"...but no they got a pup out of a Pet Store. ARGGGGGGGG." How timely, one of my best friends (of many years) just last night emailed me a picture of her new pup, an American Eskimo they bought from a petstore, & I've been thinking the same thing. Everytime she mentioned wanting a dog I told her about puppy mills, responsible breeder criteria, rescues, health clearances, etc.
Now I know how so many parents feel when their kids run amok. . . "where did I go wrong?" And to add something Berner-related; I would highly recommend to anyone out there who is considering getting a Berner, go visit your local club. We've been to about half a dozen shows, and had the good fortune to meet some very nice people & dogs, but going to the Twin Cities BMD club meeting was pure joy. Literally about a ton of happy dogs running around, sitting on your feet, leaning into you, rolling over to be pet - my husband & I still occasionally talk about how much fun that was, and that meeting was a few months ago :-) Great people too - everyone was very nice & willing to introduce their dog(s) and answer questions. A big (and overdue) thank you to the members of that club for making us feel so welcome! Tami K-Baker St. Paul, Minnesota