We re-homed Raleigh (his new name) when he was 13 months old. He had bee
n fostered well for a few months after his rescue but still came to us a little underweight for his fur-ever home. He had gained a few pounds when I was out in the yard one day cutting and pulling down large vines that were taking over one of our evergreen trees. I was struggling with a very thick vine, and just couldn’t pull it down by myself. Raleigh suddenly ran over, grabbed the vine and started tugging with me.
Between the two of us we were able to pull the vine down, while my husband watched in amazement. Raleigh then assisted with two other vines… just grabbed hold of the end, and tugged and pulled along with me, and the vines released from the tree. When he grabbed the end of the vine and started pulling, I said to him “Good job, Boy.” He actually knew he was helping me.
He is extremely smart. I was recently moving a hassock in the house and said,” Raleigh, help Mommy.” He grabbed the corner of the hassock and pulled as I pushed. It’s so funny, he completely understands when someone is asking for help. Now, if he would only come when I call him.
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Compiled from the Blue Ridge Bernese Mountain Dog Club newsletter, and notes from Karen, New York
(Editor’s note: Guess the AKC will have to open a new category of working dog titles.)