Michaela,
Sorry this is so long, but I had berner on the brain thismorning . . .
Last summer Buef and I marched in a parade - he was just one yr old. At
the end of the parade route was a park where a huge picnic was set up
for the participants of the parade. Well, not all participants. No
dogs were allowed near the picnic tents so Buef and I had to stay away.
We sat near the parking lot against a tree while we waited for our ride
to pick us up. I have never been so bombed with questions as I was on
that day! Some lady even took a picture of Buef with her daughter. Our
ride was so late - we waited by that tree for an hour and a half! I was
ready to put a bag over Buef!
One great thing about having the worlds cutest dog: When Buef was a pup
(carrable size) I could take him in any public building. I would just
walk in the bank or grocery with this bundle in my arms and the entire
staff would melt! Here in the US dogs are not allowed in pubic
buildings unless they are service dogs. The only public buildings we
are allowed to go into are the vet and the pet store. I usually ask
store owners if I can bring my dog into their shop for a quick walk
about and some pets. My local hardware store allows me to do this. It
makes it very hard to socialize a dog when no one allows you to
socialize your dog.
Both dogs go to work with me - which I am very fortunate. We have a
daycare service next door and the entire group of four year olds will
line up and stretch Buef from the tip of his tail to the tip of his
nose! He will then turn about to have them stretch the others side and
in doing so knock the whole line of kids over! It is so cute!
My dogs (mostly golden retrievers) and I have always participated in
theropy work. Visiting local hospitals and nursing homes. It was not
until I became owned by a Berner that I really truely realized the
impact these dogs can have on a person. Everyone thinks pups are cute
and it does not surprise me when they google over them. But, as you
know, folks continue to google over these beautiful dogs throughout
their lives. What took me aback was the response strangers got back in
return. Unknowing strangers who commented, 'what a beautiful dog, can I
pet him', never had a clue what was in store for them. Upon the touch
of a hand Buef melts, taking the historical position on your foot. His
way with strangers is truly loving and when I first saw this magic I
realized I needed to share Buef with others.
Now, our time outside the house is spent delivering smiles! We are a
delta dog in training with high hopes for the future. We still meet
and greet strangers on the street, but the important time is the time we
spend with those who are unable to walk down the streets. :-)
--
-Denise Vickers
Michigan USA
