trying to breed her — all attempts
unsuccessful. She found her way back
to her breeder and a Berner friend who
knew of her connected us. Knowing
Cinder knew some obedience, I
adopted her.
Cinder is now 9 yrs old and has
blossomed into my beloved companion
and protector. I am most proud of her
EDUCATION & RESCUE
WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUB
Berner, Inc.
Financials
April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015
Donations:
via Paypal
via iGive.com
via Amazon Smile
All other
Total Individual &
Business Contributions
$ 1,445.00
$ 432.77
$ 34.26
$ 7,623.22
$ 9,535.25
Expenses:
Rescue Dog Costs
All other expenses
Total Expenses
$ 5,103.58
$ 2,832.44
$ 7,936.02
— Editor’s Note - Not previously available
or only portions available at the time of
printing our Annual BERNER Inc feature
in the April 2015 issue, we present the
Financials in their entirety.
accomplishments in the therapy field as
well as being part of my church by way
of Paws of Joy, an outreach ministry
I helped to create. Cinder attends
church services, is part of a women’s
choir and we are the first dog team to
be invited to light an Advent candle. If
we miss a Sunday worship service, the
next week, people ask about Cinder
rather than me! I tease our Pastor that
she sleeps during his sermons. I am
blessed to have Cinder in my life.
8
— Nancy Stitley; Mullica Hill, NJ
Cinder CGC, TDInc - BG# 44753
BLAISE
MAVIS
About 3 years after the
passing of our first rescue,
3 year old Simon, at the
age of 11, we considered
the possibility of
adopting another Bernese
Mountain Dog rescue. 6
year old Blaise had been
in foster homes and was
very troubled by other
dogs. She had certain
“special considerations”,
including guarding her
resources.
Thanks to Heidi, Anya
and Mimi, we are now
three years later with
Blaise and going strong!
Blaise is an incredibly intelligent, caring, sensitive, loving,
loyal dog. We are mindful of her challenges and it’s apparent
how well she responds to this understanding. We are so
fortunate to have Blaise in our family. She is beautiful through
and through. And, you’re right, she isn’t our whole life, but
she definitely makes our life whole.
Mavis MisBehavious,
Mavy from the Navy,
Mavis Beatrice, Sweet
Pea. We could go
on and on with the
various nicknames
our rescue girl has
generated over the
years. And, we could
go on and on with
stories about Mavis, but it all sums up into one thing serendipity... “luck that takes the form of finding valuable or
pleasant things that are not looked for”. We were lucky to
answer the call to foster a shy, fearful girl back in 2008.
While after 8 years, Mavis can be shy in crowds and
still isn’t a fan of all men, she’s grown close to her chosen
ones. It’s been wonderful to see her blossom and watch
her personality come out. She’s got an impish sense of
humor and secretly loves to be in charge. She loves to move
- hiking, swimming and fishing are her favorites, but she
loves cuddling, too.
We are thankful to Anya for entrusting us with this girl.
And, we are also grateful to her original family that had the
courage to reach out to BERNER, Inc. in the first place. If it
wasn’t for both of these events - well, perhaps this is what is
meant by “everything happens for a reason”?
— The Moreno Family; Killingtom, VT
— Mari & Rob Higgins; Concord, NH
SPENSER
We adopted Spenser from
BMDCNV Rescue in October
of 2007 and have had our boy
for nearly 8 years.
Spenser came to us after
passing through a number
of foster homes. He had
just been neutered and was
still pretty much a dominant
male when it came to other
dogs, except, surprisingly,
Ebbie our other BMD. They immediately fell in love and over the
years became like an old married couple. Spenser had “separation
anxiety” for a long time and it was his relationship with Ebbie
which made it possible for us to leave him at home, if we went out
places where we couldn’t take the two of them.
Over the years he has become a really fine dog, well mannered
and is extremely smart. At 12, he’s slowed down a lot and does
have some back and hip issues so he doesn’t run and play like he
used to. We love him dearly.
— Jim Tompkins; Colchester, VT
BECCA
A special
needs girl, Becca
came to us after
fostering by
Debbie & Terry
Fitch. She was
2 then and will
celebrate her 8th
birthday in the
fall. We have a
new puppy in
the house now
and Becca is
very sweet and
loving with her
new best buddy.
— Joe and Marge Bumen; Cape Neddick, ME
the BERNER INC board of directors
President & Director - Alise Burbridge
Treasurer & Director – Tom McKinney
Clerk & Director – Anya Wittenborg
Director – Dawn Flaherty
Director – Linda DeCelles
Director – Beth Atkinson
9
Congratulations and Brags...
Southwind Dogs do Ok at Casco Bay Training Club
Two days; Three new titles; Two first places; Two second
places; Three third places; Ten Qualifying scores
Raven - Ch, CanCh Southwind Rave On CDX, NDD
Judy: Rally Novice - Saturday, qualifying. Sunday- First
place (100) and new RN title.
Rosey - Southwind Ring Around Rose
Jon: Rally Novice - qualifying score Saturday and Sunday.
Summer - Southwind Summer Wages, CD, NDD
Judy: Rally Novice - Saturday, second place, (100) and
new RN title. Rally Advanced - Sunday - First place (100).
Tiffin - Southwind Leave The Light On
Jon: Rally Novice - Saturday, qualifying score. Sunday, Third place and new
RN title. Novice Obedience - Saturday, Third place. Sunday, Second place
and new CD title.
— Judy and Jon Cons; Georgetown, ME
We had a great
time At the
BMDCW test
in PA. Balsam
passed her DD
for the third
time, Balsam
and her mother
passed NBDD
for the second
time, and
Laukie, with Bill
handling him,
passed his NDD.
Judges: Val Horney and Jim Maxwell.
— Barbie Beck-Wilczek & Bill Wilczek; Littleton, NH
Kaibab’s Invitation To The Dance TD
I am pleased to report that Tristan earned his
Tracking Dog (TD) title on April 19th at the
Tracking Club of VT test in Danby VT. See the
video: https://youtu.be/p14icTYSl6Y
— Alison Jaskiewicz: Mason, NH
iGive.com
®
Change online shopping for good.
In 2008, the BMDCNV membership established a 501(c)
(3) charitable organization to address the needs of the everincreasing 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:
$952
earned to
date!
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!
BERNER, Inc. P.O. Box 1221
Arlington, MA 02474
Learn more at http://igive.com//Q6w2UJmt
10
Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...
Augustus
(aka Gus)
Happy 1st
birthday!
Arundel’s
Belmont Treasure
05-17-14
Love you!
— Pam & Charles
Swearingen;
Belmont, MA
man
Sydney, Sage, Sher
Happy 9th Birthday to Sydney (May)
Happy 6th Birthday to her kids, Sage & Sherman! (June)
So glad you are part of my family!
— Margot Burwood; New Hartford, CT
Happy Birthday
Queen Liliuokalani!!!
May it be filled with bully sticks, belly
rubs, and air conditioning.
— Cecilia & Jake Segal; Cambridge, MA
Callie is 2!
Brandywine’s Gentle Spirit • 04-21-13
Happy Birthday to my sweet, loving girl.
I love you more each day.
— Barbara Morss; Marion, MA
“Stevie”
Rosas Second Chance Rhiannon
Sharon the Lloyd • 04-25-12
Happy 3rd Birthday to our silly,
sweet love bug. The past three years
have been amazing!
— Debbie Fitch; Hancock, ME
Rosa-n-Skylyns Pandora CGC, RA, BN,
ANDD - (BFF & OOD) Official Old Dog
Happy Birthday Paddy Pie...
Celebrating 12 Years on May 27!!!!
Great Grandma to Cricket, Great Auntie
to Karma and Grammy to Tessa, she is the
Spenser is 12!
Queen Bee of the mountaintop and we
May 23rd.
treasure each & every moment with her.
A happy-go-lucky goof that is very special
Love ya Pie!! — Michelle Keck & The
to us. He is one fabulous companion dog!
Girls of TrailBound; Jim Thorpe, PA
Happy Birthday to our love!
—
Jim
&
Karen Tompkins; Colchester, VT
11
In Rememberance
BMDCNV Founding Member,
Sharon Kullman Wollner
— by Susan Todhunter; Wayland, MA
Bernese Mountain Dogs were a rare sight in New
England in the mid-1970s. One of the few area Berner
breeders and owners at that time was Sharon Kullman.
Sharon lived in a house on a hill in Lunenburg,
Massachusetts. In 1975, Sharon, a nurse, began breeding
BMDs under the kennel name Sunnyhill.
Although no regional BMD club existed at that time,
Sharon and fellow BMD owners - many of whom had
purchased their Berners from Sharon - enjoyed informal
get-togethers with each other and their dogs. In 1980, the
BMDCA published an article about forming a regional
club. After reading the article, Sharon called her New
England Berner friends and said, “How about it?” The
BMDCNV was incorporated in Massachusetts a year later,
with Sharon as the club’s first Vice President.
Sharon was a good friend and mentor to many original
BMDCNV members, as well as being the breeder of some
of their dogs. The BMDCNV’s first president, Bev Barney,
got her first Berners, Am/Can CH Sunnyhill’s Helga v
BMDCNV
38 Thompson St.
Milford, CT 06460-63231
Contact
Memberchair@bmdcnv.org
to receive an electronic color
issue of the Berner-Blatt
Ulrica Am
CDX, Can
CD, Am/Can
TD – Rica
and Am/
Can CH
Sunnyhill’s
Brig CD –
Brig, from
Sharon.
Founders
Ellen and
Charlie Nott
purchased
their first
Berner,
Sunnyhill’s
Lady Alexandria – Zan,
from Sharon, as well. Other BMDCNV members owned and
own Berners who are descended from Sharon’s Sunnyhill
line. Sharon was active in breeding and showing Berners
through the mid-1980s.
Sharon later moved to Florida, where she continued her
nursing career for some years. Sadly, Sharon died last March
after a long illness. Sharon’s contributions to our breed
will live on in the existence of the BMDCNV and in those
Berners descended from her Sunnyhill line.
Join Us...
at the Concurrent
Specialty!
See Page 3
BMDCNV
BERNER Inc.