The Alpenhorn Fall 2021

THE ALPENHORN

ISSN 1946-2255

© 2021 Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America

Acting Editor-in-Chief

Georgeann Reeve

Advertising Sales and Design

Beth Schmoyer

Content Team

Stephanie Biksacky Mary-Ann Bowman, Ph.D.

Jennifer Brightbill Robin Hamme

Debra Jones Dee McDuffee

Renee Meriaux Ruth Nielsen

Georgeann Reeve Stacy Slade

Susan Van Ocker

Contributing Photographers

Eileen Blass Laura Carnes

Patty Gill Lisa Kaufman

Ruth Nielsen Sue Van Ocker

Beth Schmoyer

Production Manager

Vacant

Editorial Assistants

Beth Brookhouse Tina Brooks

Robin Hamme

Adrienne Lee

Joye Neff Melissa Olson

Lara Usilton Suzy Weibel

Magazine Design

Lin Teasley, Cottonwood Graphics

Printer

Modern Litho, Jefferson City, MO

Business Manager

Joye Neff, joye.neff@gmail.com

All content herein reflects the views of the authors or committees who prepared it and does not necessarily represent the official position of the BMDCA, the Editors, or staff. Publication of advertising does not imply endorsement by the BMDCA or the Editors. Neither the BMDCA nor its committees nor the individual authors make any warranties, expressed or implied, nor representations of correctness of any content including, but not limited to, methods of diagnosis or recommendations of treatment. None of the articles or information provided is in any way a substitute for appropriate professional veterinary medical care and treatment for your dog. The Editors reserve the right to edit or refuse material. The Alpenhorn publishing decisions are subject to the discretion of The Alpenhorn staff and BMDCA Board. We do not accept anonymous editorial or advertising submissions. No portion of the magazine may be reprinted without prior written permission of the Editors and proper credit to The Alpenhorn

New BMDCA Members

BY ANDREA BRACIKOWSKI, MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS CHAIR

NEW MEMBERS APPROVED JULY — SEPTEMBER 2021

Jolene Clemmons Bismarck, ND

Lauren Evans

Concord, ND

Melissa Foster Laguna Beach, CA

Elizabeth Malcolmson Rockport, MA

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BMDC OF THE GREATER TWIN CITIES. Photo by Rick Brian (Story on p. 14.)

editor's corner

WHILE FALL SEASON is officially upon us, the hot and unseasonal weather is not in sync with the calendar. The change from summer to fall has many dealing with extreme weather, either from fire, floods, or high winds. As many of our members have been affected by these types of events, we offer a firsthand account from Ruth Nielsen of Washington State, whose home was sandwiched between two wildfires forcing Ruth, her husband, and their three dogs to evacuate.

Our Regional Club Spotlight features the BMDC of the Greater Twin Lakes Cities and provides insights into their club’s history, events, and their highly successful member recruitment results. From The Archives, we take a peek into the development of the AKC BMD Standard in 1979 with familiar voices from the past. Digging deep into the archives, we compiled a comprehensive list of our committee chairs through the years for your review and feedback.

Our Health Committee begins a three-part review of the AKC CHF Health Conference, held virtually this year due to COVID concerns. We will include parts two and three in the Winter and Spring 2022 Issues, respectively. Anne Creek and Alice Clark share their Holistic Treatments for Cancer for their Berners, and we provide an article on "Smoke Inhalation and Dogs" from Whole Dog Journal Andrea Carlson provides a summary of the use of Essential Oils for Bernese.

Our column, The Book Berners, pr ovides a review of an interesting perspective on Big Kibble and its impact on our dog’s food. New in this issue is a fun crossword puzzle to test your general BMDCA and Bernese knowledge.

Finally, we welcome Lara Usilton who will take the Editor-in-Chief reins beginning with The Alpenhorn 2022 Winter Issue.

— Geo rgeann Reeve

BLADE

BISS GCH INDIAN HILL'S FORGED IN FIRE V FULL MOON TKN

BG# 143335

BLADE EARNED HIS Championship and Grand Championship quickly and won BOB at the GCSBMDC Specialty his first show out as a special! He is loved by Gail Buchanan and Jim Smalley in WA State and loves hanging out on the beach and amongst their special car collection, which includes this rare 1955 Austin Healy 100S. With only 37 of this model documented in the world, Blade was excited to show off his own awesome breed type together with his 'Best in Show' and European sports car! — Stacey Slade

2021 BMDCA Yearbook Submissions

ENTRIES OPEN: December 1, 2021

DEADLINE IS: April 18, 2022

TO UPLOAD ENTRIES, PLEASE GO TO: bmdcayearbook.org/

DON’TMISSOUT!

QUESTIONS: bmdcayearbook@gmail.com

Cover photo and photo at left by Lisa K. Kaufman.

BMDCA REGIONAL CLUB SPOTLIGHT

BMDC of the Greater Twin Cities

BY JULIE LATTERELL

ORIGINALLY KNOWN IN 1988 as the “Upper Mississippi Valley Berner’s Club,” the name was changed in 1989 to “Boundary Waters Berners,” and then finally changed in 1992 to the current name, “Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities” (BMDCGTC). Our Club started with a small handful of devoted Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD) owners when an informal meeting of local BMD owners took place on March 27, 1988. The Club’s first fun match was held in June of that year. There were five Berners entered in Obedience and thirteen BMDs entered in the conformation fun match (four dogs and nine bitches). The nomination and election of the first Club officers were also held in June 1988.

The fledgling Club published the first Issue of the newsletter, Boundary Berner News in the summer of 1988. An early Club membership roster from 1991-1992 shows a membership of 15 households that owned 21 Berners. They were a dedicated and ambitious group! The Club was recognized by the BMDCA in 1991 and became an AKC licensed Club in 2013. The Club held its first BMDCA Draft Test in 2005 and the first Regional Specialty in 2007.

This year the Club is 32 years old and is proud to serve BMDs and their owners who live in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota. From its small but mighty beginning, the Club has grown to nearly 50 member households. We are fortunate to have a number of early Club members who are still active in the Club today.

The BMDCGTC today has an elected Board of Directors, which includes a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to five Board members. All positions are elected to serve by the membership.

Education, promoting the pure-bred BMD, breed health, and promoting participation in AKC events have been the guiding tenets of the Club since its inception. Due to the increased popularity of the breed in recent years, the Club has focused on engaging companion dog owners. Through our outreach efforts over the last one to two years, we have increased our Club membership by nearly 50%! While this has increased our membership roster, our focus and goal are to engage our newest members and help educate them about responsible BMD ownership along the way.

To further our mission of promoting the health and well-being of the breed we have had a rescue presence since a November 1990 Board meeting created a Rescue Task Force. This Task Force later became an actual committee which has been led by only a small handful of dedicated Berner lovers over the years. Our current rescue chair and current Club President, Coleen Carroll, has served in this role for over 20 years.

Our Club also has a Wag-A-Wish Fund that provides financial help to full BMDCGTC members in good standing, as defined by

the Club by-laws, who are faced with extraordinary veterinary costs for unexpected care of their Bernese Mountain Dog (subject

TOP: Club event at St. Paul Winter Carnival. MIDDLE: Club meeting — Bauhaus local craft brewery — June 2021. BOTTOM: Winterfest Annual Meeting December 2020.

Photos by Rick Brian.

to eligibility guidelines). This is a unique Club-member benefit that, pre-COVID, was supported by an annual fundraiser that included live and silent auction items donated by generous Berner-lovers.

Most Club functions and events take place in and around the Twin Cities metro area. These events have historically been a mix of education, and fun. As stated previously, our recent member outreach efforts have focused on engaging pet owners. We have worked diligently to meet them where they are, which has meant holding numerous Club meetings at local dog-friendly craft breweries or hosting informal social gatherings in and around the Twin Cities metro area.

THE FORMAL EVENTS WE HOLD A NNUALLY ARE:

• AUGUST - Regional Specialty show held in conjunction with the St. Croix Valley Kennel Club three-day All-Breed show cluster and a one-day Northstar Working Group show.

• SEPTEMBER — Responsible Dog Owner Day

• OCTOBER — BMDC A Draft Test

• DECEMBER — Winterfest, which is also our Annual Meeting

OTHER CLUB-SPONSORED EVENTS THAT WE HAVE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YE ARS INCLUDE:

• Canine Movement Seminars

• Health and Wellness Day that includes health testing

• Introduction to Perfor mance Events

• Awards Banquet

• Draft Clinics

• Grooming Seminars

• How to Photograph your Berner

• Dessert Auction Fundraisers

• Fun Matches

• Club-member camp outs

The Club would not be in existence today without the work of generous volunteers who have spanned our 32-year history. These volunteers not only help plan and volunteer at our Club events/meetings, and keep our website updated, but they also help us publish our newsletter, which is published about four times a year.

In 2019, the BMDCGTC was proud to be a part of the 3-Club consortium that hosted the BMDCA National

Specialty, which was held for the first time in the northern lakes region and home territory of Minnesota!

If you are interested in learning more about our Club or are interested in joining the BMDCGTC please visit our website at twinci tiesbmd.org!

About the Author: Julie Latterell has been a member of the Club for nearly 20 years. She currently is a board member and publishes the Club newsletter. She has also served as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Regional Specialty Show Chair, and Draft Test Co-Chair. Julie has also served as the BMDC A President.

A Note From the BMDCGTC President:

WE APPRECIATE THE opportunity to highlight the BMD Club of the Greater Twin Cities! Thank you to the BMDCA and The Alpenhorn team for the invitation to celebrate the benefits of belonging to regional BMD Clubs.

On behalf of the BMDCGTC, I would like to thank both current and past board members, volunteers, and Club members for their engagement and involvement. The love and devotion to this breed is what guides the BMDCGTC today, and it is a common thread that has guided the Club since it’s establishment. Our membership recently did a major overhaul of our website, approved a revision of our By-laws, and is currently involved in reviewing our Breeder Referral Program guidelines. We welcome you to visit our updated website www.twinci tiesbmd.org.

We have a small but mighty group of volunteers who do a great job putting on events for more involved and engaged Berner owners, as well as for those who are new to the breed or trying to decide if the breed is a right fit for their family.

It’s an honor to represent the BMD Club of the Greater Twin Cities. On behalf of our membership and our Board, we are grateful for the opportunity to tell you about our Club!

Bernerly, Coleen Carroll BMDCGTC President

Ask a Draft Judge!

BY KAREN PETERSEN, SARA STEELE, BARRY SOLOMON, ALISON JASKIEWICZ, RUTH NIELSEN, AND CHRISTINE MANN

DRAFT JUDGES ARE often asked for training advice, and we are always happy to help! We’ve collected some of the more common questions we get from new handlers and those with more experience alike. We hope the information provided below will help you in your training and ring adventures!

How do I adjust and fit equipment properly on my dog?

KAREN PETERSEN: A certain order of adjustments can make this seemingly knotty problem with endless complications much simpler. It’s important to adjust both the cart itself as well as the harness so that all equipment works properly for the dog, without impeding forward motion, turns, and pulling loads safely on inclines and declines.

• Shafts should be parallel to the ground and only slightly wider than the dog, with shaft ends at, or slightly in front of, the shoulder points. For BMDs the shaft width is typically 13-14 inches. This is the dog’s steering mechanism, so try not to give them a loose steering wheel while still having enough room so that the dog can lie down comfortably while hitched. Shafts that are too far forward can be a visual barrier to the dog while turning, as well as a physical impediment to rotation of the front end. Shafts that are too far back allow the shaft ends to poke into the dog’s shoulders when they turn—this can be painful and aversive. Shafts should ideally end

Alice Clark's Dash (BG# 62678) executing a perfect down stay. Photo by Ruth Nielsen.

at or slightly in front of the dog’s shoulder points. Make sure the shafts are of sufficient length that the dog’s rear and tail never contact the front of the cart or single tree. This is most noticeable when going downhill.

• Brakes on the shaft should be positioned so that the strap to which the harness loops are attached (through which the shafts pass) is perpendicular to the ground. The brakes should not push the forward chest strap forward or backwards at an angle. The traces should be slightly taut, but still allow for about an inch of forward movement of the harness loops on the shaft. If the traces are too long, the shaft loops can pop off the ends of the shafts. The chest strap should be snug—but not tight—around the rib cage without riding up under the dog’s armpits. It should wrap smoothly around the body, from the attachments at the center or slightly behind the shoulder blades. The brakes keep the cart from riding up on the dog on a downhill or fast stop. Maladjusted brakes or too loose harnesses can be a safety hazard, especially if the cart is loaded with cargo or going downhill.

The traces should be slightly taut, but still allow for about an inch of forward movement of the harness loops on the shaft.

If the traces are too long, the shaft loops can pop off the ends of the shafts.

— Peterson

• The chest strap and shaft loops should be snug enough that the cart doesn’t wiggle or sway as

the dog walks or jogs. Do not overtighten, as this can cause discomfort for the dog when sitting or lying down while hooked to the cart.

• Adjust the length of the traces last, once the harness is properly fitted to the shafts and brakes. Traces should be slightly taut; not so tight that it is a struggle to attach them to the harness rings, and not so loose that a visible U-shape is present when the dog is standing or moving. Loose traces allow the dog to pull too far forward on the shafts, away from the brakes (not safe) and possibly all the way off the shaft itself, causing equipment failure. If the traces are too tight, it impedes the dog’s ability to use its body and legs appropriately to adjust to turns, inclines/ declines, and freight weight.

• Empty as well as loaded carts should be balanced over the axle so that the shafts (when parallel to the ground) do not push down very much or pull up on the shaft loops. A small amount of tongue weight (a pound or two as felt at the tip of the shafts) helps to keep the shafts from excess movement.

My

SARA STEELE: The Moving StandStay (Halt) should be mastered before the dog is ever hitched to the cart. Hitching the dog to the cart too early will confound the issue, as the cart, during halts, has forward momentum. The dog must have a firm

and confident Halt in order to tolerate the possible forward nudging by the cart. The instructions below focus on the Stand-Stay first—once the dog is consistently stopping on command, then the handler can ask for a sit or down depending on the exercise and/or circumstances. If the handler chooses to train the dog to do a Sit or a Down following the Halt, the handler should not do so until after the dog has mastered the Halt itself.

The dog is being asked to do two things in a Halt: a Stand and a Stay. And, furthermore, the two things must be done simultaneously, and together they are called a StandStay or more accurately, a Moving Stand-Stay, because it is done while the dog is in motion. It is a very dynamic action — in one moment the dog is moving along the path and in the next moment it has stopped, in a stand. At least, that is what the handler hopes the dog will be doing!

In order to achieve a smart and prompt Moving Stand Stay, the handler should simultaneously give both a hand signal and a verbal command.

— Steele

In order to achieve a smart and prompt Moving Stand-Stay, the handler should simultaneously give both a hand signal and a verbal command. The hand signal can be done with either the left or the right arm. The verbal command can be most anything, but a single syllable word is the fastest and most demonstrative. Words like “Stop,” “Whoa,” “Ho,” “Bleib,” would suffice. The word “Halt” should be avoided as that is what the judge will be saying,

dog always takes a few steps before stopping and I have to give him multiple commands. How do I train consistent solid halts?

and one does not want one’s dog responding to the judge’s orders.

There are three steps to teaching the dog the Moving Stand-Stay. In each case, of course, the handler halts wi th the dog.

1) While moving, the handler should call out the command while simultaneously giving the hand signal. The palm of the hand should be facing the dog’s muzzle and have food in it. As the command and signal are given, the treat can be stuffed gently into the dog’s mouth. The handler may wish to repeat this step several times to get the point across to the dog.

2) Everything is done just the same as in Step 1 except that, this time, the palm of the hand should be empty. The handler must take care not to touch the dog or move the arm in what might be construed

by the dog as a threatening manner. If this is successful, and the dog stops smartly, then the step should be repeated a few times to reinforce the successful behaviour.

3) Should the dog fail to stop promptly with Step 2, then the empty hand should give a gentle tap on the nose. This step should bring success in one or two tries, because most dogs are not particularly fond of having their noses touched. If Step 3 works, the handler may go back to Step 2.

Step 2 will be the way it is done in the ring. Now and then the handler may need to refresh Step 3, but dogs seem to have a pretty firm memory on the nose-touching thing. Teamwork and control are essential here, because, if they are not, the dog may get out ahead of the handler and be unable to see the hand signal.

The skill learned here will also be very helpful for handlers wishing to do Advanced Obedience and/or Rally.

How do I teach my dog to back up without body blocking/body pressure? Is it better to have them back up from the front or the side (heel position)?

BARRY SOLOMON: The backing exercise can be a tough one to master. In terms of training for backing, if your dog can’t back without the cart, they certainly won’t do it with the cart. Start your training with your dog in a somewhat confined area, sideways against a wall such as in a long hallway, or between a couch and a coffee table. There is a tendency for dogs to want to sit rather than back, so it is important to use your training treats correctly. If you treat at or above head height, their head will go up for the treat and their rear will go down into a sit, so you need to reverse this. Show your dog a treat and slide it down under their chest and slightly towards their belly. This should make their head drop down and their rear stay up. As you move the treat back beneath them they should start backing to get to it. Continue this training until you have a reliable and hopefully relatively straight back up. Add your command for "back" and start treating less frequently until the dog will back via voice or hand-signal only.

When you begin training while harnessed and hitched to the cart, the same principles apply. Continue to treat below the chest moving the treat slightly back, but close enough that your dog is able to reach down and back to get to the treat. If you

Jennifer Brightbill doing back-up exercise with Jaci (BG# 119965). Photo by Ruth Nielsen.

still can’t break the tendency for them to sit instead of backing, this is where having an assistant is helpful. Use a spare leash or second set of traces and string underneath the dog’s belly. The assistant applies a gentle lift to prevent the dog from sitting while you practice your back up. If you don’t have an assistant handy, you can tie the leash or traces to hang between the shafts under the dog’s belly, again preventing them f rom sitting.

If you still can’t break the tendency for them to sit instead of backing, this is where having an assistant is helpful.

— Solomon

In terms of the handler’s positioning, you are less likely to body

block or apply body pressure if you train from heel position, however, most people stand directly in front facing their dog. The key is for the handler not to move their feet towards the dog or to encroach with their body into the dog’s space. Ideally, you would train the back from both positions to give you options depending upon the alignment of the exercise or when your dog chooses to forget what the “back” command means. Since this often happens, it is helpful to remember that if the dog won’t perform the exercise after the first couple of commands, it is unlikely that another couple dozen of exactly the same command will work. This is where it may be helpful for the handler to switch from one position to another and try again. If that’s still not working, try some -

thing else. Remember that a novice dog going from a stand to a sit may be enough to cover the required one-foot distance. If you still are stuck, you can try a sit, a down, or even a short forward—basically anything to get the dog engaged again to hopefully start working. Note that in a Draft Test, any distance forward will have to be overcome by a longer movement backward to the original location of the backing stick.

TURN TO THE LEFT!

TURN TO THE RIGHT!

ALL ABOUT TURNS…

Why does the dog seem to prefer one direction over the other?

ALISON JASKIEWICZ: All dogs are right or left side dominant, just like people. This is most easily identified by observing your dog when retrieving a ball, stick, or other toy. You will find that each dog will most often pivot either right or left when turning back toward you. Most dogs are right sided, just like people. What fun if you have a lef t sided dog!

As you train your dog from puppyhood to relate to you, and orient toward towards you, you will often find that they are initially more comfortable turning toward you than away. You may use this to your advantage by switching sides when teaching turns.

Teaching your dog hind end awareness with platform games will help a dog to comfortably and confidently turn in both directions.

Kim Perry and Josie (BG# 108717) lining up for the Narrows. Photo by Ruth Nielsen.

How do I get my dog to turn consistently in the cart?

ALISON JASKIEWICZ: First be sure that harness and hitching details are symmetrical so the dog is pulling evenly into the harness when moving straight forward. Introduce turns in a wide-open area and turn gently in the new direction as though on the arc of a very large circle. Gradually, over time, tighten that arc until the dog is comfortable with tighter and tighter turns. This process will take longer with some dogs than others. Your goal is to gradually develop proficiency, so the dog is comfortable at one level before progressing to the next. Reward often at every step.

If you find your dog not wanting to turn at all, please check the length of your shafts. If the shafts are too short the dog may be poked in the shoulder by the end of the shaft when trying to turn. This is uncomfortable. Shafts need to extend just beyond the dog’s shoulders so that the shoulder pushes into the side, not the end of the shaft.

Why does my dog lean his/ her butt on the opposite shaft when turning?

ALISON JASKIEWICZ: It is natural for a dog’s hind quarters to shift gently in the opposite direction from their head when turning. If your dog is leaning hard or twisting within the shafts then he/she is uncomfortable or uncertain what is expected and what to do with his/ her body. This could happen if you have tightened the arc of your turns too quickly. Return to turning on a

gentler arc until you find your dog’s comfort level and rebuild slowly and carefully.

My dog breaks his stay, especially in the group exercises. What methods work for training solid stays?

RUTH NIELSEN: In general terms, training a stay means taking into consideration the three Ds:

• Duration - how l ong the dog stays

• Distance - how f ar away the handler is

• Distractions - what other things are going on around the dog, including the presence of other dogs or people or anything of interes t to the dog

It’s important to consider each of these things separately. Don’t increase the difficulty of more than one element at a time. If you want your dog to stay for a longer period of time then only increase duration at that point—don’t increase the distance at the same time. When you add distractions, that makes the exercise much harder for the dog so you might want to decrease both duration and distance while you work on adding distractions.

In order for the dog to understand and feel comfortable in a stay, reward the dog DURING the stay so the dog will continue the behavior. If you ONLY reward the dog when the stay is over the dog will be anticipating the reward and be eager to move since the stay itself is not rewarding. For example, if your dog is in a down stay, walk back to your dog, calmly give him/her a reward

while he/she remains in the down position, and then walk away again while reiterating your down/stay command. Don’t reward the dog for getting up or moving. Praise / treat the dog for maintaining the down stay position. Help your dog understand that the reward will be delivered to him while he maintains the stay—there is no reward for getting up or moving. If your dog is unable to maintain a stay at the duration and distance you are working on, make one (or both) of those factors easier so the dog can be successful and understand what you want. You can shorten either the time or distance so the dog is successful, and then gradually increase those factors again to build on success.

When you are getting ready for a Draft Test be sure to practice stays in a group setting with other dogs. Even the presence of one other dog can help your dog understand that he needs to ignore that dog and maintain the stay. Ideally, you should practice with dogs that have a solid stay to help your dog successfully ignore the distraction. The other dog(s) don’t even need to be hitched to a cart if you just want to work on distractions. Arrange for “stay dates” where friends bring their dogs just to practice a “group stay.” It doesn’t have to be a draft practice if you just want to work on stays. Remember to go back to your dog and reward success so the dog will continue the behavior.

One tip that could help your dog be successful in a group stay during a Draft Test is to enlist the help of a “friendly judge.” Leave your dog in the stay position and walk away as you would in a test. The “friendly judge” is a person standing by as a judge might be at a Draft Test. Have

the “friendly judge” (FJ) walk up to your dog and very calmly reward the dog (using whatever treats you typically use for reward) and then walk away. The dog should maintain the stay as he does when you reward him during practice. Make sure to have your helper deliver the reward while the dog is successful. The idea is NOT to have the FJ correct your dog, since you want the dog to see the presence of the judge as a good thing that might result in a reward—not a scary thing. The FJ can be particularly helpful when you are training an out of sight stay since this is a way for your dog to be rewarded while you are not visible.

When you are getting ready for a Draft Test be sure to practice stays in a group setting with other dogs.

— Nielsen

If you know your dog has a tendency to break a stay at a particular time— for example, the dog tends to get up after about two minutes—you can help increase the duration by having the FJ reward the dog at around 90 seconds, before the dog moves. Then, assuming the dog maintains the stay, reward again after two minutes. The frequency of the reward depends on the dog’s behavioryour goal is to continue the stay and not have the dog move. Frequent rewards can help—then reduce the frequency of the rewards as the dog is more comfortable and consistent with his stay.

Another trick that can help you with stays during a test is the “stay cookie.” This is different than the rewards delivered while the dog is maintaining his stay. This is a spe -

Draft Books by BM DCA Members:

Just a Walk in the Park: A Guide to Draft Dog Training

Barry Solomon, ISBN 978-1537200231 (2016)

Carting with Your Dog: Positive Draft Training for Fun and Competition

Laura Waldbaum, ISBN 978-1617810244 (2011)

cial cookie that only gets delivered when the exercise is finished, and you have given the dog your “ok we are done” signal. The “stay cookie” is something you show the dog when you are getting ready to walk away on the stay—you can even tell him he gets this cookie when you are all done. Then put the “stay cookie” in the cart along with the leash. That way the dog can’t help himself to the treat and the only way he gets the special “stay cookie” is to successfully complete the stay. As you practice this ritual show the dog the treat along with the leash. Eventually the treat is hidden in the leash but it’s still there. At the test there is, of course, no treat but you can still show the dog the leash and remind him he will be rewarded for the stay. Building a pleasant association with the ritual of the “stay cookie” can help your dog maintain his stay when you use the same ritual with the leash during competition. This can also be calming for the handler—you know what to tell your dog because you have practiced the routine with success. The dog is comfortable with the stay because you have built pleasant associations with the exercise.

Even though the group stay in a draft test is a “three minute stay,”

be sure to practice stays for longer than three minutes. Keep in mind, there is the time it takes to get all the teams set up and ready, as well as the time it takes to return to your dog. That can add up, depending on how fast other teams are moving. Make sure your dog understands not to move until you give him your verbal release command. Just returning to your dog should not be a cue for your dog to get up or move. You can practice walking back to your dog and then walking away again to reinforce the idea that your dog needs to stay until you give the verbal release cue. If you are using a “stay cookie” as a reward, build in a delay where you stand quietly next to your dog before ending the exercise and delivering the reward.

CHRISTINE MANN: The BMDCA Draft Regulations clearly state that the handler, the cart, and the dog all need to travel through the Narrows. This could feel quite daunting to a

I have trouble lining my dog up straight for the narrows. He is always darting to the side, trying to go around me. How do I fix this?

novice team. But if one trusts their dog, it is really a very natural path forward for the dog.

Too often the handler will position themselves directly in front of the dog/team at the entry of the narrow obstacle and “inch” along to keep the dog aligned in the center between the narrow uprights. This creates a puzzlement for the novice dog. The dog will more than likely try to step around the handler. It is not a natural path forward. Nine times out of ten, the dog will automatically set herself up NATURALLY to be centered between the narrows and proceed through. It is the handler who gets nervous and tries to make it better through various attempts to reposition.

If the handler really finds the need to orchestrate the exercise, they can set a centerline for the team a short distance before the entry to the narrows. The handler can then go to the end of the leash (again centered in the narrows or beyond the obstacle). Still holding the leash, call the dog/ team to them. This will keep the

dog/team traveling in a straight line to the handler. With this method the handler needs to make sure the dog/ team is through the narrows and the handler does not turn around too soon as the dog/s will follow their lead and intuitively move to the left or “heel” side of the handler.

With this method the handler needs to make sure the dog/team is through the narrows and the handler does not turn around too soon as the dog/s will follow their lead and intuitively move to the left or “heel” side of the handler.

— Mann

Another method of successfully navigating the Narrows is to start initial training with the narrows in a very wide "V” shape with the wide end toward the team. The narrow end will still be far wider than the cart. Just start walking through the uprights. Repeat. A nd repeat!

Gradually, over time, bring in the wide end of the uprights to a paral-

lel position. Just let the team walk through these vertical markers. This way the team is comfortably acquainted with the obstacle and finds the natural center line within. With this method, the team learns in a very natural way how to navigate the center.

As an experiment, set the narrows two feet or more wider than the cart. Put the dog in a “wait.” Go to the other side of the narrow area. Call the dog to you. See how they navigate the situation. If the dog is able to complete the narrows successfully on her own, it might mean the handler is overmanaging the situation.

The handler needs to trust their dog/s with this exercise. The dog does not need to break gait or attempt to work around a nervous handler. Natural working ability is within each Bernese. Please give the team/s the time and confidence to execute these exercises successfully. A well-prepared team in all exercises will be easily identified and rewarded!

Ziva (BG# 127313). Photo by Eileen Blass.

Essential Oils for Pets

BY ANDREA CARLSON, DVM BS CVA CVCH CVTP CTPEP CVFT CTCVMP CVMMP

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR pets have become very popular. Choose oils that are true, pure, and therapeutic grade, distilled by steam with low pressure and low temperature, not by chemical solvents. Quality definitely matters— you get what you pay for. Look for essential oils that are bottled in amber, cobalt, or violet glass bottles.

Look for important information about the oils (either printed on the label, on the manufacturer’s website, etc.):

• Latin name of the oil (e.g. Lavandula angustifolia)

• Common name of the oil (e.g. Lavender)

• How the oil was extracted

• Country of origin

• Method of cultivation (e.g. organic, cultivated, wild harvested, etc.)

• The words "100% pure es sential oil"

My favorite brands are Young Living, Do Terra, Animal EO, and Plant Therapy. "Now" essential oils are readily available through major retailers and are of good quality.

Some Examples of Oils and Their Uses

(Each oil has many uses, and many other oils can be used for the same issue.)

IMMUNE SUPPORT OR A NTI-CANCER: frankincense- boswelia carterii

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: copaiba- copaifera officinales

CALMING: lavender- lavendula officinales or chamomile- matricaria recutita

Lavender is the most versatile essential oil and is a great place to start. It is very safe and can be used for multiple issues including burns, anxiety, fungal, or bacterial infections, nausea, itchy skin, and boosts the immune system.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR USE IN PETS, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING REFERENCES:

Essential Oils in Animal Care, A Naturopathic Approach, Sarah Reagan, Kim Bloomer & Jeanette Thomason

DIGESTION:

peppermint- mentha piperita

BLOAT: coriander-coriander sativum

RESPIRATORY:

cedarwood- cedrus Atlantic

ANTI-VIRAL: melissa- Melissa officinales

ANTI -BACTERIAL: lemon- citrus Limon

A NTI-FUNGAL: geranium- pelargonium asperier

BURNS: lavender

ANTI -BEE STING: lemon

NAUSEA: ginger- zinger officinales

STOP BLEEDING: everlast- helichrysum italicum

How To Use Es sential Oils

Essential oils can be inhaled, applied topically, or ingested. The following are guidelines for how much oil to use with each method.

INHALED:

1-4 drops in a diffuser in large room that pet can choose to leave

TOPICAL:

5 drops into 15 ml (1/2 oz) into a carrier oil like extra virgin olive oil to dilute. Apply to abdomen or between pads or ear flaps.

PETTING:

1 drop of oil in hands, rub together and pet on dog

MISTING:

5 drops in 1/2 oz of water, shaken and misted on dog

INGESTED:

1-2 drops rubbed on gums or mixed in fatty food like canned or raw fish

Here Are Some Useful Recipes

INJURED PAW SOAK RECIPE

1-gallon warm water

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brewed green tea

2 drops of lavender

2 drops of frankincense

1. Mix ingredients together

2. Soak paws for 10 minutes, 1-2 times per day, then rinse off

HOT SPOT RECIPE

10 drops of lavender

10 drops of frankincense

10 drops of myrrh

10 drops of copaiba

2 tsp colloidal silver

Aloe Vera juice

1. Mix first five ingredients in a 1 oz glass sprayer bottler

2. Top off with Aloe Vera juice

3. Shake well and spray on hot spot

2-4 times per day

FLEA AND TICK COLLAR RECIPE (courtesy of Dr. Karen Becker)

10 drops citronella

10 drops geranium

5 drops of patchouli

5 drops of cedar

1. Mix ingredients together

2. Apply 5 drops to collar or a bandana

There are also plans to have a BernerU class on Essential Oils at the 2022 National Specialty!

About the Author: Dr. Andrea Carlson is an integrative vet and owner at Southlake Animal Hospital in Merrillville, IN. She is a certified veterinary Chinese acupuncturist and herbalist. She is also certified in Chinese massage, palliative and end of life care, Chinese food therapy, and animal chiropractic. She is a certified Chinese veterinary medical practitioner.

She has had Berners since 2009 and breeds under the kennel name Singing Sands. All of her dogs are raw fed and naturally raised.

First Aid with Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy, Dr. Nancy Brandt DVM, CVC, CVA

Essential Oils for Natural Pet Care, A veterinarian’s Desk Reference for the Top Health Concerns of Cats, Dogs & Horses, Melissa Shelton DVM, Holistic Veterinarian

Essential Oils for You & Your Pet, Balance | Vitalize | Enhance Sherry Losby

The Alternative Treatment of Hemangiosarcoma of Bernese CH Blackrock Echos of Anastasia aka “Echo”

BY ANNE CREEK

FIRST, A LITTLE background information. My beautiful Berner, Echo, was undergoing routine diagnostic exams in preparation for a teeth cleaning. A chest x-ray showed a mass in one of his lung lobes, which was subsequently diagnosed as lung cancer. Echo was 9 and in excellent health. As the lung mass appeared to be isolated, I opted for surgical removal of his lung. The surgery was successful and there was no metastasis noted. The only recommendation from the oncologist was to perform scans of his remaining lung and abdomen every six months, so that is what we did.

And this was when our alternative medicine journey started. About a year and a half later, Echo was 10.5 years and still in excellent health (or so I thought). One of Echo’s routine scans showed a mass in the spleen, and it was diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma. The oncologist suggested surgical removal of the spleen. I was torn as I had already removed Echo’s lung at 9 years old and struggled with the idea of another surgical procedure for a seemingly healthy dog of 10.5 years. Sensing my concern, the oncologist at Med Vet Columbus suggested trying a treatment that had been used in a clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The Penn Vet trial used a Coriolus versicolor mushroom, known as Yunzhi mushroom, to treat dogs with hemangiosarcoma. The Yunzhi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. The compound in the mushroom that is believed to have immune-boosting properties is polysaccharopeptide or PSP. Some studies have suggested that PSP also has a tumor-fighting effect. During the Penn Vet trial, the owners were instructed to give their dogs capsules of I’m-Yunity, compounded by Penn pharmacists, at differing strengths. It was found that the dogs receiving the 100 mg dosage had a median survival time of 199 days. Further trials were held to confirm and refine results.

Sensing my concern, the oncologistat Med Vet, Columbus suggested trying a treatment that had been used in a clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The Penn Vet trial used a Coriolus versicolor mushroom, known as Yunzhi mushroom, to treat dogs with hemangiosarcoma. I could treat Echo and not make him go through surgical trauma after he had done so not that long ago!

I have always used alternative medicine in conjunction with traditional medicine, so this option excited me. I could treat Echo and not make him go through surgical trauma after he had done so not that long ago! My oncologist told me to go to the website for I’m-Yunity and order the capsules. They were expensive—about a dollar a pill—and I was to give him 2 capsules twice daily: a cost of $4 daily or $120 per month. I started Echo on this regimen.

At the same time, I also consulted with my vet who practices Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). She is an instructor at the Chi Institute in Florida and has been published in the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AJTCVM). Her practice is limited to acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbs,

and Food Therapy. I had used her for years, beginning with chiropractic work on my horses, and I wanted her advice on any other complementary herbs that might help along with the I’m-Yunity. She uses energy work to determine deficiencies in the major organs (as defined by Traditional Chinese Medicine) and will recommend food changes, supplements, and whether acupuncture would be beneficial. She recommended some additional Chinese herbs to boost Echo’s immune system (Wei Chi Booster) and added an herb known to retard tumor growth (Stasis Breaker). Both herbs were sold by the Chi Institute and purchased through her.

So, this became the normal regimen with Echo. We never went back to the oncologist. We just had monthly vis-

its with my TCVM veterinarian. She examined Echo, adjusted the dosages of the supplements based upon her energy evaluation, and toward the end, did regular acupuncture to help him with his hind end, which was get ting weaker.

Echo celebrated his 12th birthday on 6/15/20. It was an amazing celebration, but I knew it would be his last as it was getting harder and harder for him to walk. In his final two months, he needed the Help ‘Em Up Harness to go outside to potty. But with this treatment, Echo lived a very full life for two years after his initial diagnosis. He continued to be an awesome therapy dog during this time and travelled constantly with me. He lived an unbelievable life for an unbelievably wonderful dog.

About the Author: Anne Creek fell in love with the breed and has owned Berners since 1988. She has earned titles on her dogs in conformation, obedience, and rally. She is married to her husband Phillip and together they also breed and race thoroughbred horses. They split their time between Lexington, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio. Anne is a retired CPA.

Echo (BG# 60270) and Anne performing therapy duties. Photo by Agility Ability.

Dash

BY ALICE CLARK

DASH, AT 12 YEARS, 10 months of age, was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma in early February of 2020. The first warning sign was discovered by his rehabilitation vet when she felt enlarged popliteal lymph nodes (those at the back of his knees). (Dash had been seeing his rehab vet about once a month for the last few years, receiving acupuncture and manual therapy in treatment of his arthritis and low back pain.) The lymph nodes were aspirated, and analysis performed by Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

The results came back with a diagnosis of erythrophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma. Erythrophagocytic means that the cancer was destroying red blood cells. This was consistent with anemia that had been present for a while— going back to late 2019. We followed up with an x-ray of his lungs and found no evidence of cancer there. An abdominal ultrasound found abnormalities in his spleen and one enlarged mesenteric lymph node. There was also mild mineralization in his kidneys.

With my other Bernese Mountain Dogs, Camber and Lyric, I had proceeded with conventional treatments when they were diagnosed with cancer. But because of Dash’s advanced age combined with a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma it just didn’t make sense to go in that direction. We would make the best of every day we had together and be grateful for the many wonderful years we had shared. But in discussion with Dash’s rehab vet, we felt that it was reasonable to pursue more holistic

treatments and to try to give him as many good days as possible. I shared with her the Joe Tippens protocol that several Berner owners have followed with their dogs diagnosed with cancer.

THE PROTOCOL IS AS FOLLOWS:

(compiled by John Weigler)

1) Tocotrienol and Tocopherol forms (all 8) of Vitamin E (400-800mg per day, 7 days a week).

2) Bio-Available Curcumin (600mg per day, 2 pills per day 7 days a week).

3) CBD oil (1-2 droppers full [equal to 25mg per day] under the tongue, 7 days a week).

4) Panacur C, the above three items every day (7 days per week) and the canine medicine (1 gram per day

Dash (BG# 62678). Photo by Lisa Kaufman.

for 3 consecutive days per week). Take 4 days off and repeat each week. Each gram of Panacur C has approximately 222 mg of Fenbendazole, in case you are trying a different branded product.

Additional detail about the protocols can be found at https://cdn.website-editor.net/4dcb0b7185374fe5898 d4ec7af91eb8d/files/uploaded/Joe%2520Tippens%25 27%2520Protocol%2520and%2520Sci entific%2520 Backing.pdf

The rehab vet did some research on the protocol and determined that there weren’t any contraindications for pursuing it outside of one study, which showed bone marrow hypoplasia associated with fenbendazole (generic for Panacur) and that there was some merit to the various citations in favor of these items in the fight against cancer. We would closely monitor his red blood count as a precaution.

WE VARIED FROM THE PROTOCOL ABOVE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

1) Her research also turned up a study that favored vitamin E succinate (also known as dry vitamin E) over the liquid form (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC2394445/) and she recommended that we use a dosage of 800 IU per day.

2) We used Curcuvet SA-150 and later Thorne Meriva 500. When giving the Curcuvet we split that between morning and evening meals. The Thorne product was given just once a day.

3) We added a turkey tail mushroom supplement— 500mg in the am, 500mg in the pm. There are many brands on the market. One that is well known is I’m-Yunnity. We chose not to use that one as it was difficult to get at the time and much more expensive than other brands. I used both Swanson and Double

Woods brands.

4) For the Panacur we got the liquid form used for goats. It was much cheaper than getting from a vet. This could be obtained from a local vet or livestock supply store.

In March of 2020 we made other adjustments. We also increased his dry vitamin E to 1600 IU (800 IU am and pm), and my vet also recommended adding Bilberry Extract (about .7 ml twice daily) and Bromelain (500mg, one per day). There are studies showing that both inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. (https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20132040/ and https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338369/)

We discontinued the CBD oil pretty quickly (March 2020) as that seemed to agitate him. After five months we discontinued the Panacur, as his anemia was progressing, and he was very weak and having some appetite issues. Retrospectively, after his necropsy, it seems that he had a bleed in his spleen at this same time. Whether or not that was related to the Panacur we can’t really say.

We monitored the size of his popliteal lymph nodes at each monthly visit to his rehab vet. At one point they were smaller in size, and by the end of Dash’s life they had not increased in size in any appreciable way.

In December 2020, ten months post diagnosis, the ultrasound was repeated and we found that the mesenteric lymph node had increased in size by just millimeters. The splenic nodules though had grown appreciably— doubling or tripling in size. However, no cavitation or increase in blood flow was seen in any of the tumors (which would indicate the propensity to bleed or become necrotic).

In January of 2021 we added Wei Qi booster capsules

Continued on page 66

But in discussion with Dash’s rehab veterinarian, we felt that it was reasonable to pursue more holistic treatments and to try to give him as many good days as possible.

SMOKE INHALATION AND DOGS

BY SASSAFRAS LOWREY

With wildfires burning, poor air quality can have negative health impacts on dogs.

I HAVE BEEN watching in horror all the heartbreaking news reports of people and animals rescued and missing in the California wildfires. As firefighters battle the blaze (which at the time of writing is still not contained), animal welfare groups are working around the clock to rescue dogs from the fire. Meanwhile, across parts of California, including areas not in the path of the wild fires, air quality is being ranked as some of the worst in the world. Smoke inhalation is not only dangerous for people—it can also have very serious consequences for dogs.

VISIBLE SYMPTOMS OF DAMAGE FROM SMOKE INHALATION IN DOGS

Dr. Tina Wismer, Medical Director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, explains that, “With smoke inhalation, the amount of smoke a dog is exposed to will affect the symptoms. Animals that are caught in a fire can have difficulty breathing, inflammation and burns in the airways, and weakness. In some cases, dogs may initially appear normal and then develop a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) up to 24 hours later.”

REVIEW THIS INFORMATION NOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A QUICK AND SAFE EVACUATION.

She further explains that dogs living near wildfires and breathing smoke may also experience eye irritation. Your dog may experience watery or red eyes, coughing, runny noses, and panting if exposed to wildfire smoke.

Be prepared! It will likely be dark, smoky, windy, and hot. There may be airborne burning embers, no power or telephone, and poor water pressure. Remember, there is nothing you own worth your life! Please evacuate immediately when asked.

This checklist was adapted from Wildfire Evacuation Checklist, University of Nevada, Reno Extension publication #FS-06-07. Funding for this project provided in part by a Community Fire Assistance Agreement with the Bureau of Land Management— Nevada State Office in cooperation with University of Nevada, Reno Extension. University of Nevada, Reno is an EEO/AA institution.

Dr. Heather B. Loenser, DVM Senior Veterinary Officer of the American Animal Hospital Association, also encourages dog guardians in smoke impacted areas to be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

• Rapid respiratory rate (breathing more than 20-30 breaths per minute at rest)

• Coughing; strained or noisy breathing

• Bright red gums

• Lethargy, seizures

LONG TERM IMPACTS OF SMOKE INHALATION IN DOGS

Although some symptoms of smoke inhalation are visible right away, dogs who have been exposed to smoke may get sick some time after the exposure.

Jordan Holliday from Embrace Pet Insurance explains “once your pet has been rescued from a fire, he or she may appear pretty normal. Unfortunately, initial appearances can be deceiving. Even if your dogs didn’t come into contact with fire and get burned, they may have severe internal issues that need to be addressed.”

Holliday cautions, “The most common cause of fire-related deaths in pets is not skin damage from burns, but organ damage from carbon monoxide toxicity. During a fire, carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in the air. When a pet breathes carbon monoxide instead of oxygen, his organs will not be able to function correctly.” This is why it’s so important any dogs being rescued from wild fire impacted areas are seen by veterinarians.

SMOKE EXPOSURE IN DOGS: MINIMIZING RISK

The most important thing you can do if your dog has been exposed to smoke is to get him out of the situation as soon as possible. If your dog has any of the above symptoms of smoke toxicity, Dr. Loenser advises you to get your dog seen by a veterinarian to receive oxygen therapy.

Dr. Loesner explains that veterinary hospitals have oxygen cages that allow (all but the largest) dogs to rest in an oxygen-rich environment. Giant dogs that are too large for the oxygen cages can be provided oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula which allows oxygen to flow into a dog’s nose.

“Treating a dog with oxygen is one of my favorite treatments because I love seeing the look of relief when they realize they can breathe easier,” says Dr. Loesner.

Dogs being rescued by first responders are increasingly being treated with oxygen therapy on the scene, but Dr. Loenser advises that any dogs rescued from wildfires or any other fire should be directed to a veterinarian within an hour of being rescued.

HOW TO CARE FOR DOGS IN POOR AIR QUALIT Y CONDITIONS

If you are living in an area where air quality conditions are poor, the best thing you can do is to keep your dog inside as much as possible. Limiting the length and frequency of walks and staying out of outdoor spaces like dog parks is advised until air quality improves. Trick training or Scent Work games are a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically exercised in your house or apartment.

Humans in areas impacted by wildfires are being encouraged to wear face masks or respirators to minimize the risks associated with breathing smoke. There are a few different masks on the market for dogs such as Dog Pollution Mask, and goggles (Doggles) that may reduce eye irritation from the smoke.

Unfortunately, unlike masks for people, these masks are less readily available. Having just moved with my dogs from New York to Oregon (which in recent years has had more issues with wildfires like neighboring Northern California), I am considering buying air pollution masks for my dogs.

Of course, this means once I have the dog pollution masks, I’ll need to begin slowly desensitizing my dogs to wearing them. If an air quality emergency were to occur, my dogs need to be comfortable with wearing and breathing through something on their faces—a sensation that might feel strange to anyone.

DOGS MOST AT RISK FOR COMPLICATIONS FROM SMOKE EXPOSURE

Smoke inhalation is dangerous for all dogs regardless of breed or age, but there are specific concerns with some breeds. Dr. Loenser explains that dogs with short

Continued on page 66

The most common cause of fire-related deaths in pets is not skin damage from burns, but organ damage from carbon monoxide toxicity.

The Saga of Our Life During

FIRE SEASON

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RUTH NIELSEN

THE FOLLOWING IS a compilation of Ruth’s Facebook posts when wildfires forced her evacuation from her home.

Fitzroy (BG# 125953) on fire watch at sunset.

PART 1: Fire Watch at Sunset-July 14, 2021

We are too close to the fires…it’s scary and nerve wracking and heart wrenching. I’m so very grateful for the fire fighters who are out there putting their lives on the line. We see the fire creeping closer to our home and the winds are picking up…the main road we travel to get to the city is closed because of the fires. I’m incredibly sad that the mountains I love and some of my favorite spots are burning

2: My Dilemma-July 1 , 2021

PART

One car / One dog / multiple fires– and 24 hours to decide what to take..

If you have to leave in a hurry you grab the essentials… If you have more time to ponder what might fit in the car in case everything burns up then it starts to get stupid–at least it did for me!

Fitzroy and I were entered in an agility trial near Seattle, so I had planned to leave home for the agility trial- staying in a hotel. Then the fires started and were getting closer to home– the road that was our most direct route to Seattle closed due to the fires– and it seemed to make sense for all of us to leave.

PLAN A: Fitzroy and I would head to the agility trial while hubby Chris would take the girls River & Hazy to stay with a friend in Seattle and then we’d reunite in Seattle after the agility trial and see what happens next.

Plan B: Fitzroy and I left– Chris and the girls stayed. I packed my car thinking I might not get home again- and that was incredibly tough. Only so much room and what

to take. Because we were not being officially evacuated and the fire fighters are doing everything possible to keep the fires contained it made sense to Chris to stay.

Plan C: Fitzroy and I are at the agility trial. It’s a great distraction for a million different reasons. We are fine but I am feeling displaced for sure. New fires have started– not near our house– but other areas have been evacuated. Chris said he would leave with the girls and head to Seattle this afternoon.

Huge thank you to everyone who has expressed concern and support for us. I’m incredibly grateful for all the wonderful messages and good wishes and prayers. I know many others have gone through this heartbreaking dance with fires and other natural disasters and I hope we will get back home ok.

In the meantime, I’m especially grateful for Fitzroy giving me something else to focus on since I can’t change the fires and it would be a bad thing for me to strangle my husband- (I do love him dearly but…)

PART 3: Getting the Band Back Together

This Saga started with my photos of the fires near our house at Sunset– followed by pictures of me packing up to leave with Fitzroy as the fires got worse. Fitzroy and I had planned to leave anyway for an agility trial but the fires meant packing to leave not knowing when we’d be back…and combine that with the added question of if/when Hubby Chris would leave to join us with the Girl Dogs…

I’m happy to report the Band is Back Together Again! Fitzroy and I have reunited with Chris, River and Hazy in Seattle at a very dear friend’s house. I can’t thank our friend enough for taking us in– adding 2 adults and 3 big dogs to a household is not for the faint of heart but our friend has been very welcoming and generous, and we are grateful to be in a safe place away from the toxic smoke levels and growing fire hazard surrounding our home. It’s a shock to be back in the city after the peace and solitude we had grown accustomed to in the mountains- but cooler temps and clear air is welcome!

We are monitoring the fire situation constantly. For those that have been through this you know even better than I what this feels like– not knowing how it will play out is incredibly stressful, but we are all safe and taking things one step at a time going forward.

Thanks so much to everyone who expressed care and concern for us– It means a lot!

PART 4: Wonderful Friends

Thanks again to everyone who has posted such wonderful messages of support and caring– it means more than I can say! My heart is just aching right now being away from our home and “doomscrolling” as the fires are worse and getting closer to our home.

On the absolute plus side we are all in a great place with wonderful friends in Seattle . I’m amazed at how resilient the dogs are as they have very quickly adapted to being in someone else’s home without the great outdoors at their paws. We have our own room and the dogs learned immediately which room is “theirs” and that’s where they hang out unless they are at our feet. The weather in Seattle is cool so they can literally “chill”–so nice for them! They are a little bit on guard since they aren’t accustomed to people and dogs walking by– At home we see NO ONE unless it’s a friend coming to visit! I’m working on convincing them that they do not need to protect or warn us about people walking by or the neighbors enjoying their yards when we are sitting outside. The Tiny Trio is readjusting to city life– but I’m sure their hearts are in the mountains as mine is.

I’m grateful for distractions like agility and getting together with friends- and holding hard onto hope that our home and surroundings will survive.

Fitzroy on our brief visit to the house after evacuating.

The closer I got to home the more I just wanted to pull over and gawk as I passed burning hills with huge smoke plumes and fire camps and heavy equipment.

The view from our deck at night (after evacuating).

PART 5: Kindness and Karma

There is so much on my mind as we are well into Week 2 of evacuation from our home because of the forest fires raging in our backyard.

Thinking about KARMA. Chris and I have always had a guest room in our various homes over the years for friends who needed a place to live for a while. I’m not

talking about vacationing visitors and family- I’m talking about friends who lived with us for many months– sometimes more than year– for various reasons including relocating, job searching, school, breakups– whatever can happen that might leave one needing a home for a while. I lost track at 10 when I was counting up the number of friends over the years who were part of our household for as long as they needed to be. I was happy we had a room we could offer, and it was always a richly rewarding experience to share space and “home” with people we cared about.

And isn’t KARMA wonderful- because now we are the ones in need of a place to stay after leaving our home because of the fires– and we have amazing generous and kind friends who have offered us places to stay while we ride out the fires at home. I couldn’t be more thankful for the gestures of support and kindness that have come our way. While we are hoping and praying hard we will be able to return home safely eventually– in the meantime we are vagabonds! It’s not easy to relocate with two adults and three big dogs and we are so very lucky to be surrounded by KINDNESS.

Thank you again to everyone who has posted such thoughtful caring messages–it means so much to us.

The Dogs are handling it extremely well and I have not killed Chris, so these are all good things. I’m not posting any Fire photos because it’s too depressing but I’m deeply grateful for the firefighters who are working so hard to save homes and structures as the fire keeps moving.

It’s an Adventure! Not the kind of Adventure I normally prefer but an Adventure nonetheless….

Fitzroy on our deck during the fires — nothing to see but smoke.

PART 6: How long does a forest fire keep burning?-July 30, 2021

Question: How long does a forest fire keep burning? It’s been a little over 2 weeks since Fitzroy and I left home (joined later by Chris, River & Hazy) to escape the forest fires threatening our home and neighborhood. Since we left the fires have expanded as fires do and we have been closely watching all the updates on social media and any other news about the status to see when we might go home again.

We’ve been staying with friends and enjoying some very pleasant Seattle weather. It seems unreal to be in the city with blue skies and traffic and people and all the city things when my heart and headache for the mountains and our home surrounded by views and nature and peaceful solitude. A big part of me wanted to go home just to be there and see for myself what was happening. I kept thinking of things I wished I had grabbed when I left– what about this thing or that thing? Really– if I’m going to be homeless indefinitely I could think of a few more things I wanted to have from home…would having more of my “stuff” with me make it any easier to be gone?

Because I knew people were still able to go to their homes in our neighborhood I decided to make a quick trip home to check things out and pick up the things I was missing. Our Evacuation Status is Level 2 (on a scale of 1-2-3)– which means Be Ready to Leave. (Level 3 is Go Now but we decided to leave before it became a crisis so we could safely exit with the dogs.)

My “quick trip home” with Fitzroy was another adventure. Because of road closures due to the fires it was about a 5 hour drive so I figured I would stay at the house if it was ok or grab my stuff and stay somewhere else. I took Fitzroy because I wanted his company. He’s been pretty attached to me recently- more so than in the past. I’m not sure if that has anything to do with being vagabonds but I’m grateful for having him at my feet– literally.

The drive home was surreal. It was beautiful and clear for hours– no sign of smoke– and I marveled that the destructive fires were so well hidden and tucked away by intermittent peaks. I drove by blackened hillsides that had been burned in past fires and I knew the landscape was changing closer to home. It wasn’t until I was about 30 miles from home that the smoke and fire really became apparent.

The closer I got to home the more I just wanted to pull over and gawk as I passed burning hills with huge smoke plumes and fire camps and heavy equipment. The road to my house was marked with barricades indicating it was closed except for residents– the fork in the road heading closer to the fires was closed and monitored by camo-clad women that I assume were National Guard. I was tempted to go talk to them but I didn’t want to interrupt their jobs, so I kept going creeping closer to home.

My house was fine. Ash was falling in the air and the only view was smokey orange haze and a red ball sun. I took some pictures but there was no way to capture the sense that I had driven onto the set of some creepy science fiction movie. My eyes burned and I had a headache in very short order.

I attended a local fire briefing and felt that staying at the house would be ok for one night. Even though the air was bad and it was hot I really wanted to sleep in my own bed…

Once it got dark the view shifted from smoke to active flames across the valley from me. I was stunned to watch trees exploding into flames and see that my “view” was a wall of red. I knew the fire was not as close as it seemed–but it still made me think about the power of the fire and the destruction taking place just a few miles away. I woke up in the middle of the night to the eerie red glow of the flames– again reminding myself that the flames were not heading my way.

When I got ready to leave in the morning there was only a wall of smoke and nothing to see where normally I’d be gazing off into the mountains. Smoke was stinging my eyes– I’m sure that’s the only reason I was crying.

I’m encouraged that it appears our home will weather this particular fire storm but right now the fire is still too close for comfort and the air quality is so bad we just have to wait it out.

I’m continually grateful for friends who have taken us in and made us feel safe and welcome. Thanks so much to everyone who has expressed care and concern- and if you’ve offered us a place to stay we can’t thank you enough! Friends will get us through this little Adventure.

PART 7:

Homecoming!-August 18, 2021

We are all HOME at last!

After being away from home for about a month because of the fires we have all finally returned! The dogs were

so happy they raced around in circles and barked at each other in an explosion of joy! Of course, I immediately had the Tiny Trio pose together on their favorite picnic table– it was great to have a view that was mostly clouds instead of all smoke. All three dogs are smiling– even River!

My first morning back at home was a delightfully cool 60 degrees instead of the recent heat waves in the 90’s and triple digits. Fitzroy joined me for a cup of coffee on the deck where we enjoyed views of the mountains across the valley from us. The last time I was here with Fitzroy our view across the valley was nothing but smoke and flames– it looks so normal now!

This afternoon Fitzroy and Hazy and I took one of our favorite local hikes where we saw no one and no evidence of the fires. The fires are still burning but thanks to the Herculean efforts of the firefighters no homes or structures were lost in our area. The roads are open and evacuation levels are removed. We can smell the smoke, but the flames are not at our doorstep.

We are incredibly happy to be home and deeply grateful to our friends who have supported and helped us get through this. We so appreciate having places to stay and offers of help . Fire season isn’t over yet but I’m hoping we are past the worst of it for our neighborhood. Sending prayers and hoping for the best for those folks who are still evacuated. We could all use some rain!

About the Author: Ruth Nielsen lives in a remote small town in the North Cascade Mountains in Washington with her husband, Bernese Mountain Dogs Fitzroy & Hazy and Newfoundland River. She is a passionate photographer and is known for her photos of adventures in the mountains with her dogs posted on Facebook and Instagram (@mazamadog).

After returning home — the fires closest to us are under control and the view is back.

ACROSS

4 Has served as Futurity Chair since 1999

7 In France, Berners are known as Bernnois _______

8 1st Health Test tracked by BMDCA

10 Number of champion offspring required for the title of Top Producing Male

12 Long time AKC Gazette columnist

14 Number of judges who have judged BOB twice at the National Specialty

15 Husband and wife that started what is now known as Berner-Garde

16 Natural Gait (2 words)

17 Number of points required for AKC Puppy of Achievement

18 BMD Standard - Dentition is _______

19 Bitch that has won the National Specialty Best of Breed twice (call name)

21 US State which has hosted the most BMDCA National Specialties

22 FCI Group for Bernese

23 AKC Group for Bernese

24 BMD Swiss Canton

DOWN

1 Unlimited communication to your dog is permitted in this AKC Sport

2 High in ______

3 BMD Standard - These are a disqualification (2 words)

5 Required by the BMDCA for every BMD to enter a National Specialty (2 words)

6 BMDCA Highest Draft Award

9 Coefficient of

10 The Deutsch name for Berners is Berner _____

11 BMD Standard - Eyes are slightly _______

13 Number of points required to achieve AKC Championship

15 City where first Independent National Specialty was held

20

The first President of the BMDCA

Henrix (BG#13844) enjoying the forest views. Photo by Patty Gill.

CANINE HEALTH

FOUNDATION’S

13th Bi-Annual National Parent Club Canine Health Conference

BY PAT LONG, MEMBER OF THE BMDCA HEALTH COMMITTEE

The following is Part 1 of a three-part series summarizing the presentations from the AKC CHF Conference.  Part 2 will run in the Winter 2022 Issue, and Part 3 will run in the Spring 2022 Issue.

ON AUGUST 13, 2021, the AKC's Canine Health Foundation held its 13th bi-annual National Parent Club Canine Health Conference virtually. Presentations were given over three days, with topics about how research is helping to improve canine health. The Bernese Mountain Dog community was well represented with at least eight BMDCA member attendees, four of whom were members of the BMDCA Health Committee (Dr. Toby Erlichman, Julie Jackson, Pat Long, and Joye Neff). The presentations have been summarized to share with our community. We have made liberal use of the CHF's conference handouts that provided abstracts. Summaries of the sessions will also be featured in future issues of The Alpenhorn.

AN UPDATE ON GENETIC EVALUATION OF LABRADOR TRICUSPID VALVE DYSPLASIA AND BOXER ARVC

Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM (Cardiology), is a Professor and the Associate Dean of Research

and Graduate Studies at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Meurs has a Ph.D. in Genetics from Texas A&M University, and her areas of interest include familial aspects of cardiovascular disease, especially cardiomyopathy.

Some definitions:

• A trait is inherited if there is a genetic predisposition, and the trait can be present at birth or develop later.

• A trait is congenital if it is present at birth, but it is not necessarily inherited.

• Penetrance is the degree to which a mutation causes clinical signs within a population. Many diseases have about a 20 - 80% penetrance.

• Expression is the severity of the clinical disease for the individual. The environment may play a role.

Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) is an inherited congenital heart defect observed most commonly in the Labrador Retriever. Some dogs have only a mild form of the defect and can live comfortably. In contrast, others can have significant valvular abnormalities, leading to the development of congestive heart failure. The defect has been shown to be an inheritable trait in the Labrador Retriever and is suggested to be consistent with a single

gene defect. A mutation was found to be associated with TVD. Dogs with the mutation are at risk. Four affected dogs were found without the mutation, which raises whether there are other mutations.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart disease diagnosed most commonly in the Boxer dog. It is an adult-onset disease, with 6-8 years the average age of onset. It appears to be an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance, and the risk of the disease increases with age. A causative mutation for ARVC in the dog was found in the striatin gene; however, this mutation does not explain all affected cases. A second causative variant was found using DNA samples collected from affected Boxer dogs that are negative for

The Bernese Mountain Dog community was well represented with at least eight BMDCA member attendees, four of whom were members of the BMDCA Health Committee.

the striatin mutation. Researchers are working to determine if dogs that have both mutations have more severe diseases.

the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology (ESVC).

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) represents the most common cardiovascular disease in dogs and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this species. In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (Cavs), the disease is considered to be influenced by genetic factors. Cavs have a very high incidence of the disease, and auscultation is used to identify clicks or murmurs. It has been shown that echocardiography is a better diagnostic tool. 79% of Cavs diagnosed without murmurs or low-grade murmurs when young can show echocardiographic evidence of more than trivial MMVD when they are over the age of 5. Research using 3D echocardiography found that Cavs have a different mitral valve structure: flatter and more rounded. Research is being done to determine if the mitral valve structure can identify dogs with a greater risk of early onset of the disease.

logy at the University of California, Davis. He currently serves as the Chief of Service for Cardiology at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. He works in the clinic at UC Davis and is a member of the Center for Companion Animal Health. Dr. Stern completed his cardiology residency through North Carolina State University and earned his Ph.D. through research and graduate studies with Washington State University Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory.

THE ROLE OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EXAM IN THE SCREENING FOR MYXOMATOUS MITRAL VALVE DISEASE IN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS

Michele Borgarelli, DVM, Ph.D., DECVIM-CA (Cardiology), is a Professor of Cardiology and director of the Comparative Cardiovascular Laboratory at Virginia Tech, Virginia. In 2019 he was awarded of Zoetis Animal Health Award for animal research. He is past president of

The question was asked about how to breed away for a disease that is so prevalent. Dr. Borgarelli indicated that it was not possible, but that they are working to breed away from the younger onset version of the disease in some countries.

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) and Pulmonic stenosis (PS) are the most common inherited heart diseases for which multiple breeds are over-represented. SAS is a constriction that causes pressure overload on the left ventricle. Only one genetic mutation has been found to date, an autosomal dominant in Newfoundlands. In other breeds, it seems to be a recessive trait. Research is ongoing. Mild cases require no treatment, but more severe cases are treated with beta-blockers. Any infection should be treated immediately, and perioperative antibiotics should be used due to the risk of endocarditis. For more details on diagnosis and genetics, see the recent article by Ortiveros and Stern: https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/ s40575 -021-00103-4

CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN DOGS

Samantha Kovacs, BS , DVM/Ph.D., is a DVM/Ph.D. candidate working in the Stern Transl ational Cardiac Genetics and Pharmacogenomics Laboratory.

Joshua Stern, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM (Cardiology), is a Professor of Cardio-

Pulmonic stenosis causes pressure overload on the right ventricle. There is a breed predisposition, and 4% of bulldogs comprise about 50% of all PS cases. Other brachycephalic breeds are overrepresented. The mode of inheritance in bulldogs seems to be recessive, and research indicates a strong association on chromosome 1, but the genetics appear to be complex. Murmurs

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) and Pulmonic stenosis (PS) are the most common inherited heart diseases for which multiple breeds are over-represented. SAS is a constriction that causes pressure overload on the left ventricle. Only one genetic mutation has been found to date, an autosomal dominant in Newfoundlands. In other breeds, it seems to be a recessive trait. Regardless of severity, infections should be treated immediately, and perioperative antibiotics should be used due to endocarditis risk.

detected in puppies can save lives. Treatment can be unnecessary; treatment consists of beta blockers, or a balloon valvuloplasty to “pop” the stricture, depending on the severity of the disease.

SAS Q&A

A significant murmur can be detected in puppies, but mild cases may not be diagnosed until around one year.

CHAGAS CARDIOMYOPATHY IN DOGS INFECTED WITH TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI

Ashley Saunders, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), is a Professor of Cardiology and Assistant Department Head for Teaching at Texas A&M University. She is board certified in the specialty of cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

The protozoal parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by triatomine insect vectors and causes myocarditis and cardiac morbidity, including heart failure and sudden death in humans and dogs. It is suspected that between 6-7 million people are infected, with another 75 million at risk. About 30% of people affected have clinical heart disease, which is challenging to diagnose and treat.

T. cruzi in dogs has increased, particularly in the southern United States and Central and South America, where the insect vectors are encountered. Risk factors for T. cruzi infection include living in or traveling to an area with infected kissing bugs. Infected dogs with travel history or translocated from the south have been diagnosed in northern regions of the United States.

The prevalence in dogs has been increasing. About 6-13% of Texas shelter dogs have tested positive, about the same rate as for heartworm. Prevention is done by insect vector control and awareness. Treatment consists of antiparasitics and management of heart arrhythmias. Even once the parasite is eliminated, the heart damage has been done. Clinical signs include sudden death, heart arrhythmias, signs of heart failure, and it is often mistaken for cardiomyopathy.

Diagnosis methods tested on a group of 10 affected dogs showed a normal ECG, use of a holtor identified arrhythmias in several dogs, and MRIs showed heart abnormalities in 7 out of the ten dogs.

Much work remains, and additional research is ongoing.

Berner-Garde Repository

455 samples as of 10/11/2021

Berner-Garde Repository Update

The total number of tumor tissue samples that the Repository had as of 10/11/2021 is 455.

The Bernese Mountain Dog DNA and Tissue Repository (BMD Repository) is a joint project sponsored by the Berner-Garde Foundation and Michigan State University with support from the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America. The BMD Repository facilitates research for improving the health and longevity of Bernese Mountain Dogs. BMD owners and breeders voluntarily submit their dogs' DNA and tumor tissue samples to the Repository to support health research into genetic diseases. The Berner-Garde Foundation also operates the Berner-Garde Database, an open health database for Bernese Mountain Dogs. The BG Database and the BMD Repository work in tandem. DNA samples are of little value without the accompanying health and pedigree information that the BG Database provides. The Alpenhorn displays the Berner-Garde number (BG#) of every Berner pictured in the magazine. Visit bernergarde.org to learn more about the BMD Repository and to access the Berner-Garde Database.

From the Bm DCA ArChives

Report on

Proposed Standard 1979

BY MARY ALICE HORSTICK

The following article is from the BMDCA February 1979 Newsletter. This is one of a series of articles, (though not the first in the series) which appeared in several newsletters discussing the proposed changes to the AKC BMD Standard. I hope that you enjoy this reflective look back.

References cited in ( ) in this article are :

(AKC) - The Complete Dog Book, Official Publication of the AKC (the edition is not known, and it is now in its 20th Edition)

(Lyon) - The Dog in Action, McDowell Lyon, All Breeds, Illustrated (1977).

STANDARD DISCUSSION:

Forequarters, hindquarter, tail, gait.

BECAUSE FOREQUARTERS, HINDQUARTERS and tail are the contraptions with which the dog is supposed to move, we will also discuss gait this month. This is slightly out of order as the proposed standard has the sections on Coat and Color and Markings before gait, but we feel that the standing structure of the dog is too closely related to the moving structure and would like to keep some continuity of thought.

PROPOSED STANDARD:

Forequarters: Shoulders well-laid-back, flatlying and well-muscled. Forelegs straight and strong with the elbow well under the shoulder and never loose. Pasterns slightly sloping. Feet round and compact with well arched toes. Dewclaws may be removed from front legs.

Hindquarters: Thighs broad, strong, and muscular. Stifles well-bent, tapering smoothly into the hocks. Hocks well let down and straight. Dewclaws should be removed from rear legs.

Tail: Bushy, reaching to the hock, carried slightly suspended. Faults: tail curled over the back, k ink in tail.

Gait: Natural working gait a slow trot, but capable of speed and agility in keeping with use in draft and droving work. Good reach in front. Powerful drive from the rear transmitted through a level back. No wasted action. Front and hind legs on each side follow through in the same plane, increased speed, legs may converge toward the center line.

VOCABULARY:

• Shoulder: the region created by the shoulder blade and supporting muscles. (Lyon)

• Laid-back (shoulder): a shoulder blade inclined backward from the joint to the top at an efficient angle for the dog's work or action; 45 degrees being the most efficient angle. (Lyon) See figures 1A (Dec. 1978 is sue) and 7

• Pastern: commonly recognized as the region of the foreleg between the carpus or wrist and the digits. (AKC)

• Dewclaw: an extra claw or functionless digit on the inside of the leg; a rudimentary fifth toe. (AKC, Complete Dog Book)

• Thigh: the hindquarter from hip to stifle.

• Stifle: the joint of the leg between the thigh and the second thigh. The dog's knee. (AKC)

AKC Bernese Mountain Dog Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE: A wellbalanced dog, active and alert; a combination of sagacity, fidelity and utility.

HEAD: Skull flat, defined stop and strong muzzle. Dewlaps very slightly developed, flews not too pendulous, jaw strong with good, strong teeth. Eyes dark, hazel-brown, full of fire. Ears v-shaped, set on high, not too pointed at tips and rather short. When in repose, hanging close to head; when alert, brought slightly forward and raised at base.

NECK AND BODY: Body rather short than too long in back, compact and well-ribbed up. Chest broad with good depth of brisket. Loins strong and muscular.

LEGS AND FEET: Forelegs straight and muscular, thighs well developed and stifles well bent. Feet round and compact. Declaws should be removed.

TAIL: Of fair thickness and well covered with long hair, but not to forma flag; moderate length. When in repose, should be carried low, upward swirl permissible; when alert, may be carried gaily, but may never curl or be carried over back.

COAT: Soft and silky with bright, natural sheen; long and slightly wavy but may never curl.

COLORS AND MARKINGS: Jet black with russet brown or deep tan markings on all four legs, a spot just above forelegs, each side of white chest marking and spots over eyes, which may never be missing. The brown on the forelegs must always be between the black and white. Preferable, but not a condition, are: white feet, tip of tail, pure white blaze up foreface, a few white hairs on back of neck, and white star-shaped marking on chest.

HEIGHT: Dogs 23” to 27 1/2”; bitches 21” to 26” at shoulder.

FAULTS: Too massive in head, light or staring eyes, too heavy or long ears, too narrow or snipey muzzle, undershot or overshot mouth, pendulous dewlaps, too long or Setter-like body, splay or bare feet, tail curled or carried over back, cowhocks and white legs.

• Hock: the tarsus or collection of bone of the hindleg forming the joint between the thigh and metatarsus. The dog's true heel. (AKC)

• Hocks-well-let-down: a term which is synonymous with hocks close to the ground; this produces a relatively short distance between the hock joint and the ground, a short cannon bone, which reduces the leverage tax on the Achilles tendon and lessens fatigue. (Lyon)

• Gait: the manner in which a dog walks, trots or runs. (AKC)

COMMENTS:

Ron Smith, Ontario, Canada: "Forequarters". Please add something to the pastern comment to clarify that pasterns are not sloping because they are weak. "Tail". I do not agree that tails are always slightly suspended. Many BMD's carry their tails very low when set up and carry them quite gaily when not in motion, though not over their back. This is quite acceptable in my opinion. "Gait". You mention leg movement in the same plane. A lot of BMD's

wide track in front and single track in the rear at full trot. Should this be mentioned?

Gini Shambaugh, Penn: "Forequarters". I think it should still state "Dewclaws should be removed." My feeling is that dewclaws detract from the appearance of the leg and front and cause problems by being torn off, etc. They can also get caught in eye corners (this rarely happens, but once is too often).

Beverly Barney, Mass: Dewclaws may be removed from front legs. "Can" would be more positive. "May" be sounds like we would rather see them left on. Dewclaws should be removed from rear legs. "Should be" doesn't help the judge or breeder. Either "can be" or "must be" would be more positive.

Arthur Hesser, N.Y.: "Paws". I would say they should be mentioned; short, round and compact (cat paws).

Mary Dawson, Penn: Forequarters looks alright. "Hindquarters”, I do not think that "well bent stifles" are what our dogs have or should have. Draft dogs should not have them too well bent (see Lyon pp. 79-80; 196-197; also see standards for other heavy draft dogs). "Moderately bent stifles" is a little wishy-washy, but may be better. "Tail"- o.k. "Gait". Why limit "the natural working gait" to a slow trot? I am sure all gaits are used, including the walk, for both draft and droving work. Again, eliminate "agility", substitute "activity" for "speed and agility". I suggest starting out "Gait reflecting strength and activity in keeping with use in draft and droving work." otherwise, fine.

Arnold Woolf, Maine: Other than gait, standard looks pretty good. Better include cowhocks as a fault. Your gait is so erratic now and you won't improve it without penalizing cowhocking BMD's.

COMMITTEE RATIONALE:

It's a bit hard to imagine trying to write a brief article on these sections when some people have written entire books on the anatomy and/or movement of the dog! It is also difficult to explain the proposed standard section by section when it is the coordination and balance of the whole dog which is our prime interest. The structure of

the dog has been considered by the Standard Committee primarily with the consideration of getting the most efficient movement our of our WORKING dog. We have already es tablished that

Fig. 8 Rears (see also Fig 1A)

Fig. 7 Shoulders (see also Fig. 1A, 2A, 3A)

From Front and Rear

the BMD is generally a farm dog used for light draft and some droving work. He must have stamina to pull his load and also some amount of speed.

Though I have received one comment that we are dreaming if we think that the BMD is still used for this type of work, rest assured that I am one owner who does use my dogs for these purposes and am not alone in this world by a long shot. Though it may be from the joy rather than the necessity of seeing my dogs enthusiastically pulling a load of vegetables or firewood or playfully ushering sheep, how important it is that they do their job without tiring! Many breeds have had certain characteristics determined quite simply by the fancy of their admirers. If this is to be part of our criteria, then perhaps the key word is "moderation". Very often people who are seeing a BMD for the first-time remark that the beauty of the dog is that it is just a "normal" dog, nothing exaggerated, nothing to excess. With the working ability and the "normalness" of the BMD in mind, the Committee has worked to keep each part of the Standard in balance with the other parts.

In the "forequarters" section, we have described the shoulders as "well-laid-back" to impart to the judge and breeder the desirability of angulation of approximately 45 degrees (see figure 1A, BMDCA Newsletter, Dec. '78 issue, and 7). It is at this angle that the dog gets most efficient use of his muscles (Lyon, v 6).

Note that the proposed Standard also calls for "stifles well-bent", which generally goes hand in hand with proper rear angulation. This rear angulation is necessary for the power, drive and follow through needed for the dog to pull a load without tiring. The angulation in the rear must be balanced with that in the front. A dog with straight shoulders, a common fault in many BMD's, and well-bent stifles will have poor movement in that the front end will not be able to utilize the power coming from the rear. Likewise, a dog with good front angulation and straight stifles will not have powerful movement because there will be little ability for the leg to extend the force from the rear. A dog that is straight in both front and rear will probably have smoother movement than a dog that is out of balance but will be lacking in reach and drive. As Mary Dawson has noted, a well-bent

stifle is not always desirable in some breeds. The Alaskan Malamute standard calls for moderately bent stifles, but also calls for "moderately sloping" shoulders. Moreover, the Malamute is a heavy draft dog and is not used for any herding or droving work. The Siberian Husky, Samoyed and Rottweiler standards call for well-laid-back shoulders and wellbent stifles. "Pasterns slightly sloping" may imply to some a weakness mentioned by Ron Smith, but this impression should be corrected by the preceding sentence "forelegs straight and strong". "Slightly sloping", we feel, is an improvement on the Swiss Standard: "pasterns giving slightly". The necessity for the sloping pastern is for the dog to absorb the shock of the impact of the front assembly coming down when moving and assures a smoother gait. Dogs that lack such slope do not have the cushioning or spring (Lyon p. 152). Sloping pasterns are not the same thing as broken down or weak pasterns. In a weak pastern, the bones are not doing their job, but are putting the burden of the weight on the foot muscles and would unnecessarily tire the dog (Lyon p. 154)

Mr. Hesser's comment regarding paws is exactly what the proposed Standard has said in the description of feet. ("Feet" is the term asked for by the AKC.) "Round and compact with well-arched toes" implies that the foot is also short. To add "cat paws" would be redundant. ("Cat-foot: a deep, round, compact foot which is characterized by a short third digit bringing the toes nearer the base or heel pad, resembling a cat's paw." (Lyon, p. 268) "The short round, compact foot like that of a cat." (AKC, p. 648).

Mr. Woolf's comment that we should mention cowhocks certainly brings out a problem that we have with our breed. The Committee has taken its cue not to mention the fault from the AKC by stating our case in positive terms. "The standard should list only such faults as are peculiar to the breed, and should not attempt to list faults which are obvious from the positive description of the dog. If the positive description specifies "hind legs straight as viewed from behind", it is generally not necessary to mention that "cowhocks are a fault". Perhaps we are unclear in that we have omitted "as viewed from behind", which is the intent of this sentence in the hindquarters section.

Ah! Dewclaws! Those funny digits that none of us really like, but that come on the forelegs of most imported dogs and many American-bred dogs. Those that feel that rear dewclaws should be removed are in a vast majority. Removal of the rear dewclaws is how both the current U.S. and Swiss Standards are interpreted. The usage of "may be removed" in the forequarters section permits but does not require the breeder to remove front dewclaws. At this point, we do not feel that the removal of front dewclaws is one of our major concerns. In the AKC "Guide for Writing Breed Standards", we are asked to specify whether dewclaws "may be, are generally, should be or should not be removed, distinguishing between dewclaws on the forelegs and those on the hind legs in each case." (Underlining's mine; it's AKC's wording, not ours!) The Committee does not feel strongly enough that the front dewclaws should or should not be removed

Should we dock tails because they frequently knock everything off coffee tables or sometimes get caught in doors?? When the Standard Committee did a survey a number of years ago, the section on "tail" was the one section of the current U.S. Standard which most people felt was adequate. Well, we have greatly changed this section, not because we felt the current Standard inadequate, but because the Swiss Standard is more concise. The current U.S. Standard's section on tail is wordier than the combined sections on forequarters, hindquarters and gait, which are actually just lumped together. The tail is essentially an extension of the backbone and, as such, "is a barometer to the set of the pelvis and the value of the muscles attached to the pelvis and croup". (Lyon, p. 223). A tail that is slightly suspended, we hope reflects the proper structure of muscles and bones in the rear assembly. The argument that many BMD' s carry tails higher or lower than we ask for as the ideal does not make that tail carriage necessarily desirable. By taking the wordiness out of this section, we have tried to minimize the overemphasis on tail carriage in the current standard. The faults listed, we felt, are a problem in the breed. Note that "tail curled over the back" is listed as a fault, but not "tail carried more or less than slightly suspended".

Considering that the current U.S. Standard has no section on gait and the Swiss Standard's translation is awkward and difficult to translate, the Committee

drew up this section with considerable reflection on the purpose of the Bernese Mountain Dog as a working dog, suited for light draft work and droving. All dogs, walk, trot, canter, and gallop when circumstances call for each gait at which he would be pulling a cart most efficiently. A slow trot keeps the cart rolling once the dog gets it going, but is not as tiring as a fast trot. A walk is also used as the least tiring and smoothest pace in pulling a cart but is not known for the speed necessary for droving, and whether we like it or not, all breeds are judged in the ring at a trot.

The tendency for many exhibitors to race their dogs around a ring frequently covers up poor movement which would be easily observed at a slow trot. As Ron Smith points out, many BMD's have a "tricycle" gait; they move wide in front and close in the rear, which we feel is nor proper movement. For this reason, we have stated that the "front and hind legs on each side follow through in the same plane. At increased speed, legs may converge toward a center line." (The Committee's original wording here was revised, clarified and improved with the help of the AKC.) With this wording, the single-tracking and double-tracking dog are both allowed, but the dog which has a combination of the two is not desired.

When pulling a cart (which is actually a pushing action), two factors are involved, balance and force. A dog having the breadth in front and rear needed for the power to pull a cart may start out to double track for best balance and force . As his speed increases, the center of gravity is balanced over a center line, the dog brings his feet closer to this line and he throws his weight straight forward, first onto one foot then the other. The dog which is moving wide in front is not utilizing fully the drive coming from the rear that is now from side to side rather than straight a:head. The case of why we need proper angulation and good muscling to assure us of an efficient cart dog has been greatly simplified and underst ated above.

I urge anyone who is interested (or confused) to refer to McDowell Lyon's Dog In Action and/ or Rachael Page Elliott's Dog Steps, Illustrated Gait at a Glance, both published by Howell. If you have any questions or comments regarding the proposed Standard, we welcome them with open arms!

Committee Chairs through the Years

THE HEALTH OF any organization is solely dependent on the strength and generosity of its volunteers. With this thought, we aspire to recognize all of those committee chairs who gave their skills, time, and effort that helped build the BMDCA into what it is today.

With the digitizing of our historical records, we were able to perform a comprehensive search through newsletters, board minutes, and The Alpenhorns to put together for the first time a list of our committee chairs throughout the years. As humans compiled this list, there are bound to be a few areas that need correcting. We are asking our membership to help us ensure that this list is as accurate as possible. If you can contribute to the accuracy of this list, please send an email to BMDCAarchive@gmail.com.

We also hope that once you have reviewed the list of BMDCA volunteers that you will thank them when you next see them and that you will be in the next generation of volunteers to ensure the health and longevity of our organization.

On behalf of the BMDCA Board and our members—thank you! — Georgeann Reeve

AKC DELEGATE

1893-1993 Mary Jo Thomson

1994-2001 ...... Sharon Smith

2002-2006 Lilian Ostermiller

2007-2010 Denise Dean

2011-2021 ....... Sara Karl

THE ALPENHORN EDITOR

1985-1987 Denise Dean

1888-2008 Elizabeth Pearson

2008 Laura Caprara

2009-2012 Nancy Melone

2013 Michele Keck

2013-2018 Robin Hamme/ Dawn Freeland

2019—2020 Sharon Montville/ Georgeann Reeve

2021 Georgeann Reeve / Lara Usilton

AGILITY

1999-2001 Michael Bond

2002-2010 Clark Osojnicki

2011-2021 ....... Kris Osojnicki

AKC GAZETTE

1981-2018 Julia Crawford

2019-2021 ....... Marjorie Geiger

ASSISTANCE & GUIDANCE

2004-2009 Roxanne Bortnick

2010-2015 ....... Darcy Babbs

2017-2021 Linda Dalton

AWARDS

1983-1984 Denise Dean

1985-1987 Karen St Michel

1988-2001 Michele Walker

2002-2004 Patti Morgan

2005-2021 Renee Jacquier

BREED AMBASSADOR

2013-2020 Carol Lynn Fox

2021 Wendy Kirk

BREED STEWARD

2006 Anne Copeland/ Beverly Hilmes

2006-2012 Anne Copeland

BREEDER EDUCATION

2005-2015 ...... Linda Seaver

2016-2020 Dawn Cox

2021 Linda Seaver / Heather Austin

BREEDER REFERRAL

2005-2021 Adam Conn

BULLETIN

2005-2016 ...... Karyn Beyer

2016-2019 Denise Peck

2020-2021 Karyn Beyer

BYLAWS

1983-2000 Julia Crawford

BYLAWS & NEW CLUB FORMATION

2001-2009 Julia Crawford

BYLAWS & REGIONAL CLUB

RELATIONS

2010-2012 Julia Crawford

2013-2015 Gene Hamme

BYLAWS

2016-2017 Anne Summers

2019-2021 ....... Linda Dalton

REGIONAL CLUB RELATIONS

2016-2020 Georgeann Reeve

2021 ................ Carol Lynn Fox

CANCER

1991-1993 ....... Lori Jodar

DRAFT

1991-1993 Paul Emerson

1994-1998 Beverly Barney

1999-2002 Christine Mann

2003-2009 Phil Atkinson

2010-2019 Jennifer Brightbill

2020 Jennifer Brightbill / Julie Bacon

2021 Jennifer Brightbill

EDUCATION (OWNER)

2004-2005 Susan Ablon

2006-2010 Carol Stephenson

EDUCATION PUBLIC

2004-2007 Beverly Hilmes

EDUCATION / INFO SERIES

2002 ................ Ruth Reynolds

2002-2021 Robin Hamme

BMDCA FILE MANAGER

1991-1997 ....... Martin Packard

1998-2003 Margrit Kitchin

2004-2014 Pat Long

FUTURITY

1991 Gail Whitesell

1992-1993 Roxanne Bortnick

1994-1998 ....... Valerie Shingledecker

1999-2021 Sandy Dunaway

HEALTH

1991-1993 ....... Stephen Harris

1994-1995 Lori Jodar

1996-1998 Kathy Berge

1999-2009 ...... Kevin Curran

2010 Debby Jones

2011-2014 Julie Jackson

2015-2016 Sue Van Ocker

2017-2018 Sue Van Ocker / Toby Erlichman

2019-2021 Toby Erlichman

HEALTH AUCTION

2013-2018 Debbie Miller Butler

2020-2021 Kim McIntyre

HERDING

2001-2004 Marjorie Cherry

2005 Marjorie Cherry / Mary Dowski

2006-2011 Mary Dowski

2012 Mary Dowski / Renee Meriaux

2013-2021 Renee Meriaux

HISTORIAN

1968-1972 ....... Mary Dawson

1973-1982 Francis Lockhart

1983-1986 Carolyn Lockhart

1988-1994 Anneliese Belknap

1995-2004 Nancy Mayer

2005-2016 Cindy Stauch

2017-2020 Julie Bacon

INHERITED TRAITS

1997-1984 John Caulwell

1985-1990 Gretchen J.D. Johnston

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

2003-2005 Herb Hoffman

2006-2008 Debbie Lyons

2009-2011 ...... Katherin Skerl

2012-2021 Tracey Keith

JUDGES EDUCATION

1991-1993 ....... Sylvia Howison

1994-2001 Deborah Mulvey

2002-2013 Mary Alice Eschweiler

2014-2021 ...... Deb Wilkins

JUDGES SELECTION

2009-2021 Susan Henderson

JUNIOR ADVISOR

1997-1978 Donna Paramore

1979-1981 Kathy Miller

1982-1990 ....... Carla Bankston

1991-2004 Michelle Ostermiller

2004-2007 Breanne Dunaway

2008-2011 ...... Molly Settles

2012-2016 Anglea Merfeld

2017-2021 Debbie Jones

LEGISLATIVE

1996-2001 Stephanie Sotiros

2002-2018 Ruth Nielsen

LIAISON OVER SEAS

1982-1986 Christina Ohlsen

MEDALLION PLAQUE

2001-2004 Susanne Hoffman

2005 Susan Henderson

2006-2009 Not recorded

2010-2011 Jeffrey Nowak

2012-2021 Candy Konicki

MEMBERSHIP

1971-1976 Martha Decker

1977 ............... Janice Ahrens

1978-1979 Lilo Holzer

1980-1981 Linda Williams

1982-1986 ....... Kathy Milar

1987 Becky Wolfert

1988-1999 Mary Jane Mielke

2000-2002 ...... Jennifer Durrance

2003-2004 Laurie Farley

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

2005-2006 Stephanie Sotiros

2007-2008 Adele Hershey

2009-2011 Adele Swenson

2012-2015 Randal Dowler

2015-2019 Barb LeTorneau

2020-2021 Andrea Brackowski

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

2005-2011 ...... Stephanie Bicksacky

2012-2015 Dee McDuffie

2016-2019 Suzanne Lintzenich

2020 ................ Alexis Smith

2021 Pam Weir

SPECIALTY COORDINATOR

1985-1988 ....... Denise Groesbeck

1989-1992 Linda Seaver

1993 Deb Mulvey

1994-1997 ....... Joanne Prelberg

1998-2003 Cindy Still

2004-2009 Susan Henderson

2010-2012 ....... Nancy Van Horn

2013-2021 Dottie Schulte

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

1968-1969 ....... Fred Pyle

1970-1971 Julia & Elizabeth Crawford

1972-1973 ....... Sylvia Howison

1974-1978 Dora Gruber

1979 Ellen Picard

1980-1981 ....... Martha Decker

1982 Rachael Adams

1983-1985 Janice Lebeuf

OBEDIENCE / RALLY / TRACKING

1971-1975 Hugh O’Hagan

1976 Millicent Buchanan

1977 Gail Palmer

1978 Virginia Shambaugh

1979-1981 Beverly Barney

1982 George Coulter

1983-1986 Marjorie Reho

1987-2007 April Rifenburg

2008-2013 Jennifer Donnelly Schoffstall

2014-2017 Angie Hanson

2018-2021 Stephanie Biksacky

OFA

1970-1978 Barbara Packard

1979 Not recorded

1980 ................ Peggy Hindman

1981-1982 No recorded

1983 Peg Long

1984-1985 Martha Reisinger

1986-1987 Sandy Hawkins

1988-1991 Nancy Buillard

ONLINE STORE

2013-2021 Susan Henderson

PUBLIC RELATIONS

1976-1980 Becky Wolfert

1981-2002....... Ruth Reynolds

2002-2005 Robin Hamme

2006 Anne Copeland / Beverly Hilmes

2007-2011 Karyn Beyer

PUBLICATIONS / YEARBOOK

1970-1975 ....... Julia Crawford

1976-1977 Mary Dawson

1978 J. Edward Rice

1979 ................ Diane Peterson

1980-2014 Mary Dawson

2015 Deborah Godfrey

2016-2021 Teresa Dominquez

RECORDS

1970-1975 Barbara Packard

1976-1989 Mary Alice Horstick

1990-2007 Alison Jaskiewicz

2008-2021 Gary Galunas

REGIONAL CLUB COUNCIL

1985-1989 Sandy Caulwell

1990 Karen Ward

SPECIALTY DNA

2010-2021 ...... Renee Jacquier

SURVEY

2006-2021 Mary-Ann Bowman

WAYS N MEANS

1972-1976 Martha Reisinger

1977-1978 Sabino Sabin

1979-1981 Denise Groesbeck

1982-1986 Dotty Lawrence

1987-1993 Carol Evert

1994-1998 Deborah Godfrey

1999-2004 ...... Lynne Hawkinson

2005-2007 Vicky Whitney

2008-2011 Dottie Schulte

2012-2014 ....... Beverly Hilmes

2015-2016 Lynn Nelson

2017-2018 Sherry Von Engel

................ Vacant

2020-2021 Jon Weir

WEBSITE

2004-2010 ...... Hugh Hayes

2011-2020 Ann Milligan

Adam Conn

Amber (BG# 101868) and Bridget (BG# 175751) helping Brig (BG# 175781) with his down stay.

Photo by Sue Van Ocker.

BMDCA Events

SPECIALTIES

NOVEMBER 5, 2021, BMDC OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Specialty with Sweepstakes at Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, CA in conjunction with Yosemite Kennel Club. Judges are Carol Lynn Fox (Regular) and Valerie Horney (Sweepstakes). Superintendent is MB-F www.infodog.com. AKC National OwnerHandled Series. Ringside luncheon with the judges, pre-order by 10/29. Raffle to be held after luncheon.

NOVEMBER 6, 2021, SIERRA WEST BMDC

Specialty with Sweepstakes at Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, CA in conjunction with Contra Costa County Kennel Club. Judges are Georgeann Reeve (Regular) and Christine McClean (Sweeps). Superintendent is MB-F www.infodog.com AKC National OwnerHandled Series. Ringside luncheon and raffle.

JANUARY 7, 2022, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

BMDC at Empire Equestrian Park and Polo Field, Indio, CA. Judges are Michael Forte (Regular) and Mary Dowski (Sweeps). Superintendent is BaRay Events Services, dogshows@barayevents.com.

JANUARY 15, 2022, BMDC OF GREATER SEATTLE with Sweepstakes at Western Washingron Fairgrounds, Puyallup, WA. Judges are Denise Dean (Regular) and TBD (Sweeps). Superintendent is BaRay Event Services, dogshows@barayevents.com.

MARCH 19-20, 2022 MASON-DIXON

BMDC with Sweepstakes in conjunction with Celtic Classic Cluster at York Expo Center, York PA 17404. Judges are Cathy Burlile (Regular) and Susan Morrill (Sweeps) on 3/19 and Beverly Vics (Regular) and Shira Barkon (Sweeps) on 3/20. Superintendent is RauDogShows, info@raudogshows.com.

SUPPORTED ENTRIES

NOVEMBER 4, 2021, BMDC OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Supported Entry at Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, CA in conjunction with Yosemite Kennel Club. Judges are Robert L. Vandiver and Valerie Horney. Superintendent is MB-F www.infodog.com. AKC National Owner-Handled Series.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021, SIERRA WEST BMDC

Supported Entry at Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, CA in conjunction with Contra Costa County Kennel Club. Superintendent is MB-F www.infodog.com

MARCH 18, 2020, MASON-DIXON BMDC

Supported Entry at York Expo Center, York PA in conjunction with Celtic Classic Cluster. Judge is Luis F. Sosa. Superintendent is RauDogShows, info@raudogshows.com

BMDCA DRAFT TESTS

NOVEMBER 6 & 7, 2021, PIEDMONT BMDC of SC Draft test at Anderson Recycling Center 3027 Mall Road, Anderson, SC 29625. Judges are Dan Brodigan / Bob Schmidt for both days. Secretary Dawn L. Paine, 1220 W. Gilbert St., Hendersonville, NC 28792, 864-270-3114, dpaine1959@hotmail.com

NOVEMBER 19, 20 & 21, 2021, LONE STAR BMDC Draft test at George Bush Park 16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston, TX 77082. Judges are Ruth Nielsen / Larry Bohlig on 11/19, Lori Kennedy / Ruth Nielsen on 11/20, and Larry Bohlig / Lori Kennedy on 11/21. Secretary Renee Jacquier, 21415 Bentrgrass Court, Katy, TX 77450, 281-797-2321, rjacq16804@aol.com

JANUARY 22-23, 2022, GRAND CANYON STATE BMDC at Royal Arabians 1660 N. Lindsay Mesa, AZ 85213. Judges are Patti Davieau / Bob Schmidt for both days. Secretary Meryl Bergstein, 3863 E. Linda Ct,.Gilbert, AZ 85234, 480-8378549, meryl@bergsteinaz.com

PERFORMANCE EVENTS

None MEETINGS, ETC.

None SUBMIT EVENTS AND CHECK THE LATEST LISTINGS ONLINE AT: WWW.BMDCA.ORG/ EVENTS/CALENDAR

Chilly (BG# 97065) catching the sun.

Photo by Patty Gill.

The Book Berners

We Are What We Eat… And So Are Our Dogs

MEDIA REVIEW BY LORI FRIEDLI, MSLIS

HEALTHY EATING IS as important for our beloved Berners as it is for us. For the 2021 Alpenhorn Health issue, this reviewer has chosen a new and comprehensive title that speaks to this topic.

In 2013, David G. Wellock's Health and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats: A Guide for Pet Parents explored the rise of the pet food industry and helped readers to untangle the various myths involving what they feed their pets. He taught readers how to decipher food labels, understand our pets' nutritional needs throughout their lives, and advocated for honest foods to feed them.

This book intends to alert pet parents to the issues—and all too often the perils—presented by "Big Kibble's" mass-produced, feedgrade food to raise awareness.

The operative words "Big" and "Kibble," the authors note, are comparative to "Big Pharma" and "Big Tobacco," terms used to describe "highly profitable, rapacious industries," whose modus operandum maximize gains over the well-being of their customers.

nary nutritionist and university professor, note that veterinary students do not find many classes about this subject in their curriculum choices.

BIG KIBBLE: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF THE PET FOOD INDUSTRY AND HOW TO DO BETTER BY OUR DOGS

BY SHAWN BUCKLEY AND DR. OSCAR CHAVEZ

Big Kibble is a timely addition to this body of knowledge. Like its predecessor, as readers will note when observing the "skull and bones" on the book jacket cover, this book will be considered controversial.

Buckley and Chavez describe themselves as "pioneers and disruptors in the dog food industry." They introduce their book, noting that:

The book's introduction and early chapters provide an updated outline of the pet food industry, covering its history and listing its significant players. They discuss the common practice of "gobbling up" independent pet food producers, which gives them the capability of sourcing huge quantities of ingredients from the best-priced handful of suppliers. This sourcing is problematic as it makes it possible for one tainted protein or vegetable to end up in hundreds of food brands. Readers can find a "Kings of Kibble" insert on p. 92 Buckley and Chaves also critique Big Kibble's influence and involvement in veterinary programs, their granting of scholarships, their support of research, and their donations and sponsorship of university programs, all of which promote bias. Dr. Chavez, a veteri -

The authors also critique government regulatory processes (or lack thereof) that pet food producers optionally adhere to, offering an inside look at the shocking lack of regulation within the pet food industry. They also recount some sad stories involving pet food poisons, revisiting the largest pet food melamine recall in 2007 and the 2017 pentobarbital (the euthanasia drug of choice) poisoning. They also examine the more recent dog jerky treat sulfonamide poisoning incidents that remain under court review.

Buckley and Chavez's simple message is that our dogs give us so much that it is our obligation to feed them well! They present a fascinating look at the history of the commercial dog food industry. The authors refer to dog food as "dog feed" because it is regulated by the animal feed industry, which started 150 years ago, and they note "took off like a greyhound." In 1860, dog

food pioneer American engineer James Spratt, an engineer working in England, noticed in the Liverpool seaport that dogs were scarfing down hardtack, a non-perishable foodstuff that sailors took to sea made of flour, salt, and water. He thought it might be good to make "beefed-up" biscuits and patented them as Meat Fibraine Dog Cakes. Other industries, including bakeries, noting the popularity of the Spratt cakes, entered the market too. The National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) purchased one of these bakeries and, with their market presence in grocery stores, were able to bring the dog food business to many more consumers.

Dog food advertising became popular in the early 1920s. New dog foods became available, including canned dog foods produced by Illinois food producer Chappel, who used horse meat in its Ken-LRation wet food. When metals for canning were rationed during the wars, dog "Chow" (note the military connotation) was promoted. It was marketed as handy, clean, healthy, easy to store, and easy to prepare, and became hugely popular in American households. The Pet Food Industry Trade Association actively marketed the health benefits of eating nutritionally balanced kibble instead of eating human table food. Buckley and Chavez tell us, "By the mid-1980s, Big Kibble Had Arrived." Highly processed human foods also grew in popularity in the post-W WII economy.

Buckley and Chavez pose some fundamental questions, among them: If pet food production companies claim to love their consumers, how can they allow their foods to poison our beloved dogs?

The title of Chapter 5 is "You Can't Judge a Kibble By Its Cover: Misleading Labels, False Advertisements and Lax Regulations That Let It Slide." In this chapter, the authors detail serious health concerns about the pet feed industry. Some of the many ideas the authors touch upon include unhealthy ingredients in dog food; confusing information about what ingredients are in dog food, and the virtual impossibility for consumers to have unhealthy products removed from the market or sue producers of toxic foods.

AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, was founded in 1909, whose purpose was to set regulation legislation. There is no federal agency specifically designed to oversee and regulate companion animal food. Thus, there is no national definition of ingredients that can and cannot be used in animal feed. While AAFCO is tasked with setting the rules, they have no power to enforce them. This power is shared between the states and FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. Curiously, the AAFCO's regulations are endorsed by the pet feed industry, Big Kibble companies being primary players in the American Feed Industry Association, the National Grain and Feed Association, and the Pet Food Institute. The authors attended an annual meeting in 2014 and concluded that "AAFCO can operate at cross purposes with the values of many pet parents—and even, with the health and safety of our pets." At this meeting, the discussion centered on whether Zinc Hydrochloride, whose chemical formula included 54% Zinc, aiding in cell growth and cell repair and other heavy metals such as arsenic, lead cadmium, and mercury can be

listed as "Zinc". Zinc Hydrochloride is not a clean ingredient, but Big Kibble companies simply label it "zinc." Benign-sounding ingredients in kibble can mask some dangerous and disgusting material. Veterinarians objected, but their counsel was ignored. AAFCO approved this—what the authors refer to as "heavy metal soup." Zinc Hydrochloride can be found on page 418 of the AAFCO Official Publication, the feed makers "bible." AAFCO allowable food ingredients also include: "dietary fiber" (ground pecan shells); "distressed pet food" (pet food that can't be sold in stores because its packaging is torn or it is past expiration date); "crude proteins" including dried poultry and other animal waste.

The packaging on dog food creatively promotes healthy ingredients that are not necessarily in the food. The authors refer to the mislabeling for food containers as "The Art of Creative Writing: AKA Pet Feed labels 101." They describe AAFCO regulations for graphics as well as text. They use up-scale pet

They discuss the common practice of "gobbling up" independent pet food producers, which gives them the capability of sourcing huge quantities of ingredients from the best-priced handful of suppliers. This sourcing is problematic as it makes it possible for one tainted protein or vegetable to end up in hundreds of food brands

food to explain this point. The food is packaged in a bag that shows a rack of lamb on its cover. The AAFCO rules state that only 25% of the ingredient (in this case lamb) is necessary for that ingredient to be listed on the packaging and that the cut of the meat in the food does not have to match the graphic. The authors also note that labelers do not always reveal that the lamb on the packaging might be lamb meal, which is an extruded product. Descriptor words on canned foods like "dinner," "platter," "recipe" mean that there is a requirement of only 10 % of the ingredient within. The rest can be water. The word nuance "with" can be used for foods that contain a mere 3% of the ingredient included on the label. The authors include lists of brands that use the "3% With Rule."

"When Meat is a Four Letter Word: Using Our Pets as Four-Lettered Recycling Machines" discusses rendering industries, adulterated foods, 4D meats (that come from dead, dying, destroyed, or diseased animals) and the way they are transported and handled, and food recalls and withdrawals. This chapter is too horrifying to address in this review, but it is of significant importance. Similarly, the chapter "How Mold on Grain—Not Grain—Harms Our Dogs: The Problem with Mycotoxins and the Grain-Free Solution, or You Don't Want GrainFree—You Want Mycotoxin-Free" is an essential and new addition to the canon of food literature. It discusses aflatoxicosis, the DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy—a condition in which the heart muscle weakens and becomes enlarged) puzzle. As of the writing of Big Kibble, this puzzle has not been solved and presents a list of symptoms that dogs may suffer if they are taurine deficient.

Part 3, "Good Friends deserve Great Food," is the portion of the book readers will return to many times over. We are all aware of the dangers of eating overprocessed foods. Cancers and other chronic disease threats in humans and pets have been documented over many years. Kibble is overprocessed.

Buckley and Chavez advocate eating a whole food, nutritionally balanced diet. Their advocacy led the authors to open JustFoodForDogs. Big Kibble is not meant to promote their business but to educate people about the importance of good food in any pet's diet. Chapter 10, "Fact Versus Fiction in Dog Nutrition," debunks ten big myths about what our dogs should and should not be eating. This chapter is rich with charts containing nutrition and caloric content of various foods, cooked food and raw food value comparatives, what temperatures foods should be cooked at, and more. There are insert panels that define the Nutritional Needs of Dogs. An insert entitled "Leave It" serves as a refresher course about the food we humans love that our dogs should avoid eating. Real answers to nine common questions follow in the section "Can My Dog Eat Popcorn?" The authors provide recipes created in their lab for consumers to cook for their dogs. It is important to note that there is a vitamin mix that JustFoodForDogs sells included in this chapter that is a component of all the recipes provided.

Though Big Kibble is about the business of feeding our pets, it also presents a rich catalog of "everything dog." There is much commentary about why we bring dogs into our lives, about dog laws and regulations, and about how we care for

them. Buckley and Chavez believe that loving animals makes us more human. They speak to the history of veterinary medicine, what new services are available at current veterinary clinics and specialty practices, and what prices. The authors also include lovely anecdotes throughout Big Kibble. There is one about an immigrant family who got a dog to fit into American culture because they think all Americans love dogs! Why? Because 85% of American dog owners believe their dog is a member of their family. Big Kibble is rich with facts like this one.

Big Kibble's catalog of the dog industry includes a wide range of pet products, including those for pets and those bought for pet parents to enjoy, as well as a wide range of healthly options for dogs, e.g. physical therapy sessions. Also mentioned are: dog magazines and literature, five-star dog care resorts, "bring a dog to dine" venues, dog playgrounds built atop luxury apartment house roofs, and dog spas. Readers will even find a list of companies that allow dogs in the workplace. Our nation's dog economy is vast!

Buckley and Chavez ask, "Where oh where is nutrition in all of this?" Their answer is evident to them, and they strive to explain this to readers! Big Kibble is a big book, even though it is only 309 pages long.

About the reviewer: Lori Friedli is a librarian, a citizen of the United States, and the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. She loves all of the four-footed. Members of her advisory team, who sit on Mommy's feet while she reads her books, are Book Berners Älpi and Lumi, who, Mommy says, have extraordinarily good taste in dog literature and treats!

Recent Titles

REPORT COMPILED BY TINA BROOKS

April 1 – June 30, 2021

The following are as provided by BMDCA Records Chair Gary Galunas via the AKC, BMDCA Draft Chair Jennifer Brightbill, and individual Bernese Mountain Dog owners who submitted proof of titles earned from the American Herding Breed Association for their BMDs through the Berner-Garde database. Address inquiries about errors or omissions to Gary Galunas and Jennifer Brightbill. If your BMD’s AHBA Herding title was not included, it therefore might not be recorded in the Berner-Garde database; send an email and attach a scanned copy of the AHBA Certificate to Renee Jacquier, RJacq16804@aol.com. In the subject line, note, "Submission of AHBA Title for Awards Processing." Please include your dog’s full registered name and its Berner-Garde number.

NOVICE DRAFT DOG

CH Blackrock Xquisite

Xtravaganza TKN (B); Shaeffer

CH Riverwood’s The Fennel

Countdown (D); Sirico, Sirico, Wood

Diana Diamond Of Olviya (B); Wescott

GCH Wintergreen’s Every Sailor’s Dream CGC (D); Van Ocker

Car-Rae’s Peregrine Took BN RE CGC (D); Burgess, Jennings

CH October’s Beyond The Stars

CD BN CGCA CGCU TKI (D); Gasper

CH Shersan’s Quiksilver N Gold

CD RE FDC CGC TKP (D); Motz

GCH Friesian’s Grand

O’Highland’s Irish Lass RN FDC NFP (B); Leone

O’Highland’s Ez On The Eyes Von Mtf RN NFP (D); Leone

Werlwind’s Fanatic Irish Luck (B); Switzler

Baran’s Jolly Buster Boy (D); Baran

CH Swiss Silhouette’s Yakety Yak

He’s A Class Act CDX (D); Kugler

Mamemo’s Moet CGC (B); Simons

GCH Wagontale’s When The Sun Goes Down CGC (D); Temples

Wagontale’s Picking Wildflowers

On The Kaibab (B); Henseler

GCH Aria’s Northern Son CD RE

THD CGC (D); Wetmore

Jenda Locamotion CD RN FDC

CGC TKI (D); Delk

GCH Tanzanite’s Once In A Sapphire Moon CD (B); Montville

GCHTanzanite Jade Glade PT FDC (B); Montville

Brechbuhler’s Nice ‘n Spicy TKN (B); Brightbill

Rainier’s Northern Light V Relentless NAP NJP TKA (B); Dalzell

DRAFT DOG

Spellbound’s Vegetable Stu NDD BDD ANDD (D); Kreutzfeld

Wildblume’s Wildcard BN RA NJP NFP ANDD (B); DeHart

Winridge Hidden Pearl Of Wisdom CD BN RE AXP AJP OFP CGC TKN NDD (D); Saks

BRACE NOVICE DRAFT DOG

CH Valkyrie Winterfest Storm CD RN FDC CGCA TKI DD (D); Start

CH Windfall’s Appleton Of My Eye FDC DD (D); Zablotny

Trillium’s Taking The World By Storm CD RI CGC TKN NDD (B); McCune

Wagontale’s Pearly Storm Queen NDD (B); Torling

CH Highlands You’ve Got Big

Plans RN AXP OJP CGCA TKN ATT NDD (B); Anichini

CH RACH Stonehills Maximum Security From Bergnergarden

CDX BN RM2 RAE2 CGCA TKI ANDD MDD (D); Cramer-Hammann

GCH East Coast’s Tug On My Heartstrings CD BN RN FDC OAP NJP OFP BCAT DD (D); Biehl

GCH Powderkeg’s Keda My Heart

CD BN RE FDC MXP MJP XFP

CA BCAT CGCA CGCU DD (B); Biehl

Jura’s Formal Affair At Skye DD (D); Beyer

CH Swiss Silhouette’s Yakety Yak Edokan Likes That CD PT CGC TKN NDD (D); Cviklova

Summers’ Ahquabi Firefly TD MDD ANDD (B); Berge

Anastasia’s Dark Fury CD BN RI CGC TKN NDD (D); Dalton, Mauss

Summers’ Wheel In The Sky V Charleston Pl RN CGC TKN NDD (B); Hommel

GCH Sevens Heir To The Throne RI

TKA ANDD MDD (D); Nielsen

BRACE DRAFT DOG

Werlwind’s Only One Four Me

BN CGC ANDD BNDD DD (B); Petersen

Jura’s Formal Affair At Skye DD (D); Beyer

ADVANCED NOVICE

DRAFT DOG

CH Lilloete Mamemo Du Haras

De La Vergne RN NAP OJP NFP

CGC TKN MDD BDD (B); Simons

Werlwind’s Creme De La Creme

CD NAP NJP SCN SIN SBN CGC

DD MBDD ABNDD (B); Petersen

CH CT Backcountry Xcelsior TKA

DD ABNDD BDD (D); Atkinson

CH Swiss Star’s Ready To Rumble

V Starbourn CD BN RI CGC NDD (D); Knapp

GCHB Kaibab’s Incandescently

Bright VCD2 NFP DD BDD (B); Bowman

Stonehill For Auld Lang Syne CD

BN RE CGC TKA DD (D); Falk, Waltersdorf

MASTER DRAFT DOG

CH Right On The Edge From Orsina’s Land CD DD BDD ANDD (D); Horney

Werlwind’s Only One Four Me

BN CGC ANDD BDD DD (B); Petersen

Zuri CD PCD RI FDC DD BNDD (B); Berg

Werlwind’s Creme De La Creme

CD NAP NJP SCN SIN SBN CGC

DD MBDD ANDD ABNDD (B); Petersen

ADVANCED BRACE NOVICE

DRAFT DOG

Blumoon’s Six O’Clock News CD

PCD BN RI OAP NJP CGC ANDD

DD BDD (D); Kennedy

CH CT Backcountry Xcelsior TKA

DD BDD (D); Atkinson

CH Right On The Edge From Orsina’s Land CD ANDD MDD

BDD (D); Horney

MASTER BRACE DRAFT DOG

Mount Cheam Inice UD RM TDX

FDC CGCA MDD BDD ANDD

ABNDD (B); Longstreth

North Star’s Singing In The Rain

BN TD FDC CGC DD BDD (B); Longstreth

Werlwind’s Creme De La Creme

CD NAP NJP SCN SIN SBC CGC

DD BDD ABNDD (B); Petersen

CH Winridge Lets Roll CD

ANDD ABNDD MDD BDD (D); Giannone

CH Right On The Edge From Orsina’s Land CD ANDD MDD

BDD (D); Horney

CH Triple B’s Higher Path RI TDX

TDU FDC TKI ANDD DD ABNDD

BDD (D); Jezek

Blumoon’s Six O’Clock News

CDX PCD BN RI OAP NJP CGC

DD BDD ANDD ABNDD (D); Kennedy

CHAMPION

CH Alpenspirit Money Makes Money (B); Meyers

CH Bear-Acres It Ain’t My Fault (B); Wright

CH Blackrock Yes To Yuengling (B); Cox, Moody

CH Blumoon’s Charge It To Twelve Oaks CD RI (D); Dominy, Keith

CH Blumoon’s Leaping The Rubicon (B); Olson

CH Borealbreeze O Snap It’s Santa CGC (B); Davis

CH Classique VonKlett I’ll Take That Bet FDC CGCA CGCU TKI (D); Fitzgerald

CH Copelands Annie Up And Steel The Show (B); Copeland

CH Crowned Royalties Prince Of The Forest (D); Record

CH Deerpark Sam I Am (D); Hoeflinger-Carrizo

CH De-Li’s Tasting The Good Life (D); Ostermiller

CH Devon’s New And Lasting Impression CGCA CGCU TKN (B); Conroy

CH Essence Of Love Aurika (B); Loflin

CH Four-T’s If You Ain’t First, You’re Last (D); Thomas

CH Greenway’s Divine Work Of Art (B); Gallizzo, Laveran

CH Hickory’s Perfect Cup O’ Joe (D); Rosky

CH Jaberwock’s Lady Luck’s Lily (B); SchneideK

CH Jura’s Formal Affair Crown Jewel (B); Galaba, McIntyre

CH Lavender Hills No Place Like Home (B); Prellberg

CH L-Sin Sheridan’s Zinnia (B); Leo, Namovicz

CH Madland’s Bless The Broken Road By Indianland CGC TKN (B); Madland

CH Marben’s McKenna V Crimson Harvest (B); Dekker-Collins, Gerli

CH Nashems Diamond In The Ruff PT FDC TKI (D); Jezek, Karl

CH October’s River Song RI CGC TKI (B); Shanholtz

CH Quellen’s Kape Dressed Sidekick (D); Bass, Hayes

CH Red Rocks Into The Mystic HT FDC (B); Porter

CH Rely On Eli Van’t Stokerybos (D); Bunch

CH Rivermountains Bad To The Bone & Reckless (D); Forde

CH Schurlike Cooper Myers (D); Hurst, Schoorl

CH Signature’s Soaring To The Summit (D); Larsen

CH Spring’s Blade Runner CGCA

CGCU (D); Fuselier, Smith

CH Summers’ Don’t Stop Believin

V Charleston Pl CGC ATT (D); Doyle, Summers

CH Oleka’s It’s Time Samantha (B); Evans

CH Pawgate’s Erlking (D); Schwoeble

CH Swiss Charm Ragnar Northern Chills (D); Walter

CH Tollhaus I’m A Rebel Just For Kicks BN (B); Balsiger

CH Tong’s Bad And Boujee (D); Barnett

CH Witchways Taking Care Of Business (D); Harrison

CH Xcalibur’s Hat Trick (B); Greenwood

GRAND CHAMPION

GCH Aria’s Northern Son RA THD CGC (D); Wetmore

GCH CT Backcountry Xcelsior TKA (D); Atkinson. Bennett

GCH Bear Mountain’s Fearless One- Der (B); Edwards, Hyden, Sullivan

GCH Belnois Whitemtns

Pemigewasset FDC CGC (B); Beck-Wilczek

GCH Bjorns Bindi Sky V Lindenhof RE CGC TKI (B); Bootes

GCH Copelands Annie Up And Steel The Show (B); Copeland

GCH Cor Caroli’s Mission to the Stars CD RN (D); Bernard

GCH Deerpark Take It To The Limit RN FDC CGC (D); Dial

GCH Greenway”s Timeless Legend V Oleka (D); Gallizzo, Laveran

GCH Highlands You’ve Got Big Plans BN RN AXP OJP CGCA TKN ATT (B); Anichini, Farrell, Washburn

GCH Indian Hill’s Forged In Fire V Full Moon TKN (D); Buchanan, Gerow, Slade, Smalley

GCH Ingvar Spelniony Sen (D); Bammel

GCH Jura’s American Beauty Stella Blue V. Zenith TKN (B); Olson

GCH Malicloy Hear Me Roar V Bjorns RN CGC TKN (D); Taylor, Wright-Wagner

GCH Nashems One More Moondance At Red Rocks RN HT FDC (D); Karl

GCH Peacefield’s Imperial Intrigue (D); Cain-Denk, Starbird

GCH Rely On Eli Van’t Stokerybos (D); Bunch

GCH Swiss Silhouette’s Aurvandil (D); Leary, Story

GCH Trailbound’s Jumpin’ Jack Flash (D); Keck

GCH Valkyrie Winterfest Storm CD RN FDC CGCA TKI (D); Guimond, Start

GRAND CHAMPION BRONZE

GCHB Blackwater Oh What A Night (B); Sanvido, Reeve

GCHB Demitra’s Prelude To A Milestone CD BN RA PT FDC CGC (D); Maxwell, Beckman

GCHB Olympusruns Something Wicked This Way Comes RN CGCU TKN (B); Berta, Mann

GCHB Driftless Born On Fire V Brookhills (B); Scott, Richter, Buonpane

GCHB Kaibab’s Jigsaw Puzzle AXP AJP (B); Jaskiewicz, Sontag Bowman

GCHB Vida’s Whale Of A Time (D); Sherwood

GCHB Greenway’s Divine Prince George (D); Cook, Gallizzo

GRAND CHAMPION SILVER

GCHS Swiss Silhouette’s Blue Moon Rising (B); Lusk

GRAND CHAMPION GOLD

GCHG Trailbound & Azures American Ride (D); Zelenka, Keck

COMPANION DOG

Anastasia’s Dark Fury CD BN RI

CGC TKN (D); Dalton, Ellis, Mauss

GCH Aria’s Northern Son CD RE

THD CGC (D); Wetmore

GCH Bjorns Bindi Sky V Lindenhof

CD RE CGC TKI (B); Bootes

CH Blumoon’s Princess

Puttanesca CD (B); Mann

GCH Blumoon’s Princess Runs

With Shoes CD (B); Mann

Brighteye 40-Love CD BN RN MX

MXJ MJB NAP NF (B); Schmitz

CH Brighteye Lone Star CD (D); Boehme, McClure

Car-Rae’s Peregrine Took CD BN

RE CGC (D); Burgess, Dowski, Jennings

Chalina’s Dempsey CD BN RN TKA (D); Arbuthnot, Slade

GCH Deerpark Take It To The Limit

CD RN FDC CGC (D); Dial

GCH Friesian’s Grand

O’Highland’s Irish Lass CD RN

FDC NFP (B); Leone

Kaibab’s Justice For All CD RN (B); Simidian, Sontag Bowman

GCH Lilloete Mamemo Du Haras

De La Vergne CD RN HT OAP

OJP NFP CGC TKN (B); Simons

Maine’s Elf Confidence CD RN TD (B); Kingsley, Williams

Maine’s Just Football Hero CD

PCD BN RE FDC CGCA TKN (D); Baldwin

CH October’s Beyond The Stars

CD BN CGCA CGCU TKI (D); Eschweiler, Gasper

Outlaws Ring Them Bells CD BN (D); Savageau

Rosier’s River Song CD RN FDC

CGCA (B); Elders

CH Serendipity Grand Slam CD

BN RN CGC (D); Kurz, Wendorf

Snowpaw’s Ursa Stratton Mtn

Bear CD RN FDC (B); Cheney

Stargirl F1 Kimster CD BN RA CGC

TKN (B); Young

GCH Tanzanite’s Once In A Sapphire Moon CD (B); Homa, Montville

Winridge Hidden Pearl Of Wisdom CD BN RE AXP AJP

OFP CGC TKN (D); Saks

COMPANION DOG EXCELLENT

Maxima’s Kingdom Prince Kodiak

CDX BN RE TD FDC CGC (D); Longstreth

Mollie Malone CDX BN RE CGC (B); Eldon

CH Sevens Ready Set Go! CDX RN BCAT TKA (B); Slade

CH Swiss Silhouette’s Yakety

Yak He’s A Class Act CDX (D); Kugler, Leary

UTILITY DOG

GCH PACH Kaibab’s Invitation

To The Dance VCD2 UD MXP5

MXPS MJP4 MJPB PAX XFP (D); Jaskiewicz, Sontag Bowman

BEGINNER NOVICE

CH Highlands You’ve Got

Big Plans BN RN AXP OJP

CGCA TKN ATT (B); Anichini, Washburn

Lavender Hills Going Places BN RN CGC (B); Parr, Sarsfield

R-Gs Surprise! Autumns Legacy

Lives On BN RN CGC TKN (B); Rhodes-Griffith

CH Serendipity Grand Slam BN

CGC (D); Kurz, Wendorf

Spring’s Never Tell Me The Odds BN RA CGC (D); Fuselier, O’Bryan

CH Spruce Peak Luca Von

Edelweiss BN RN TD FDC CGC (D); Davis

Stargirl F1 Kimster BN RN CGC

TKN (B); Young

Swiss Silhouette’s Aptly Put BN TD (D); Leary, Longstreth

Veritas Mamma’s Excuse To Drink BN (D); Cramer-Hammann

RALLY NOVICE

Bernvonrust Sakbut Ace Buxton CDX RN TD (D); Chapman, Sharlow

Epona’s Star Of The Midway RN (B); Worcester

Harmony’s Shall We Dance RN (D); Gibbs, McLaughlin

Highlands Frankly I Don’t Give A Damm RN CGC TKN (B); Washburn

Jura’s Formal Affair At Skye RN (D); Beyer

GCHB Kaibab’s Incandescently Bright VCD2 RN NFP (B); Bowman, Sontag Bowman

GCHS Lavender Hills Sin City RN (B); Crawford-Gorath, Parr

Licorice Fern’s Summit To Sahale RN BCAT (B); Lusk, Monnie

CH Nashems Diamond In The Ruff RN PT FDC TKI (D); Jezek, Karl

Owl Creeks I’m No Angel RN (B); Friendlander

R-Gs Surprise! Autumns Legacy Lives On BN RN CGC TKN (B); Rhodes-Griffith

CH Serendipity Grand Slam BN RN CGC (D); Kurz, Wendorf

Sevens Forever In A Frenzy RN

TKI (B); Slade

Spring’s Never Tell Me The Odds RN (D); Fuselier, O’Bryan

Stargirl F1 Kimster BN RN CGC

TKN (B); Young

Stonehill Collects Taxes From Beulah Stormfront RN (B); Granger, Waltersdorf

Summers’ Wheel In The Sky V

Charleston Pl RN CGC TKN (B); Hommel, Summers

CH Tollhaus It’s Hard To Be Humble CD BN RN (D); Balsiger

Veritas Mamma’s Excuse To Drink BN RN (D); Cramer-Hammann

GCH Wagontale’s When The Sun Goes Down RN CGC TKN (D); Temples

RALLY INTERMEDIATE

Horizons Walk This Way RI TKN (B); Wescott

Epona’s Star Of The Midway RI (B); Worcester

Algrand Berni Bond James Bond RI CGCA CGCU (D); Geiger, Knowles

East Coast’s Peace A My Heart CD BN RI PT FDC CGCA CGCU TKI (B); Biehl

GCH East Coast’s Tug On My Heartstrings CD BN RI FDC OAP NJP OFP BCAT (D); Biehl

CH Hoosier Roos Amayzing

Mayzie RI FDC NJP NFP CGC (B); Thompson, Thompson, Whitton-Smith

Oleka’s Que Up Rembrandt At Hartwood RI FDC NAP NFP CGCA TKI (B); Airgood

Skylyn’s Xtreme Velocity At Sochi

BN RI CGC TKN (D); Cordier, McLean

Spring’s Never Tell Me The Odds RI (D); O’Bryan, Fuselier Zorza RI (B); Roof, Roof

RALLY ADVANCED

CH Bjorns Bindi Sky V Lindenhof RA CGC TKI (B); Bootes

Campana Hard River CD BN RA (B); Duryea, Hill

GCH De-Li’s Jukebox Jam V Triad’s CD RA CGC TKP (D); Ostermiller, Still

Riverstead’s Holly, Holy CD BN RA (B); Larson, Warburton

Smokehouse Chef’s Choice RA CGC (D); Minden

Spring’s Never Tell Me The Odds RA CGC (D); Fuselier, O’Bryan

Stargirl F1 Kimster BN RA CGC TKN (B); Young

Trillium’s Taking The World By Storm CD RA CGC TKN (B); Farley, McCormick, McCune Zuri CD PCD RA FDC (B); Berg

RALLY EXCELLENT

GCH Aria’s Northern Son RE THD CGC (D); Wetmore

CH Bjorns Bindi Sky V Lindenhof

RE CGC TKI (B); Bootes

Bob’s Jubilee RE FDC CGCA CGCU (B); Geiger

RALLY ADVANCED EXCELLENT

Mollie Malone CDX BN RAE CGC (B); Eldon

AGILITY COURSE TEST 1 JWW

Queenstown Hero V Snowking RE

ACT1 ACT1J CGCA CGCU TKN (D); Korotki

NOVICE AGILITY

Brighteye Bellissima Vita NA (D); Wettengel

NOVICE AGILITY PREFERRED

CH Right On The Edge From

Orsina’s Land CD NAP (D); Horney

OPEN AGILITY PREFERRED

Hayfields Grand Fight Like A Girl

At Frankford CD BN RE FDC OA

NAJ OAP NJP OF DD CGC TKA (B); Bacon

GCH Lilloete Mamemo Du Haras

De La Vergne RN HT OAP OJP

NFP CGC TKN (B); Simons

AGILITY EXCELLENT

PREFERRED

Winridge Hidden Pearl Of

Wisdom BN RE AXP OJP OFP

CGC TKN (D); Saks

MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT

PREFERRED 6

GCH PACH Kaibab’s Invitation

To The Dance VCD2 UD MXP6

MXPS MJP4 MJPB PAX XFP (D); Jaskiewicz, Sontag Bowman

MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT

PREFERRED 10

PACH2 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of

The Sun MXP10 MXPC MJP9

MJPG PAX2 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT

PREFERRED 11

PACH3 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP11 MXPC MJP10

MJPC PAX3 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

MACH6 PACH3 Brighteye Shasta

On The Rox MXC2 MJG3

MXP11 MXPC MJP11 MJPC

PAX3 NF T2B (B); Osojnicki

MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT

PREFERRED 12

MACH6 PACH3 Brighteye Shasta

On The Rox MXC2 MJG3

MXP12 MXPC MJP12 MJPC

PAX3 NF T2B (B); Osojnicki

PREFERRED AGILITY

EXCELLENT 3

PACH3 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of

The Sun MXP10 MXPC MJP10

MJPC PAX3 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

MASTER GOLD AGILITY

MACH Tennescott My Huckleberry Friend CD RN MXG

MJS XF T2B (D); Schwartz

MASTER CENTURY AGILITY

PREFERRED

PACH2 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP10 MXPC MJP9

MJPG PAX2 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

NOVICE AGILITY JUMPER

Anatar’s Let’s Raise A

Toast NA NAJ NF (D); Donnelly-Schoffstall

NOVICE AGILITY JUMPER

PREFERRED

CH Hoosier Roos Amayzing

Mayzie RN FDC NJP NFP CGC (B); Thompson, Whitton-Smith

CH October’s River Song RI NJP

CGC TKI (B); Shanholtz

GCH Rainier’s North Face Of Eiger

RN OAP NJP CA CGC TKA (D);

Dalzell

CH Right On The Edge From

Orsina’s Land CD NAP NJP (D); Horney

Wagontale’s Exclusive Design BN RA NJP (B); Clark

Wagontale’s You Better Shape

Up HT NJP TKA (D); Meriaux, Temples, Van Arsdale

Zuri CD PCD RA FDC NJP (B); Berg

OPEN AGILITY JUMPER

PREFERRED

Blumoon’s Six O’Clock News CDX

PCD BN RI OAP OJP CGC (D); Kennedy

EXCELLENT AGILITY JUMPER

PREFERRED

Winridge Hidden Pearl Of

Wisdom BN RE AXP AJP OFP

CGC TKN (D); Saks

MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER

PREFERRED 10

PACH2 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP10 MXPC MJP10

MJPC PAX2 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER

PREFERRED 11

MACH6 PACH3 Brighteye Shasta

On The Rox MXC2 MJG3

MXP10 MXPC MJP11 MJPC

PAX3 NF T2B (B); Osojnicki

MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER

PREFERRED 12

MACH6 PACH3 Brighteye Shasta

On The Rox MXC2 MJG3

MXP11 MXPC MJP12 MJPC

PAX3 NF T2B (B); Osojnicki

MASTER BRONZE JUMPER

Brighteye 40-Love BN RN MX

MXJ MJB NAP NF (B); Schmitz, Hotze

Brighteye Shimmering Gallexi

RA FDC MX MXJ MJB TKN (B); Osojnicki

MASTER CENTURY JUMPER

PREFERRED

PACH2 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP10 MXPC MJP10

MJPC PAX2 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

PREFERRED AGILITY

CHAMPION 3

PACH3 Brighteye Peridot Gem Of The Sun MXP10 MXPC MJP10

MJPC PAX3 T2BP TKN (B); Miller

AGILITY FAST NOVICE

PREFERRED

CH Brighteye Lone Star CD NFP (D); Boehme, McClure

CH Hoosier Roos Amayzing

Mayzie RN FDC NFP CGC (B); Thompson, Whitton-Smith BCAT

CH Sevens Ready Set Go! CD RN

BCAT TKA (B); Slade

East Coast’s Peace A My Heart CD BN RI PT FDC BCAT CGCA CGCU

TKI (B); Biehl

“Mini” Cooper RI BCAT CGCA

CGCU TKI (D); Swift

CH Timbo Majowy Skarbiec RI

BCAT CGC (D); Ronca DCAT

Summers’ Anastasia Moonstruck Bonanza Jellybean FDC DCAT SWN CGC TKN ATT (B); Lakas

Answers

Crosswordd puzzle on page 43

Milo (BG# 124181) playing with his 'baby'.

Photo by Laura Carnes.

Dash, continued from page 31

(a traditional Chinese medicine)—two in the am, two in the pm. The rehab vet said that they had had several of their client dogs (who had Lymphoma or histiocytic sarcoma) on this supplement and she felt like they were seeing positive results. It was not terribly expensive and seemed to tick many of Dash’s boxes, so it seemed worthwhile to try. It can only be purchased through a vet.

When the end came for Dash, it came quickly, but not in the way we expected. He was having more and more difficulty standing and walking. In February of 2021 at 13 years, 10 months of age, his body gave out. He was in too much pain and we let him go. We had to let him go on a weekend, so the delay in performing the necropsy created a less than ideal situation. CSU was able to confirm the two masses in his spleen that we had seen on the ultrasound at his initial diagnosis in February of 2020. There was also a new mass in his lung with round cell tumors. But the degradation of the tissues prevented further identification of the tumors. The necropsy concluded that intervertebral disk disease was the life-limiting factor for Dash. The spinal cord was compressed in multiple segments by discs which led to the extreme pain that he was experiencing.

Smoke

Inhalation and

Dogs, continued from page 34

noses—bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers, to name a few—are especially at risk.

Additionally, Loesner explains that very young and very old dogs of any breed can be more fragile and at risk for medical complications from smoke inhalation.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

The wildfires in California are a good reminder about the importance of having an evacuation plan for your family including all of your dogs.

Natural disasters can strike at any time and it’s important to be prepared. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated identification tags. In your vehicle it’s a good idea to have easily accessible digital copies of proof of vaccination, photos of your dog (in case they become lost), spare leashes, food, and any prescriptions your dog might need.

Up until the very end, with the exception of a short period in the summer of 2020 (which we now attribute to the bleed in his spleen), Dash’s appetite continued to be excellent. We are all familiar with that most dreaded of symptoms—loss of appetite in the progression of cancer and histiocytic sarcoma in particular. Did the fact that that didn’t happen to him indicate that we were making progress in stalling the cancer? Or was Dash just one of those lucky dogs where the disease progresses more slowly? I’ve also heard people say that cancer in very senior dogs is less virulent. Maybe our efforts didn’t change the course of his disease. We can never know for sure. But certainly, with a disease that typically takes our dogs so very quickly after diagnosis (with or without chemotherapy), Dash’s longevity makes these holistic treatments worthy of consideration.

About the Author: Alice Clark has owned Berners since 2007. Her first BMD was bought as a pet, but she quickly discovered the joys of performance events and has put titles on 4 dogs in Draft, Obedience, Rally, Herding, and Agility. She is now working on finishing her first Conformation dog.

Jordan Holliday advises to, when developing an evacuation plan, have a designated person in your household responsible for evacuating the dog. If no one is able to get your dog(s) out, this person needs to, “let the fire department personnel know that he or she is still inside the home. Have your pet microchipped so that in the event your pet is able to escape, you can find him or her after the fire. Place a sticker or identification in the window of your home so that fire department personnel know there is a pet in the home if a fire breaks out when you aren’t there.”

About the Author: Sassafras Lowrey is an award-winning author and Certified Trick Dog Instructor. Sassafras lives and writes in Portland, Oregon, with her partner, a senior Chihuahua mix, rescued Cattle Dog mix, Newfoundland puppy, two bossy cats, and a formerly semi-feral kitten.

Reprinted with permission. Originally Published in Whole Dog Journal - November 21, 2018 Updated: September 16, 2020.

BMDCA Directory

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

GEORGEANN REEVE

Leesburg, VA

571-528-5095

georgeannbmdca@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT

MIREILLE BISCHEL

Walnut Creek, CA 925-947-2361

mireilleken@gmail.com

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Lehi, UT 84043 (801) 635-6216

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Foster City, CA 94404 650-358-0511

aghiorso@comcast.net

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Anderson, IN 46011 765-683-1927

bernergirlin@gmail.com

DIRECTORS

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MARJORIE GEIGER

Kalama, WA 360-673-6387

marggeiger@yahoo.com

VAL HORNEY Aurora, CO 303-903-5685

valhorney@comcast.net

SARA KARL

Colorado Springs, CO 719-534-9056

karl3106@comcast.net

RUTH NIELSEN Seattle, WA 206-912-0993

rnielsen@nielsenlaw.com

AKC DELEGATE

SARA KARL

Colorado Springs, CO 719-534-9056

karl3106@comcast.net

CHAIRS

AGILITY

KRIS OSOJNICKI 651-351-0319

machberner@gmail.com

ALPENHORN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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859-498-2516

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ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE

LINDA DALTON

253-988-0804

kevlin1297@msn.com

AWARDS

RENEE JACQUIER

281-797-2321

RJacq16804@aol.com

BMDCA BULLETIN / ECOMM

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925-330-5060

Karyn.beyer@gmail.com

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robinhamme@aol.com

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BMDCAYearbook@gmail.com

BREED AMBASSADORS

WENDY KIRK 307-699-1917

wendy@silverstar.com

BREEDER EDUCATION

LINDA SEAVER

914-234-6024

linda.seaver@gmail.com

BYLAWS

LINDA DALTON

253-988-0804

kevlin1297@msn.com

DRAFT

JENNIFER BRIGHTBILL 503-358-1071

jbrightbill@me.com

FINANCE

PAM WEIR, TREASURER 765-683-1927

bernergirlin@gmail.com

FUTURITY

SANDY DUNAWAY

308-995-4149 BMDCAFuturity@gmail.com

HEALTH

TOBY ERLICHMAN, VMD 610-873-7349 health@bmdca.org

HEALTH AUCTION COORDINATOR

KIM MCINTYRE 831-484-1808 kimimc333@yahoo.com

HERDING

RENEE MERIAUX 805-374-9975 meriaux1@earthlink.net

HISTORIAN VACANT

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

TRACEY KEITH 618-236-6475 wyndriftbmd@earthlink.net

JUDGES EDUCATION

DEBORAH J. WILKINS

612-747-4418 abbeyroadbmd@gmail.com

JUNIOR ADVISOR

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MEDALLION PLAQUE

CANDY KONICKI 440-286-5029 lmtndog@aol.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

ANDREA BRACIKOWSKI 615-406-9371 bmdcaabracikow@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

PAM WEIR (Acting) 765-683-1927 bernergirlin@gmail.com

OBEDIENCE/RALLY/TRACKING

STEPHANIE BIKSACKY 801-253-3244 dogwoman67@q.com

ONLINE BREEDER REFERRAL

ADAM CONN 978-461-1763 olbr@bmdca.org

ONLINE STORE

SUSAN HENDERSON

714-993-6898

phender@hotmail.com

RECORDS

GARY GALUNAS

248-641-8581

ggalunas@bernerpaw.com

REGIONAL CLUB COUNCIL

LISA BALDWIN 206-368-5455

lisa@shiretech.com

REGIONAL CLUB RELATIONS

CAROL LYNN FOX 602-743-2460

carollynnfox@gmail.com

RESCUE

DAWN F. LETRY 469-323-2038

CrystalCreek4@gmail.com

RESCUE GALLERY

PATTI FINLEY bmdmemories@att.com

CAROLYN PAIGE

cjpage@icloud.com

SPECIALTY COORDINATOR

DOTTIE SCHULTE 970-392-1806

dotties911@aol.com

SPECIALTY DNA ACCOUNTABILITY

RENEE JACQUIER 281-797-2321

RJacq16804@aol.com

SURVEY / EVOTE MARY-ANN BOWMAN 406-777-7308

msontag@qwest.net

TOP TWENTY

SARA KARL 719-534-9056

karl3106@aol.com

WAYS AND MEANS

JON WEIR 765-683-1927

bmdcawandm@gmail.com

WEBSITE ADAM CONN admin@bmdca.org

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