What's the best crate material?

2003-02-28 Thread Susan Wankner
Hi,
I've been looking at double-door folding crates for use in my mini-van.  I 
see there is a choice of materials from different manufacturers:  black or 
white epoxy, bright zinc plating, gold zinc, black electro coat.  What is 
the best to get as far as: 1)comfort/safety for the dog,  2)keeping it 
clean,  3)How well it holds up.
I'd appreciate hearing any recommendations (and the reasons why you 
recommend what you do!)
Thanks,
Susan Wankner  Donner
Fremont, CA





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los angeles area

2003-02-28 Thread Andrea Brin
looking for berner owned families in this area of california willing to help
with a few questions about climate, berners and needs specific to the area.
thanks
andrea, woofit and chi

shavertown, pa

http://www.brin.org/Woofit_and_Chi/





RE: Eating poop

2003-02-28 Thread Rose Tierney
Hi Andrew,
Unfortunately dogs eat poop! It is a disgusting habit repugnant to us
humans but in the animal world would appear to be quite acceptable. I have
twelve dogs so chasing around after that crew morning and night is nigh on
impossible. With only two dogs you have it easy:-) As a rule they'll
defecate twice a day and I suggest you reinforce their training with a
hurry up command once you've figured out their routine and invest in a nice
metal bucket that you line with a plastic grocery bag and buy from a pet
store a pooper scooper and accompanying rake so you don't have to bend over
and all will be well:-)

You could try adding grated zucchini to their daily diet, I'm told it makes
it taste bitter though I'm not about to test!

Rose T.



eating poop

2003-02-28 Thread Jan Ward
The age old problem that I know has been discussed before on BernerL,
however, it is now happening to us and both our dogs, Mocha 5 and Kona 9
months are doing it regularly. 
Andrew,

I got this trick from my breeder. Get a spray bottle and fill it with 
vinegar. Everytime they go, spray it and let is sit for a while before you 
clean up the mess. We did this for about 3 weeks with our Berner and he 
eventually associated the nasty taste of vinegar with eating it. He didn't 
quit completely, but he has tried to eat it only once or twice in the last 6 
months, which is a great improvement. By the way, this will kill your grass 
so be prepared for some brown spots until the dogs decide to stop. You can 
always hose the area after you clean up their messes, to get rid of the 
vinegar. Hope this helped. Janice ( Titan)





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Berner vs Golden

2003-02-28 Thread Denise Rasmussen




Just wanted to take a minute to thank the many that responded to my post 
regarding Berners vs Goldens. It was very enlightening to hear so many 
different opinions..from the casual pet owner to the respected breeder! I 
had some recommended readings given to me, I placed an Amazon order right 
away! I thank all of you for your input, we will continue to do our research 
before we make a decision...hopefully sometime this summer/fall. I will 
continue to listen and learn from all of you.

Thanks, Denise

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RE: Collars -- Tag requirements

2003-02-28 Thread Nancy Melone
In my region of the world, we are required to have lic tags on our dogs
whenever they are outside (including in our yards). The authorities can come
on to your property to check and the fine is something you would notice.

In our house, we do a lot of collar on and collar off maneauvers. The buckle
collar does tend to wear the hair. Any dog that is being shown in
conformation in our house, tends see a collar less (might even take a few
liberties in the yard, but don't tell the dog catcher). But, even if they
tend to see the collar less, all the dogs, even the ones we shown in
conformation, wear a buckle collar in obedience classes.  Life is full of
trade offs and this is one of them. The other reminder is NEVER leave a
collar on a dog in a crate.
Nancy Melone



Happy Birthday Coach

2003-02-28 Thread Lynne Hawkinson
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IMPORTANT 2003 UPDATE FOR VETERANS

2003-02-28 Thread Lynne Hawkinson
IMPORTANT 2003 UPDATE FOR VETERANS

Bradshaw, the 2003 Show Superintendent, made an error printing the Premium
List  -- the Premium lists only one class for Veterans in the  conformation
classes.  Due to the printing error, AKC WILL allow Bradshaw to split the
Veteran entries as they arrive.

Veteran Classes WILL be split according to the Veteran Sweepstakes classes:
7 - 9 years
9- 11 years
11 years and older.

If you know of anyone else with a Veteran please let them know that the
classes will be split.

If anyone has a questions please feel free to contact me.

Lynne Hawkinson
BMDCA Show Chair - 2003
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
805-473-0081



A Day Late

2003-02-28 Thread Martha Hoverson
We are a day late, but want to celebrate Molly's 1st birthday!  She had a 
happy day at home, including some playtime in the yard and being sung to by 
the family.  There was also a period of time spent chewing on a beautiful 
new marrow bone, a vast improvement over the remote controls that have been 
her favorite flavor over the past few weeks.  Since recovering from her 
TPO, Molly has reclaimed the Sun Room couch as her throne, and she received 
visitors there yesterday.
Molly and I are continually grateful for the support and love found on the 
Berner-L.  Her elbow surgery is scheduled for March 14th; fingers crossed 
that things will go smoothly then.
A big birthday Rooby-Roo to all of you!

Martha Hoverson and Molly
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Portland, Maine


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Re: A Day Late

2003-02-28 Thread Karen McFarlane
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY!!
 I just had to drop you a quick note and let you know that Stevie and I hope
that Molly had a fabulous birthday. I can just visualize her holding court
in the Sun Room !! Fabulous. We are hoping and praying that Molly's surgery
will be a complete success and that she will be back to good health in no
time. I have March the 14 circled on my calendar and we will be lighting yet
another candle, you will be in our thoughts and prayers as I know so many
others will have you in theirs as well.
Thanks for all your support and love Martha through the Stevie Saga, we go
to the vet today and I will post after we return home with any updates. Big
Berner Hugs and Gentle Kisses from
Karen and Stevie
xoxoxoxo
- Original Message -
From: Martha Hoverson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 1:17 PM
Subject: A Day Late


 We are a day late, but want to celebrate Molly's 1st birthday!  She had a
 happy day at home, including some playtime in the yard and being sung to
by
 the family.  There was also a period of time spent chewing on a beautiful
 new marrow bone, a vast improvement over the remote controls that have
been
 her favorite flavor over the past few weeks.  Since recovering from her
 TPO, Molly has reclaimed the Sun Room couch as her throne, and she
received
 visitors there yesterday.
 Molly and I are continually grateful for the support and love found on the
 Berner-L.  Her elbow surgery is scheduled for March 14th; fingers crossed
 that things will go smoothly then.
 A big birthday Rooby-Roo to all of you!

 Martha Hoverson and Molly
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Portland, Maine




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Poopy Stories

2003-02-28 Thread Vicky Whitney
ORIGINAL POST (snipped):
From: Tenbus, Tina [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tango has an undying love for paper products,
but in particular, he loves used tissues and towels.  He can snake a tissue 
off the nightstand quick as the blink of an eye.  He watches intently if you 
blow your nose and waits for his chance.  But, it seems that at least once a 
week I see a tissue coming out the other end.  Anyway, tissues do not digest 
and frequently he has a dangler hanging on by a tissue, yuck!  Well, being 
the dependent dog he is, he just turns and looks at me now and then looks 
back at his butt as if to say mom, I need help here.  Regretfully, I 
assist him by donning a plastic bag on my hand and removing the dangler.  
I can only imagine what my neighbors must
think.  *Sigh*, the joy of berner ownership!
Tina and Tango

RESPONSE:
I think Tango just might be on to something -- a self-wiping dog.  Hmm 
.  .  .

Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana



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Berner cookie cutter

2003-02-28 Thread Elizabeth Malcolmson
http://www.kitchengifts.com/dogs.html

I ordered and received a copper BMD cookie cutter from this place... 
Ignore the fact that the picture for the BMD is actually a borzoi or 
some other dog -- the actual item IS a Berner.

		--Elizabeth


Elizabeth Malcolmson with
UUD Ledgewood's Ptolemy, UDX, DD, Can. CDX  DD
Remembering Tycho  Zoey, treasured beyond measure
Rockport, MA, USA


Breakaway dog collars

2003-02-28 Thread Andrea Stefanac
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Early Neutering Linked to Osteosarcoma

2003-02-28 Thread Vicky Whitney
Gawd, just when you think you've discussed a topic to death and decided 
where you stand.  The question about a breeder's requirement for early 
neutering (8 weeks) of a new puppy was just brought up on another list.  
Responses have ranged all over the map.  Some owners feel they have seen 
positive proof that early neutering of males causes tall, weedy dogs, 
whereas here on the Berner-L I think the consensus was that any difference 
in height and substance was very negligible.  However, someone raised the 
question about early neutering having a link to osteosarcoma (article 
following).

If our European Berners tend to NOT be neutered, and have very similar 
cancer rates as our American Berners (where most are neutered before one 
year of age), that says to me that this is not an issue for us, particularly 
as I understand osteosarcoma is not a big problem in our breed overall.  
Am I mistaken?  Anyone have any additional information on this study and its 
interpretation?  Comments?

Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana

Dog Study Suggests Hormones Linked to Bone Cancer
News Article: Dog Study Suggests Hormones Linked to Bone Cancer
WASHINGTON (Reuters Health) - A drop in sex hormones may increase the
risk of a type of bone cancer, according to results of a study conducted in 
purebred rottweilers.

The highly malignant bone cancer, known as osteosarcoma, has noticeable
similarities in both humans and rottweilers, researchers at Purdue
University reported at a meeting of the Gerontological Society of
America.
In a study of 745 purebred rottweilers, Dr. B. C. Beranek and colleagues
from the departments of veterinary clinical science and veterinary
pathology found that 15% of all the dogs developed bone cancer. However, the 
risk of bone cancer was 65% higher for castrated males and 34% higher for 
spayed females.

The risk of developing bone cancer was higher both in females spayed at
less than one year of age as well as males castrated when they were less 
than a year old compared with animals who were not spayed or neutered.

It is not clear why spaying or neutering had an impact on cancer risk,
but it may be related to their lower levels of sex hormones. More study is 
needed to determine if these factors play any role in human cancer.



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2003 Specialty Deadlines

2003-02-28 Thread Lynne Hawkinson
Have you sent in your BMDCA Specialty registration?
The deadline is tomorrow, March 1st!
Don't wait any longer - mail yours today!

Can't find your Planning Booklet - don't despair
The reservation form can be downloaded and printed from the 2003 web page -
http://www.bmdcaspecialty.org/2003/ (click on forms)

Planning on sending by Fed Ex or Overnight mail?
We'd rather receive them  via regular mail and have you donate
the cost of the priority shipping to your favorite Berner charity!

BMDCA 2003 Hospitality Committee
[EMAIL PROTECTED]



The Bernerhood by Barry Schieber

2003-02-28 Thread Vicky Whitney
Barry Schieber, the wonderful author of Nose to Nose and proud owner of 
handsome Moritz, a therapy Berner (both of whom happen to live here in 
Montana!), just shared this with me and has given me permission to post it 
to the Berner-L list.  Enjoy!

Vicky Whitney in Bozeman, Montana



The Bernerhood

When Moritz and I were invited to sign books at Elliott Bay bookstore in 
Seattle, I decided drop a note to Coral and David Denis on Vancouver Island. 
 I told them we would like to visit Vancouver while we were on the west 
coast.  I did not know Coral - she had simply emailed me earlier, ordering a 
copy of Nose to Nose.  Her message had been so gentle and interesting that I 
felt a connection with her.  On a hunch, I thought she could suggest a 
bookstore in Vancouver that I could contact for a book signing.

A few days later I received an invitation, from Jill Weir that Moritz and I 
were welcome to stay with her and her husband Bill while we were in 
Vancouver. Coral must have asked her if she could look after us. Jill said 
she would contact a local bookstore about a book signing.  Lo and behold, a 
few days later we were invited to 32 Books in North Vancouver to give a talk 
and sign books.  Mary Trentadue, the owner, volunteered to help us with a TV 
appearance on the Fanny Kiefer/Studio 4 morning broadcast.

Imagine my surprise at all of this sudden and unforeseen help - Moritz and I 
are invited to stay in Vancouver, BC, a favorite city of mine, with people 
we never met.  This was my first clue about Berners’ little-known 
“brotherhood,” or should I say, “Bernerhood.”  Unbeknownst to me (Moritz may 
have known), we had been welcomed into the Bernerhood… a network of 
seemingly  ordinary folks with a passion for life, a keen sense of humor and 
a contagious love for their Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Within days we received further help - an invitation from Pam Thind at Pets 
1st, a specialty dog food maker, to come to their store for an open house 
and another book signing.  Later, she offered to become our Canadian 
distributor of Nose to Nose.  Then I asked an old friend at the Vancouver 
Library, Janice Douglas, if I could talk at her library about Nose to Nose 
and our pet therapy experiences. On quite short notice, Janice arranged an 
evening talk, complete with a beautiful poster.  Imagine, in no time, we had 
a full week of meetings and greetings in Vancouver.  Imagine!

A few days later, Jill emailed wanting to know what I liked to eat, what 
Moritz might need, when did I awake, did I like to hike?  I felt totally 
embraced.  I replied that I am a vegetarian. This hardly slowed her down.  
Immediately another email, wanting to know:  how vegetarian?  fish? eggs? 
cheese?  And then the clincher - she said she made fresh muesli every week.  
Muesli is one of my very favorite foods.  I told her not to worry about any 
of my other needs – homemade muesli would be such a treat, she need not do 
anymore.  Jill does not take to relaxing easily.  She is quite thorough.  
Which did I prefer, tea or coffee?  I love tea - so does Jill.  Imagine!

At this point, I pinched myself and looked to the heavens in gratitude…. and 
then to Moritz, wondering who really was in that big, beautiful fur coat and 
where was he leading me?

Our first stop in Canada was an overnight stay with Adrienne and Fred 
Hammond, Adrienne had heard we were coming to BC in the early evening and 
suggested we stay there as they lived just across the border.  She drove to 
meet us and to follow her to be sure we found our way to their home.  
Meeting the gregarious Hammonds, including their dogs Louie and Bailey, and 
being treated so graciously, I got a feeling that this whole trip was to be 
quite an experience.  We talked late into the evening.  In the morning, they 
gave us directions to our next Berner stop:  the Weirs.

We arrived mid-morning at the Weir’s on a beautiful, sunny day. Moritz sat 
at my side as we rang the doorbell.  Jill opened the door, with Flora, her 
Berner, at her side and said, “Hello, Moritz and Barry!”  Really, those few 
words say it all - Jill is friendly, energetic, welcoming and really 
appreciates Berners.  Bill, Jill’s husband, while more reserved, had a calm 
way with Moritz and soon I could see the two of them sharing a mutual 
kindness and playfulness.

Over the next few days, they prepared our meals, took us on interesting and 
scenic hikes in Lighthouse Park and along the mountains, introduced us to 
Flora’s agility class, drove us to our book signings, and generally directed 
us about Vancouver; in short, they treated us as family.  We talked, drank 
tea, laughed, played with the dogs, discussed artists and photographers, 
architecture and history.  Having now lived some number of years in rural 
Montana, I finally felt, once again, to be part of a cultural community.

On our visit to Pets1st, we were greeted throughout the day by 30 or more 
Berners, more than I have ever seen.  It was like 

Entlebuch Cattle Dog

2003-02-28 Thread Jenn Waldron
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Re: Entlebuch Cattle Dog

2003-02-28 Thread Maria Crifasi
Am I correct in thinking that the Appenzeller is a herder and barks a bit.
Anyone know what the purpose and personality of the Entlebuch is?

Maria Crifasi
Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
-- where the snow is deep, the dogs are wet and the floors are 

- Original Message -
From: Jenn Waldron [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 5:03 PM
Subject: Entlebuch Cattle Dog


Since these guys are the smallest of the Swiss Mountain dogs and Berners are
the largest.


I thought the Swissy was the largest of the Sennenhunds.

I stand corrected,  Berners are the second largest.
Thank you Amy. I'm still learning.


Jenn and Charlie









Re: is this the correct address

2003-02-28 Thread Romaineandbill
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Re: Looking for Trainer in Aurora, IL Area

2003-02-28 Thread Lindsay Gower
Hi, Terri

I am new to the List but, having had a terrier, I know all about, as you 
say, battling every step of the way. So I'm going to chime in here:

It might not be you two need training on specific commands as in making sure 
she knows that you are She Who Must Be Obeyed *in all things*.

Job Evan's A Radical Regime For Recalcitrant Rovers () has 20 specific 
steps to re-focus the dog into knowing his place in the family. Frankly, it 
helped *me* re-focus my place! Being Boss isn't always easy for me.

There is a copy of the  at http://www.amrottclub.org/.htm.

That said, I'm pleased to have found the list, I'm enjoying learning more 
and more about BMDs and I hope there is one in my future!

~*~ Lindsay


Lindsay Gower, who lives in Pleasant Hill CA
with Riley the Orange Tabby Siamese
while Denbigh rests over the Bridge

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RE: Early Neutering Linked to Osteosarcoma

2003-02-28 Thread Pat Long Paul Dangel
Vicky,

Considering that the neutered Berners tend to have a longer lifespan
than the intact Berners, both male and female, I'd still stick to the
neutering!

Pat Long ( Luther)
Berwyn PA



Re: Entlebuch Cattle Dog

2003-02-28 Thread Martha Hoverson
Here's what Gerd Ludwig has to say about the Entelbucher in his book The 
Bernese and Other Swiss Mountain Dogs, with regard to temperament:
The Entlebucher is not only a faithful watchdog and companion; over its 
long years of service as a cattle herder and drover, it's demonstrated one 
thing above all: its independence and its ability to size up a situation 
with lightning speed.  Yet, despite all its keenness and independence, it 
always likes to be near its people.  It will forgive some mistakes by an 
inexperienced trainer.  Entlebuchers are born optimists, who make sure 
there's always life in the party.  Sometimes they do it quite 
loudly,admittedly, so you shoule take pains even with puppies to be sure 
they don't learn to enjoy yapping.  An Entlebucher gets along very well with 
other animals.

Martha Hoverson and Molly
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Portland, Maine




From: Maria Crifasi [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: Maria Crifasi [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Entlebuch Cattle Dog
Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 17:17:55 -0500
Am I correct in thinking that the Appenzeller is a herder and barks a bit.
Anyone know what the purpose and personality of the Entlebuch is?
Maria Crifasi
Catoctin Mountains, Maryland
-- where the snow is deep, the dogs are wet and the floors are 
- Original Message -
From: Jenn Waldron [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 5:03 PM
Subject: Entlebuch Cattle Dog
Since these guys are the smallest of the Swiss Mountain dogs and Berners 
are
the largest.

I thought the Swissy was the largest of the Sennenhunds.

I stand corrected,  Berners are the second largest.
Thank you Amy. I'm still learning.
Jenn and Charlie









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Re: BERNER-L digest 4297

2003-02-28 Thread KSchulz2
I recently ordered and received the Chinook Breakaway collar.  My Berner boy 
was constantly tugging and pulling on my lab/dane's collar and sometimes 
removing it from her neck.  I was very scared she would be injured during 
play.  She hasn't worn a collar in months because for some reason my Berner 
thought she didn't need to wear one.  Even though they are both microchipped 
I was afraid if she was lost I would not be able to find her.  The breakaway 
collar has solved this dilemma.  When the play becomes rough(tugging, biting, 
pulling and sometimes steam rolling) her collar breaks apart and she takes 
off like the wind and leaves my berner in the dust.  The collar is available 
on-line and only costs $14.99.  A great investment so far!

Kathy Dugger
Haldol-steam roller
Sonata-speedy gonzales



Re: Collars on Dogs

2003-02-28 Thread Lucy Yogi

as the tags get caught in the vent
while he sleeps and then when he wakes  he'll have the vent grill hanging
off his neck
Been there, done that - got bonked on the head with the floor 
register.  Cessi hooked herself into the register (wintertime though - 
hogging the heat?) and being relatively calm, didn't panic, just whacked me 
in the head with it so that I would wake up and get that rotten thing *off* 
her neck.  grin

That was when she had all of her tags on her collar - I've removed the 
excess, but I still keep a single ID tag on my guys 'cause you just never 
know...  I've brought home several strays who could have been taken back 
home to Momma if they had their tags on.  (They ended up finding their 
homes, but one had to spend the night here because we found him around 
11:00pm, and it was too late to call anyone for help locating his people - 
I'd go crazy if that was me looking for one of my babies).

Jen
P.S. We have home collars, cottage collars and Collingwood collars - 
each with a local address or similar identifying home locator, and local 
phone #s.  It wouldn't do me any good if someone found my dog (for example) 
in Collingwood while we were there for the weekend and they were trying to 
call me at home.



Stevie's vet appt.

2003-02-28 Thread Karen McFarlane
Dear List,
Well we made our way to the vet today. Stevie has had kind of a rough couple
of days. Very staggery and shaky last evening, some vomiting and his spirits
seemed to be quite low.  Especially today, after a thorough exam, blood work
and chest films, they could not come up with a definitive diagnosis.  We are
going to start to reduce his steroids and he has only two more days to
finish up the discontinuance of his Phenobarb. They are questioning as to
whether he is perhaps suffering from a sort of Post-Traumatic Stress
Syndrome. They want us to increase his out going activity and try to
stimulate him more. They think that he would benefit from some other canine
company as well. He has been rather sheltered in that department for
sure. So perhaps for some short periods of time at first and we will see how
it goes. This just reinforces my decision to eventually get a companion for
Stevie, (of course I would love to have another Berner and I definitely
think that both Stevie and I have enough love and devotion to share!) but
that would be down the road a ways. So my oldest son is going to bring his
big girl over (Mika and Stevie are wonderful buddies and always have been )
I hope that this will help bring Stevie out of his funk. I hate to see him
this way after coming so far. The original vet that we first saw was there
today and was absolutely flabbergasted to see Sweet Stevie looking as good
as he is. He said, I wouldn't have bet two cents on that dogs life that
afternoon. He apologized for being so hasty in discussing euthanasia but he
felt at the time that it would be the only humane thing to do. Of course he
knew about the medical treatment that we sought out, but I told him about
the power of the List he was genuinely impressed especially when I told
him just how many people that I knew of who were pulling for Stevie and the
countless others that we didn't know about. He thoroughly and completely
pleased that I went against his suggestion, he gave us a big hug and
admitted that he was only human and like the rest of us he makes mistakes
and misjudgments. I felt better after our conversation as I had indeed felt
some animosity at the time for sure.
So if anyone has any further suggestions for my beloved boy I would welcome
them greatly. Thanks again in advance.
Big Berner Hugs and gentle Kisses
Karen and Stevie
xoxo



Terrible Day at Longlease!

2003-02-28 Thread jean cheesman
Morning started off dank and wet and reluctantly put on my wellies to go and
do the morning feeds! Three frisky muddy Berners helping me! Fed the ponies
and left Sunny and Barney behind hopeful for the missed bits, or
occasionally Andy and Arthur will toss 'em a bit of corn. Me and Sim went to
feed the sheep!

Only six sheep at the gate! My lead ewe, Hoppy, was missing. She is old
lady, she has been with me six years now and was not so young when she came
here (I lost my other original ewe, Poppy, last year!)

Went in search and found Hops under shelter of the conifers way up back of
the top meadow. I thought she was dead! Stroked her and talked to her and
her eyes fluttered! Fetched a tarpaulin and got her on it and dragged her
way down to the bottom of the meadow. Rest of my sheep by this time had
finished their feed and followed us and Hops lifted her head and did a
feeble Baa!

Got her safely to warmth and shelter and got the vet out! She is on
antibiotics, she has pneumonia, but we are not hopeful, she is very old
lady! She is in the shelter where I have lambed her in the past! For a while
I had her standing and eating and looked like she was about to lamb again.
Now she is down again! Off to go cuddle my Hops and give her another shot!

She is my lead ewe that of a morning I would come out and here distinctive
Baa! My Lady Hops that rolled Sim Puppy down the hill when he tried to get
too friendly with her lambs!

Prayers for my Hops tonight but she is a very old lady!

Sim, Sunny and Barney are very quiet!

All love,

Jean, Sunny, Sim, Barney and the Gang
X
http://www.angelfire.com/anime3/longlease/index.htm



eating poop

2003-02-28 Thread Mark Mohapp
Hi:

I have had two Berners that were poop eaters and I tried everything - the
additives - verbal reprimands, etc.  - none of those worked.

I tried adding raw meaty bones to their diet and the behavior COMPLETELY
stopped in both dogs.  (The exception being of course when one of my dogs
was caring for her pups - she did the maternal protective thing with their
poop  - lol)

Anyway - if I go a week without bones they start again.  I do not know if
anyone else has had this experience but my dogs have totally stopped - for 2
years now.

If you are not familiar with feeding raw bones - start slowly because a
dog's digestive system has to adjust.  I suggest reading Give Your Dog a
Bone   or   Raw Meaty Bones.  My one dog weaned her pups by bringing them
lamb necks -  (which were here favorite).  She did not run into their
whelping pen regurgitating dog kibble but dragged her favorite raw meaty
bones to them since they were four weeks of age.  They took to them
instinctively and naturally and I still feed them.

Just a thought.   (The premise is that raw meaty bones add a digestive
enzyme that processed dog foods are missing)  The dogs teeth are better and
never have they been sick from them.  If you make the mistake of using
marrow bones too soon your dog will get runny.

I also would NOT use cooked bones or pork.  I only feed them bones when I am
home but I have never had a problem.

Hope this helps someone.

Mark Mohapp
[EMAIL PROTECTED]



RE: Early Neutering Linked to Osteosarcoma

2003-02-28 Thread Nancy Melone
To do a risk analysis, you also need to look at the disease risks (beyond
osteosarcoma) that intact animals face (e.g., diseases of the reproductive
organs/system, maternal death due to the complications of pregnancy/birth,
various other cancers, dog fights) that sterilzed ones do not.

My money is where Pat's is -- that all considered, neutering/spaying on
average extends the life an animal.

Nancy Melone



OT-Swissie Info

2003-02-28 Thread BMDwags
Hi Everyone-

My good friend who owns a horse farm in Maryland, is in search of a reputable 
Greater Swiss Mtn Dog breeder.  She is interested in a dog who has the 
correct temperament to act as both a livestock guardian, as well as a family 
pet.  She is also interested in search  rescue dog training.  She and her 
husband have put a lot of thought into the appropriate breed for their home 
and lifestyle...and a Swissie seems to fit the bill.

Any recommendations from my Berner friends would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Jennie Hoffnagle
Glenmoore, PA



RE: los angeles area

2003-02-28 Thread Kaethy Kennedy
Kaethy Kennedy and Ginger ( a 1 year 3 month old big berner puppy )
in Los Angeles (Studio City area)
Would love to help!

 --
 From: Andrea Brin
 Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 4:47 AM
 To:   Berner-L; Berner Bones
 Cc:   Adam Brin
 Subject:  los angeles area
 
 looking for berner owned families in this area of california willing to
 help
 with a few questions about climate, berners and needs specific to the
 area.
 thanks
 andrea, woofit and chi
 
 shavertown, pa
 
 http://www.brin.org/Woofit_and_Chi/
 
 
 
 



To Berner or not to Berner??

2003-02-28 Thread Kenneth L Babcock
Greetings to all the expert Owners of Bernese Mt. Dogs!

My name is Kenny and I reciently fell in love with the BMD!  I am
seriously considering, no...no,  I mean I'd love to own a BMD!! However I
have a few concerns:
Shedding/is my home large enough/temperment/barking/and will the breed fit
into my lifestyle?

I live in a 3 floor townhome with a fenced in back yard (20' X35),
hopefully daily walks and the small yard will please the breed? Last week I
dog sitted my sisters 70Lb. Golden Retriever to experience life with a large
dog (although 20 or 30Lbs  a Berner). The first two days were difficult in
that he was heavly shedding and the hair was a nusance! However I seemed to
adjust by day three and just vacummed and brushed daily! By the end of the
week I and my family were attached to this beautiful dog. Bernie filled
our home with a special warmth and love with his laid back temperment. He is
missed, as he went home 3 days ago and my children, (3boys, 20,12,9) enjoyed
him greatly. I'm told the berners are similar in temperment to the Golden?
Finally barking, neighbors have a Sheltie and a besicon that are cronic
barkers and is quite unplesant at times! I prefer a controlled to
non-existent barker. You may ask, why not get a Golden? I just loved the
look and size of the BMD
I met a few breeders and found one I am comfertable with. I met her and her
BMD's and loved playing with all of them.
I guess I'm seeking advice or reassurance that my home and lifestyle will
accomidate a Berner.

Thanks for any possible advice!

Kenny B.



Fw: Sterling is 9 where did you get your dog?

2003-02-28 Thread bobbie hefner

Bobbie Hefner
Swiss Star Farms

[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.freeyellow.com/members8/swissstarfarms/index.html



 - Original Message -
 From: bobbie hefner [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: Jeff  Mary Chapdelaine - SnoBear berners [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 8:53 PM
 Subject: Re: Sterling is 9


  Well hello everyone,
 
  Well at least I have not fallen off the face of the earth.  Just very
busy
  with Berner public education on a daily basis and also extremely
involved
  with training my BMD America to do tracking-trailing for Carda Search
and
  Rescue.  Anyway, since this seems to be somewhat of a discussion
regarding
  me I thought maybe I should as they say.tell you the rest of the
  story.
 
  Tom and Kay Arzheimer owned a wonderful Lacey x Jackson female named
Sarah
  who was Ch Nitro What a Gas sister.  In time she was bred to my
Sterling.
  Tom and  Kay took the pick bitch puppy and I took the second pick and
was
  thrilled that I could continue on with my Lacey x Jackson lines, which
as
  everyone is aware has produced some of the most long lived Bernese.  In
 time
  Tom and Kay if everything worked out well, would get a puppy back also
 from
  Valintine.  Marge Cherry in the meantime had been visiting the litter
and
  fell in love with Valintine.  She was going through a difficult time in
 her
  life and wanted something to love and ask me if she could raise this
puppy
  for me and that she was never interested in breeding and I could have
all
  the breeding rights on her.  And soa contract was made.  I tried to
  breed her twice.  I was not concerned about her mild elbow problem as I
 knew
  the line well.  When she was still in her prime, Margie ask me if she
 could
  spay her and I said yes, by all meansas first and formost she is
your
  pet.  And thats the rest of the story.
 
  I would like to end this discussion with a heart felt reminder to
everyone
  of you who has purchased or been given a Bernese Mountain Dog.  Maybe it
 was
  years and years ago, or maybe it was just 8 weeks ago.  But there was a
  breeder who trusted you enough to allow their dog or puppy to find a
place
  in your heart.  Think back to how you got your start, your
 accomplishments,
  the joy, the love, and most of all the friends within the breed you have
  made.  And remember it was only because the breeder of your dog trusted
 you.
  No matter how times change, there is a loyality that should remain in
your
  heart.  Before you think different, stop a moment and look in your dogs
  eyes.  If you don't see, within those kind pools of dark intelligence,
how
  people should treat one another, then you have learned nothing from your
 dog
  and little from life.
 
  I got my first Bernese Mountain Dog from Mary Townsend.  Ch
Vonbreiterwegs
  Swiss Lace , Reg. therapy Dog, became the foundation bitch to Swiss Star
  Farms.  Her first daughter remains alive at almost 14.  Over the years,
 Mary
  and I had our disagreements, yet I remained always loyal to her and
  thankful.  For if it was not for her trust in me, I would never have
been
  able to accomplish what I have done in the world of dogs.  I told her
that
 a
  hundred times over the years she was alive and for that I am even more
  thankful.  So take a moment to remember who started you on the way to
 loving
  a Bernese Mountain Dog and thank that person while they are still around
 to
  hear you.
  Bobbie Hefner
  Swiss Star Farms
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  http://www.freeyellow.com/members8/swissstarfarms/index.html
  - Original Message -
  From: Jeff  Mary Chapdelaine - SnoBear berners [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 11:28 AM
  Subject: Re: Sterling is 9
 
 
It has been an honor these past 5 years to care for him,  be
  responsible
   for his
upkeep and vet care. 
  
   I think as dog owners we all accept these responsibilities willingly.
It
  is
   easier on the pocketbook though when the dog you accept from someone
is
   already an adult, has had all health certs. done, and a AKC
Championship
  in
   addition. When you took him into your home and heart did you believe
 that
  in
   addition to him coming at no cost, all his health care, dog food, and
  upkeep
   would be paid, for the rest of his life?
  
   She's my wonderful little Swiss  Miss,
   no matter her elbows.  Her litter back agreement could not be
fulfilled
 as
   it turned out she had cysts on her ovaries.  I was quite naive 7 years
 ago
   and
   would not enter into such a contract now. 
  
   Again, if the dog was given to you for nothing, in a breed where HD
and
 ED
   are almost a 40/60 chance I think you came out pretty good. No, she
 can't
   have puppies, but a lot of people pay full price for puppies with high
  hopes
   of breeding only to find out that the hips, elbows, eyes, teeth, or
 other
   things do not pass.
   If they do pass, and are 

Re: Early Neutering Linked to Osteosarcoma

2003-02-28 Thread Annes4
In a message dated 02/28/2003 3:11:13 PM Central Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

 It is not clear why spaying or neutering had an impact on cancer risk,
 but it may be related to their lower levels of sex hormones. More study is 
 needed to determine if these factors play any role in human cancer. 

Just curious how many spayed and neutered humans they will get to 
participate in such a study?  Also, how low a level of hormone becomes 
significant?  My scientific mind just wonders.

Anne Copeland, Flash,TDI/CGC (Berner, 8 1/2 yrs.)  Gypsy TDI/CGC(Rescue 
Cavalier,2 yrs.)
BMDCSEW Tracking Test Chair/Sec.
NE ILL   [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ty's memorial page: http://www.geocities.com/workingyorkie/ty.html
Gypsy's page:http://hometown.aol.com/annes4/Gypsy.html



Lobby Fund raffle .... announcement Saturday

2003-02-28 Thread TERRY ZIMMERMAN
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Re: To Berner or not to Berner??

2003-02-28 Thread Liz Steinweg Crew
- Original Message - 
Shedding/is my home large enough/temperment/barking/and will the breed fit
into my lifestyle?


Kenny -- of COURSE you'd love to have a BMD!!! Who in their right mind
wouldn't. There. Now that that's out of the way...

1.) Shedding - yes! Be prepared. We brush our dogs almost every day, but
I'll still see Berner babies rolling across the floor sometimes. And get
used to hair in everything, and I mean EVERYTHING!

2.) We are on BMD #2. We now have a house with a good-sized yard, but that
was not the case with BMD #1. Part of the time that we had him (120lb intact
male), we lived in a duplex apartment (1 floor, 916 sq ft) with a small back
yard (60' long but only 6' wide at one end and 28' wide at the other).
Actually, we had 2 dogs in that yard/home.

We walked/ran with them almost daily, and they had free access to yard 
apartment during good weather when we could leave the door open.

3.) Temperment - varies just like with people, but generally good. Both our
boys have been a bit head-strong, but they were both rescues that did not
have consistent training  discipline. Both got to be pretty laid-back with
time.

4.) Barking - neither of our boys barked much at all. In fact, even when the
annoying neighbor dogs bark, ours rarely do. We also are quite clear that
barking for no reason is unacceptable. Training goes a long way ;-)

5.) Lifestyle - I think you'll find that the lifestyles of the berner-ly
are quite varied. I think BMDs, if they get love  attention  discipline,
can fit into most lifestyles. Just don't get a BMD as a trophy and expect
it to sit quietly until you are ready to pay attention to it - they need
attention from you.

Other things... both our boys have LOVED children. They would sit/stand very
quietly while neighbor kids come up to pet them.

Best wishes in your pursuit of a BMD. I have nothing to back this up
scientifically, just my personal opinion, but I think boys are more even
tempered and easier to get along with than girls (dogs, cats, horses,
sometimes even people!)

Let us all know what you decide.

Liz Steinweg  The Crew
Blue Moon's Baloo Berry Torte Baloo
Bobby Sox (husky-x), Figaro (20+ lb Forest Cat)
Rio  Sahara (the Rat Cats)
and in loving memory of my 1st BMD - Toby (6/29/97 - 6/30/00 lost to MH)
Colorado Springs CO

http://www.csbservices.com/personal/personal.htm