Re: Fun and Games and a Brag
That's an accomplishment worth congratulations!! I heartily second Mary-Ann's point that there is nothing like the relationship you build with a Berner by giving them jobs. The training you and your Berner do together builds an understanding that is almost beyond description. From the second VCD2 to the newest, Job Well Done. Dunbar (VCD2, UD, DD, JHD, CGC) is rejoicing from the Rainbow Bridge and cheering all you working dogs. Marjie
Fun and Games and a Brag
I know that Joye is beginning a new way to bestow donations -- lavish donations or whatever the new term is -- so I wanted to start with some news for which I will lavishly bestow a donation :) First, I want to tell all of you who do not participate in performance events with your wonderful working dogs that you are really missing out on a most wonderful part of owning a berner. There is simply no way to describe the difference in the relationship with a dog when you have that partnership that performance events requires. And to see the confidence and joy that a berner has when she is doing something she is good at and enjoys -- WOW. My dogs let me know over and over that I am giving them a gift by training and competing with them -- they absolutely love it :) Today my wonderful Abra earned her OAJ (open level jumpers agility title) making her one of the very few berners to have earned the AKC's Versatile Companion Dog 2 (VCD2) title. To earn this title, a dog has to have a TD, CDX and both open level agility titles from either the regular or preferred classes. So Abra is now CH Pinnacle's East of Eden, VCD 2, DD, CGC -- not bad for a dog having a heck of a lot of fun ;) Mary-Ann Bowman Emma, CDX, DD (retired) CH Abra, VCD2, DD, CGC Maize, VCD1, DD, CGC Halo, TD (puppy)
Re: Fun and Games and a Brag
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS, Mary-Ann - that is quite an accomplishment for you and Abra!!! I am very impressed with Abra's new title. I thoroughly agree with you that you get a whole different level of interation with your dog when you train and work together. Winston and I spent a great deal of time working together and we had a strong, loving bond that we both enjoyed. I'm hoping to achieve that same bond with Nicky as we work on obedience now and later on drafting and conformation. Spend time with your Berner each day doing something together - it will pay off for both of you!! Now...as far as that brag!!! WONDERFUL!!! Any time we are having a fundraiser, you can pay your Brag Money to the fundraiser - you get an added bonus to your brag - you might win some very nice Berner items!! I hope you are all gettting excited...because the fundraiser will be launched, hopefully by tomorrow evening. Joye Neff and Nick (and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
