Bessy was approximately 7 months old, and the only Berner, when we took obedience classes at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. There were about 8 dogs and owner-handlers on paved tennis courts, surrounded by a 10-foot tall chain link fence. The nets had been removed, so we were working within a large rectangle.
We put our dogs in a “Sit-Stay” and walked away from them toward the far side of the courts. As we turned to face our dogs, Bessy barked at me, once. Our code for bathroom business was “Hurry up,” so I called to her, “Do you have to go ‘Hurry Up’ ?”
She barked again, one time – never breaking her “Sit-Stay” position. I returned to her, attached her leash, and we left the tennis courts for a necessary trip outside. During the time we had been on the courts, a few other dogs had had “accidents.”
Bessy and I returned to the courts. I put her back in position, and we completed the session successfully with her waiting in place until the owners were allowed to return to our dogs.
After class, the German instructor rushed over to me to ask, “Does she always talk to you like that?” Beaming as only a proud Berner “parent” can beam, I replied, “Of course!” and gave Bessy a big hug.
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from Jim, North Carolina
Epilogue
I was technically on duty 24/7 and didn’t get to practice with Bessy between classes as much as I should have, but she always came through for me as though we had practiced religiously. The instructor had emphasized how important it was that everyone attend every class, strongly implying that even one absence would result in failure. We missed the last session because I was away on duty for a few days, and was disappointed that my absence might have caused Bessy to flunk the class. When I returned I called the instructor; explained that I had been away on duty; and asked if we could have a make-up session. “Not necessary,” she said. “You can pick up her certificate at the Recreation Center.” “You mean she passed?”, I asked incredulously. “Never a doubt,” the instructor replied.
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