Welcome to Berner Tales – formerly Berner Platz (Swiss-German for Berner Place) – because that’s what this site is – stories about lovable, laughable, frustrating and sometimes life-saving things Bernese Mountain Dogs do to, with and for their humans.
But first: When newspapers make a mistake, you might see a tiny “retraction” about a column inch or less on an inside page. Well, here’s a long overdue frontpage apology to Leonardo (now at the Rainbow Bridge) and his mom, Patti, for a web site maintenance foul-up some time ago that “lost” one of my favorite Berner Tales. It has taken way too long to put this piece back together. Mea culpa…..Editor.
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At six months, Leo was on his way to Champion show dog points, maybe Grand Champion, when a bite from a brown recluse spider left him with a slight gait change which ended his show ring career. However, the spider didn’t prevent him from succeeding at tracking, scent work, obedience, rally and therapy work. This latter activity got my attention when he was nominated for an award from a pet food company. A hospital chaplain’s letter in Leo’s nomination package piqued my interest, and a few more details spurred me to name him a “Super Berner.” (Please select “Leo” from the story list for details.)
Special note: If you’re considering a puppy, please go immediately to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America for more information about Berners and about finding a reputable breeder. Please don’t purchase from a pet store or an online site that looks good, but might not provide good stock from healthy parents. Meet at the breeder’s kennel if possible, or talk with someone who has an older one of the breeder’s dogs, not a recent puppy.