Dear Kenny, I am a very novice Berner parent so my note will be not nearly as informative as others. The only advice that I can give you is to listen intently to the experts on this List. They are indeed a wealth of knowledge, love and support for Berner admirers and adoptees. Without them I would not have survived, that I am very sure. I have a one year old beloved boy, Stevie, who is the love of my life. Just be prepared to have your heart stolen, and believe me it doesn't happen quietly or subtly, it is just Wham and you are hooked. Along with that though, you may be called upon to make gut-wrenching decisions when your dogs health or well being is concerned. Because of the all encompassing love for these gentle giants, decisions are difficult at best, whether they involve illness, accident or freakish acts of Nature. With that said, I wouldn't trade one second of the unconditional love that is returned to me 100 fold each and every day. I hope, if you make the decision to search for a Berner, that you are as happy with your choice as I am. It is a fabulous ride. Enjoy it. Oh just one more thing, the hair. I send a disclaimer out with everything and anything that leaves my house!!I wish you well. Karen and Stevie NB, Canada ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kenneth L Babcock" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 11:11 PM Subject: To Berner or not to Berner??
> 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. > >
