I've Had Better Days...

wow... it's be such a long time since I posted!! YIKES.. I know summer is busy for everyone so hopefully Aspen updates weren't missed too much(many of you are fb buddies so you are still in the know)!!

So what's Mr. Aspen been up to.. Lots of playing... lots of socializing for him and he's been doing great.  He now goes for walks on Friday's with a girl in my social work class.. lots of playing at play pals but sadly we have some not so great news to report. Aspen was diagnosed with bilateral intermediate cataracts :-(

As you can imagine we were very sad to find this news... Actually a better description would be shocked!!!  We didn't have a clue that anything was going on with his eyes and had every expectation that he would pass with flying colors.  We were just doing the required testing because we wanted to be responsible berner owners but never once thought about the results.  Aspen can catch a tennis ball, he can differentiate between balls, he can spot a rabbit or squirrel from all the way across the yard.  It turns out it's in his peripheral line of sight.  Which may even explain some of his shy and nervous behaviors.  Aspen has had his eyes check but only by a regular vet and they were not dilated which is the only explanation I can think of as to why it wasn't caught.

Ok so now what... in Aspen's situation operation would only be considered if it were to get worse. So now we wait.  He will go back to see an opthamologist to see if it has progressed.  If it gets work he will need surgery.  In the mean time I am looking into alternative medicine so we will see.  So good thoughts an prayers for Aspen!!  I will make a point to post more... promise.

We all learned a very important lesson here.. All of this testing is NOT just for dogs involved in breeding programs.. they are for dogs like yours and mine too!!

Working With Anne Nichols: A must have trainer

Aspen and I have been terribly busy the month of June... I can't believe it's almost over!! I'm going to do a little catch up and focus on the topic of training.  The first weekend in June we had a chance to work with Anne Nichols.  She has been a trainer for...I think her whole life.   She has also owned the Bernese Mountain dog since before I was even born!!  Needless to say she knows dogs.  


We first met her briefly at a dog event, then more recently we saw her do a demonstration with her 4 month old bernese mountain dog A'kash.  It was so AMAZING that such a young dog can learn so much. That is what prompted us to seek some advice from her.  Unfortunately she does not live as close as we would like but we did manage to make a session with her in June and will hopefully have a chance to do some more work with her.  Next time we will drag Ray along to get some great photos to share :-)


During our session she was able point out some things that I was doing wrong... ie grabbing for the treats too soon and giving Aspen entire sentences to process. She also gave us some ideas of games to play to help confidence build with him. She saw things in his behavior that I didn't.  She was also able to give us some good advice on health as well. For those of you that do competitive dog stuff she competes with her dogs.  Anyone looking for a trainer for any reason I suggest you give her a call or shoot her an email (ALL DOGS NEED TO BE TRAINED EVEN LITTLE WHITE ONES :-P * see pervious post on little dogs). Here is her site to get contact info http://www.becomedogsavvy.com. Honestly don't be afraid to contact her regarding health questions... she has been around the block and know tons about health issues.  There is help out there you just have to look in the right place.


She does both house calls and phone consultations for those that live too far away or just have questions.  So where ever you live she can help you problem solve.  My hope is if I get enough people together down here in Rochester we might be able to convince her to do a group class.  I think rally would be really fun!!  So if interested surely let me know... it doesn't just have to be the bernese mountain dog. She works with all dogs and all ages!!  I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday and are having fun training their dogs!!

Health update

How's Aspen do you ask... he's doing better.  We have not had one incident of tummy trouble since he was started on the Tylan and fiber in the beginning of March.  This is the longest he has ever gone without a problem.  Aspen was labeled by the University of Minnesota as having irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)/Allergies.  I do not agree with that diagnosis because no particular food change has ever caused Aspen trouble.  It was like clock work... few weeks diarrhea and two weeks better.  Although I think they are wrong, it really doesn't matter what it is exactly.  All that matters is that he is feeling better and treatment is working.

In the past month I've been able to reduce his Tylan to about twice a week 1/8 of a teaspoon.  Now I guess we just manage.  We have put him on a grain free food (taste of the wild) and he is receiving probiotics once every morning.  He gets one tablespoon of fish oil with each meal as well.

In addition to digestive problems Aspen is on Dasaquin for his joints.  I have noticed him limping a bit more lately(he did have pano as a puppy).  Mostly after he has been resting?  Which I though was quite strange. We planed on doing OFA x-rays but we wanted to wait until he is two because he would be completely grown.  However, if it keeps bothering him I think I will just go ahead and do them early.  As of late the more I think I knew about berners ... The less I actually know... sigh.  I guess that's life we live and we learn.

Thanks to all who have supported us through all of this.  We really appreciate all your support and advice :-)

 If there would be a competition for who could shake the most Aspen would win paws down.

Adventures with Aspen: First Camping Trip

Finally I am able to post pictures from our camping trip last weekend.  This was Aspen's very first camping trip.  We couldn't take him last year because of his illness.  I will post an update on Aspen's health in my next post but back to the camping trip. We had a good time but it was pretty chilly surprisingly even for a big puffy berner. I also must admit we were a little unprepared.  We brought a mat for Aspen to sleep on in the tent but we failed to bring something for him to lay on outside.  A blanket/towel was a poor choice.  If anyone Has any idea's of a water proof mat for outside I'd love to hear about it.  When it's so cold it's important to keep your dog dry.  We made it work but I think we could have been a little more dog prepared.

This is Friday when we first arrived.  Aspen and Ray are both sporting their packs.  We did chose not to have Aspen carry water in his pack but he did hike all his food, treats, poop bags to the camp site.  The remainder of the trip he just carried his treats and poop bags.  

Oh I forgot to mention we ran into another berner owner when we checked in.  Aspen had to stay in the car when we went into the check in building :-( A man came up to us and asked if that was our dog in the car. He said he also had a berner. They have 5 year old Murry who we hope to meet at play pals in June!!  Info on play pals can be found at http://www.twincitiesbmd.org/events.php.

One of the things I love about camping is food.  Aspen also enjoyed the food.  He got thoroughly spoiled this weekend... Here is Aspen eying the meal.

And yes he did get some.  We DO NOT feed him like this all the time but it's camping and having a little something that maybe isn't the best for you is okay on occasion.  He is actually on seconds here... sigh.

I was a little worried about tenting but things worked out great.  He didn't love being in the tent but when we both went in he was more then willing to join us.

Some sight seeing...

Aspen enjoying the falls in Tettegouche State Park.

Ray and Aspen enjoying the falls.

Aspen and I at the same falls.

As you can see Aspen was at ease hanging out by the water.  He was also very fearless on this trip.  Ray being more of a dare devil then me would walk out onto rocks and Aspen was right behind him.  This trip really showed us what a true working dog Aspen is.  He hiked tirelessly and was happy doing it.

Here is Aspen on the trail.  This was seconds before he decided to chase an otter!!  Aspen has awesome recall though and in mid chase he stopped and came back. Impressive I think :-)

Here was our campsite. 

Aspen begging lol  How can you say No!!!

This seems to be a favorite for people when they go up North.  So we had to follow suit and take a photo in the big chair.

Here is us packing up.  Aspen didn't have much to bring back to the car because he ate all his treats and food.

Here is our last stop before heading home.  We had a great trip and I hope you enjoy our photos.  Make sure to check out Ray's site for more photos http://starinphotography.photoshelter.com/  

STOP & ASK

This is so very important for people to remember... do not pet someone's dog without asking.  We had a slight problem with this up north.  When we were touring around Gooseberry Falls we had people coming up to Aspen and petting him without asking.

Aspen is not a fan of strangers and does not like hands reaching out for him.  I feel he is a fairly low bit risk but it's always a possibility. As a dog owner I  always try to keep that in the back of my mind.  I don't care how friendly or nice or mellow your dog is there is always a chance that your dog under the right conditions could bit someone. I know my dog pretty well and can gage the risk of allowing people to interact with him. I live with him and interact with him every day.  I am the best source of knowledge to know if it's okay for someone he doesn't know to interact with him.  I believe this is true for "most" dog owners.  It is  also important to keep in mind that dog owners bear the liability if someone grabs our dogs and they do bite.  It's disrespectful to us and maybe your bite is deserved because you didn't ask.

Because of Aspen's reaction to strangers I have chosen to not allow people to pet him.  I don't want to be at the point of him biting someone.  It is rough because EVERYONE wants to pet him. (If you get a Berner you will see what a big time attention attractors they are.)  We have people stop us all the time to learn about him. It amazes me how many people don't even know what breed he is.   So in place of being pet we have Aspen interact with them by giving a hand shake. He feels much less threatened by this form of interaction and he knows what to expect out of strangers.  He is a working dog and this gives him a job to do...  But to know this you would have to ASK!!  Sadly the only person we had ask to pet him was a young child. We as adults also need to mind our manners as well and set a good example for the kids.  This behavior reduces the risk of bites which is better for people and for dogs.  So the take home point is STOP & ASK.  Thank you!!

Adventures with Aspen: For the Love of a Stick??

As many of you know we have been working with Aspen on his "people" skills so to speak.  Well today we made a trip to the park and here is what we did...

We stopped to admire some goslings at silver lake park.  Aspen did want to go in and say hello but he refrained.  THANK GOODNESS!!

Next we stopped and played some hop scotch.  Okay fine I played it and Aspen watched.

Then we found these cute circle things :-) I'm not sure what it's for but it's cute.

And finally we went to the skate park... Aspen doesn't like strangers, he doesn't like strange riding things that make lots of noise. His reaction was very stand offish and nervous about all those loud skate boards.  He was panting heavy and was very distracted looking in every direction, but an interesting thing happened at the park.  I grabbed a stick.  You wouldn't think anything of it but my dog made a complete 180!!! His tail went up and a look came into his eyes..." give me that stick!!"  He was chasing me and playing tag-a-war.  It was short lived but it gave me a glimpse into the future.  He can do this... we can do this together. These moments are what keep us going and reminds me how much I need to look outside the box when working with him.. who would have guessed for the LOVE OF A SICK :-)

It's a Sad Day

Sometimes it's really hard to understand peoples lack of compassion... I just recently came across a new app that is called dog wars.  It's an app on your phone that allows you to virtually fight dogs.  Fighting dogs is not a game it's a very real event that many dogs face every day and in fact it's a crime!!  Any gaming company that is promoting dog fighting makes me sick!!  I emailed them asking they take the game off the market and suggested they visit a rescue.  Please please email them.  Let them know this is NOT ok!! Shame on them for trying to profit off dog fighting!!  " The web page is below...
http://bslnews.org/2011/04/22/dog-fighting-game-released-by-androidgoogle-call-to-action/
‎


"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi

About Puppy Development

I got an email with this power point presentation today and thought I would share. Anyone getting a new puppy should read this.  REALLY REALLY good info.  Also it will point out several reasons why you need a good breeder.. It's long but if you love dogs you will buzz through it... It's actually a power point given at Harvard!!  Enjoy :-)
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic188365.files/Class-7-07.ppt

Baby Aspen xoxo

Camping Trip

Once school is out and it gets a bit warmer we have planned a camping trip to Tettegouche State Park with Aspen.  We love hiking around and incidentally so does he.  What would a hiking trip be without a pack to carry poop bags, water, treats.... Here is Aspen sporting his new Palisades Pack  from REI.  It has two water blatters and plenty of space for the rest of his stuff.  One of my berner friends from the club also has this pack for one of her berners.  She said it's good :-)  She was also kind enough to send me some info on hiking with your dog and I thought I'd share a bit.  When you get your pack you need to let your dog get use to it.  Don't let the first time you put the pack on your dog be the hiking trip. Make sure that the pack fits snug but not too snug. Also any bit of weight needs to be built up to.  We will start training once the weather gets decent around herd. Might I add isn't he cute???   

We are going the we 13th, 14th and 15th of May.  This will be Aspen's very first camping trip.  We tried to go last year but it was just too warm out. That is certainly something to keep in mind when out and about in the summer... they don't do well in extreme heat.  May should be just right though... with cool nights.  He is going to be sleeping in the tent with us so wish us luck and check back for more photos of our trip!!  

Just a dog!?!?!

This isn't my quote but it's exactly how I feel....

"From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog", or
"that's a lot of money for just a dog".
They don't understand the distance traveled, the TIME spent, or the
costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my PROUDEST moments have come about with "just a dog."
 Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
If you, too, think it's "just a dog", then you will probably understand phrases like
"JUST A FRIEND", " just a sunrise", or "just a promise".
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
It's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself
and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that
gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman".
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile, because they
"just" don't understand."

-Anonymous

My "just" a dog JUST PASSED HIS OBEDIENCE CLASS!! I'M SO PROUD OF HIM!!

NOT GOOD!!!

Today like many others I was greeted as usual by my lovely berner Aspen when I got home from school. I'd only been gone maybe four hours tops.  I let him out to go potty and when we went in I was horrified!! Here lays my power cord to my computer!!  Mind you this is a live plugged in cord!!

So I guess I'm glad that I didn't end up with a berner doodle... or a cat doodle?? I'm not sure who actually did it but the signs point to Aspen (But seriously you don't know my cat!!)  Either way it was my fault!!   I'm  very lucky they are both okay and the house didn't burn down as the wire was laying on the carpet.  I have learned a valuable lesson here.. even a normally well behaved dog can make a mistake ( and I put nothing past our cat)  Learn from my mistake and pick up your stuff or crate your pets when your gone.

Below are my trouble makers... Picasso our Tabby cat and Aspen.  In addition to the cord chewing incident Picasso threw up tonight and Aspen ate it... YUCK!! Pet ownership can be down right gross but you still gotta love em.

Sleep over continued....

Inside we had fun playing with toys.  Here is Titan playing with the boomerang.

And the Orange ball...

The boys sleepy after all the playing they did.

It was tons of fun to have two berners!! I guess like they say you can't just have one :-D Although Titan had lots of fun, I think he was very happy to see his family the next day.  After Titan's departure Aspen was once again the center of our world... sigh... he is a bit spoiled and was slightly jealous when Titan was visiting.  We are going to have some work to do when we finally bring another puppy home!!

Sleep Over

Last weekend we had a guest :-) Our neighbor Titan popped over for the weekend while his family was out of town. Titan is obviously a berner and is about a month older then Aspen.  Below is a picture of the two of them.  Aspen is on the left and Titan is on the right.

Lucky for us we had some nice weather. Here is Titan and Aspen playing some ball... well Titan stopped to smile for a photo :-)

Titan also had a great time digging.  I think he is almost to China!!

I was sad I cut Aspen's nose off but look at that take off!!

Inside Titan and Picasso met.  While Titan did like to follow the kitty around and smell him, no major problems.

Berner Garde, Silvers Twisten Oliver's Story & My thoughts on Breeding.

Berner Garde

In January those of you who read this on a regular basis know that we went to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities.  At that play pals event they had a mini clinic on Berner Garde.  Berner Garde  is data base with a sort of genealogy for all Bernese Mountian Dogs.  It contains Birth and death dates,  health information, tittles, and even a spot to put a picture of you dog!!  It's very neat and is very useful when researching breeders and dogs. Although the data base is very helpful in the search for a puppy, during the meeting we learned that it is important for "just" pet dogs to enter their info.  This gives feedback to the breeder as well as future puppy buyers of the kinds of puppies being produced.

Silvers Twisten Oliver

After attending the clinic we entered Aspen into Berner Garde data base and started searching. If you want to look him up his BG# is 77808.  I was very surprised to see Aspen's family even on the data base. I found some birth dates but not much else.  One of Aspen's sisters can be found but no information on the owner.  I kept searching until I ran across Aspen's great grandfather Silvers Twisten Oliver.  There was a birth date, death date and health information.  In the space provided for rescues was BARC. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened with him? Why was he in a rescue?

I was unable to contact the person who had rescued him initially because his info was not available on the BG site (you have the option to remove your contact info from the public).  I then decided to googled the original owner of the dog.  He was no where to be found. At this point I decided to contacted the owners of Aspen's grandmother Sharon's Mellow Marla (Oliver's daughter). The individuals that owned Aspen's grandmother were very reluctant to tell me anything about the dog other then she retired in 2008.  They wouldn't even tell me if she was alive.  They continued to be very defensive with questions.   I'd hit a road block.  I wasn't sure if  Berner Garde operators would give out the rescuers info, so I requested that they give him my email, but it turned out that they were able to give me his email address we got in contact.  He was able to answer all my questions and told me Oliver's story.

Oliver was rescued in 2006 with another berner named Sammy from a horrible place!  He and the other dog were the last of the breeders berners and had been placed in a news paper add for sale.   When some people went out to the farm to look at the dogs they saw who they think to be Aspen's grandfather carrying the jaw of another dog!!  The breeder explained that the other dog had been killed by coyotes but even so he left the dog out there for the others to eat.  Sammy the other dog was only about 43lbs!! After seeing the conditions they contacted the Rescue and both dogs were removed. Sadly Oliver died only one month after being rescued at the age of about 5 with some sort of cancer :-( For only a month Oliver knew what it was like to live in a home.  He was a stud dog his entire life and that was pretty much it.  He never got to go for car rides, snuggle on the couch, play tug-a-war, chase a ball, go to the park, get treats... it's sad.  Sammy went on to move to CA and lived there 4 years a very happy dog.  He died at the age of 11.

Breeding Programs

While I cringe at the thought of supporting what I would consider a puppy mill, I am so very thankful we got Aspen out of there.  Maybe it's a little bit of fate that I didn't do what I was suppose to? I truly think that Aspen and I were ment to find one another.  While I will never go down that road again Aspen was a once in a life time find!  He has taught me so much about dogs, life, and even myself. He is our best friend who is loved and adored everyday.

As for our future puppy I have some new ideas about breeding now and have picked up some pretty strict rules.  

#1 I will not buy a puppy from someone that does it for a source of income.  It's is impossible for the goal of making money not to interfere with the breeding program.  Think about it more puppies more money regardless of how thoughtful they are in selecting mating pairs.

#2 They must have all their dogs on Berner Garde and have up to date info.  This way I can do my own homework.

#3 The breeder must have ALL health clearances done and I want to see hips, elbows, eyes, heart, thyroid, DM, VWB.- I think that's all of them.

#4 They must be active in BMDCA.  They hold breeders up to certain standards.

#5 They also must be active in show.  I know sometimes dog shows seem sort of "snobby". Some people at the shows are but it cannot be argued that they are looking for evaluation on their dogs.  Evaluation so that they can maintain or even make a better dog.

#6 I want a breeder that is also involved in rescue.  

#7 They must truly love their dogs. Meaning never ever getting rid of an adult dog after retirement. I want a breeder who has a bond and attachment to their dogs.  The way they want me to bond and attach to their puppy. I want our next dog from a long line of dogs getting rides in the car, playing tug-a-war, sleeping on the couch, playing ball, going for walks, and being loved... What about you?

I value ALL of these things because I LOVE the Bernese Mountain Dogs.  I want breeders to produce a better long lived Berner.  This said even if I found the most perfect breeder in the world... things can still go wrong and your dog can still get sick :-(  In life there is no certainties, but I do believe that carful breeding can improve the odds.  The point of all this is that we want to be educated buyers and we want to support the health and longevity of the breed. After all isn't that why we have pure bred dog in the first place? 

NEWS: Random post about what's going on here with the Big Paw Berner

I haven't posted anything specifically about Aspen as of late so I thought I would update.  Last weekend we had more tummy trouble and on Sunday night Aspen was NOT himself at all.  Ray and I decided "this is it!!" we are going to take him to the University of Minnesota!  We wanted to get to the bottom of this once and for all.

So lucky for us we got in Tuesday.  Being a paramedic and the fact that I live about 7 miles from the world renowned Mayo clinic I had this expectation for greatness!  I expected a team that would collaborate and figure this out.  That my dog was going to be the focus of some intense medical care. I was sadly disappointed :-(

No super team came in to see Aspen just a 4 year vet student and a resident. I was told management was the best option.  Something I'd been told before by other vets.  Seriously?? This was a very expensive visit to yet again leave without answers. 

On a side bar it reminds me of the time we thought Aspen was bloating.  Last summer Aspen started wretching. I can't think of anything else to describe it other then wretching. He really didn't have any clinical signs of being uncomfortable other then the wretching (violent coughing is maybe more descriptive). He did it maybe 3-4 times intermittently and we were off to the ER.  We called them in rout.  By the time we got there he had stopped. We brought him in and they gave him a can of dog food.  The vet had no idea why he did it.  I had a horrible time writing a $112 dollar check for a can of dog food.. If you can't tell I fall under the category of over protective dog parents apparently!!

Ok sorry back to the U..They did say that they may in fact be able to figure out what is causing Aspen's problems but are unenthusiastic that it would change treatment. For them to biopsy it would require putting him out and I do not feel that would be in his best interest at this point. 

In positive news they did a complete blood cell count and chemistry profile and everything came back great.  He is not losing weight at all. We put him on an antibiotic(Tylosin 625mg x2), Psyllium Fiber (2 table spoons per day), Fish oil, Probios (probiotic x1). That has helped and his tummy trouble has stopped. So we will see.  Our new vet had also suggested synacore digestive support.  She recently went to a conference and it had been suggested.  It has promising research to back it up but it's very new.  I'm going to do some of my own research and see if that is something we want to consider.  That is all the news on Aspen's tummy trouble.

In fun news we just got back from play pals Allignment park.  Aspen had a blast of course running and chasing all the other dogs :-) He also made some attempts at making friends with some non dog club members which is always precious to us!! Sorry about the lack of pictures ... I for got my camera in the car :-(

Stay tunned for more posts regarding Berner Garde-Silvers Oliver twists story, Clicker Training updates, and the big sleep over with Aspen's BFF Titan this weekend. 

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend... !!

Click it or Ticket!!

Question... if seat belts are required for people why not dogs? Are we only willing to protect people in cars??


Sorry to all those folks out there who don't want to restrain the their dog but it REALLY should be the law!! Before I get on my soap box I have to admit Aspen was riding around loose in the car for most of his life... whoops!  As a paramedic I know better!!  I know seat belts save lives... I've seen it!! 


In an accident I promise you your dog will fly no different then you would if you weren't restrained.  I'm not saying this to be mean.. I'm saying this to save your dogs or possibly your life... I was watching Judge Alex (Sad I know but cable offers little entertainment...argh!) anyways, the case was about this little white dog that ran out into the street in front a car ( I was like I KNEW IT... see previous post!!).  Lucky for the dog he escaped unharmed.  The driver also had a large boxer in their car.  When they slammed on the breaks the dog launched into the windshield.  Lucky for the boxer he was also uninjured.  The family was suing for the replacement of the windshield.  Which they did get because the owner of the little white dog was not following the leash law... but at the same time what if the boxer had been restrained?  Im in NO WAY trying to defend someone who doesn't have control over their dog but seriously do you really have any control in the car?  


The two main types of restraints are the crate or the Kennel. I also think they have like a booster car seat for smaller dogs. I haven't looked a great deal into the others so I'll leave it up to you to search for options, but for Aspen we chose the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness from REI. Aspen fits into a large.  We have a car so it really was the most economical way to go($30). There is a small loop that attaches the the seat belt, a hook is on the other end and that clips to the harness.  The harness has a padded front to provide protection if we were to have an accident. 


 The harness is so easy to put on... Seconds seriously!!  It goes over the head and has two buckles. A very nice feature for us is that Aspen LOVES to be walked on a harness.  We unclip him from the car loop and onto a leash.. off we go.  Honestly we use it all the time not only for car stuff because it is so functional!! 


So I ask everyone to  PLEASE restrain your dog when riding in your car.  Would you take off with your kids out of a car seat? I hope not.  Treat dogs like the family members that they are :-)


Here is Aspen sporting his new digs!

You can sort of see the construction of the harness here (sorry I'm not the photographer Ray is ugh!!)  the top loop goes over his head then under and two buckles.  Simple  :-)

K9 10 Commandments

I didn't write this but I really feel it is something that needs to be shared.  So think about these before you get a Berner or any dog for that matter... 

1. My life is likely to last 10 – 15 years (more like 7-10 for a berner). Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as a punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entrainment, but I only have you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice and tone when you speak to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9.Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.

10. On the ultimate journey go with me please. Never say you cant bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier if you are there because I love you so.

Shocked Amazed... Who could ask for more? Happy valentines day!!

We had the most fantastic weekend!!  Guess what we did??  We went to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities. I honestly couldn't think of a better weekend then hang out with my dog and other peoples. Yep I'm a crazy dog lady and I won't deny it :-)

We learned about Berner Garde. For those that don't know about Berner Garde, it is an online data base that breeders and pet owners can place health information about dogs.   At the clinic we learned about how important it is not just for breeders to enter information, but also the pet owners(even if you never show your dog put in the info).  It gives feedback to your breeder about the kind of dogs they are producing and gives future buyers information about the kind of dogs your breeder is producing.  This feedback is ensuring a better future for the Bernese!! Please please do it.  It takes like 15-20 minutes.

At the meeting I also saw a demonstration of the most trained puppy in the world.. this puppy was AMAZING showing off his competitive obedience skills (his age was like 4-5 months old I'm guessing.. it was crazy!!).  But the thing that impressed me most was not that puppy but my own!! Aspen was a different dog... He was playing and romping and yes letting people pet him!!!!!  Why now? Why here?  WHO CARES!!  I was watching this presentation and Aspen is laying on his SIDE by my feet!!  I was in heaven.. seriously!!

HUGE HUGE HUGE THANKS TO THOSE THIS WEEKEND!!  It meant the world to me!!  I talked to a lady ( I'm bad with names but I will learn her name next time) who did rescue. She shared her story of her rescue dog that took a very long time to get socialized and today this dog was wagging its tail and begging for pets!! I LOVE IT!!   I can't wait until play pals in March!!

In addition we stopped at CupCake YUMMMM!!  No Aspen didn't get one :-(

Photo taken by Ray of course.

This is him riding in the back like he always does.  We did get him a seat belt at REI that day too.

Thanks for Reading HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

"Your My Best Friend"

This Song describes Aspen to the T :-)  I think we can all think of a certain song that reminds us of our pet.. Aspen's happens to be Queen!!  So crank your radio and enjoy few photos of our Big Paw Berner




"Ooh, you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It's you, you're all I see
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

Oh, you're the best friend
That I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine
And I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
(Ooh) Oh, you're my best friend
Ooh, you make me live

Ooh, I've been wandering round
But I still come back to you (still come back to you)
In rain or shine
You've stood by me  
I'm happy at home (happy at home)
You're my best friend

Ooh, you make me live

 Whenever this world is cruel to me
I got you, to help me forgive - oo oo ooh
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

Oh, you're the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one
And I love the things
I really love the things that you do
Oh, you're my best friend

Oh, ooh, you make me live

I'm happy (happy at home)
You're my best friend
Oh, oh, you're my best friend
Ooh, you make me live
Oo oo ooh
You, you're my best friend"

~ Queen

The problem with little dogs..

I really like all dogs but I don't particularly care for small dog owners.  Here's why... people who get small dogs get them for a reason.  They don't want pet ownership to be work. NEWS FOR THOSE FOLKS IT DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!!   I have found there is a major lack in training with smaller breed dogs!!  Just because your dog is small does not mean it doesn't need manners.

For example, Aspen and I were on our way to his grooming apt.  I had a paper due that day so we were going to be exactly one time.  As I pulled out of the drive way a small white dog darted out of the drive way next to ours and began chasing my car.  Half way up the culdesac I put my car in park.. I couldn't see him and I really didn't want to run him over.  When I got out our neighbor slowly walked out.  When she tried to pick him up he would run away and continue to bark.  She told me oh he is so cute!! Then she laughs at his several attempts to get away.  I thought to myself WHAT??  This is NOT cute it's very annoying/hazardous and now because we had to stop to avoid running him over I am inconvenienced with being late.   I told her several times I was very afraid I was going to run her dog over but I just got the impression that it went in one ear and out the other... sigh!!

A dog that is not reliable to be off leash is dangerous plain and simple.  It's almost worse for the smaller dogs because you can't see them.  Imagine if I had accidently run him over I would have felt awful!!  I would have felt awful because of someone else's carelessness with their dog.  This has to stop!!  People with little dogs get out their and train your dogs and if you dog is no reliable get a fence!

Above is Aspen's cousin Kirby( a half pomeranian half poodle)  I give my sister a hard time about getting a little dog but he is very nicely trained for a puppy :-)