Drafty breezes did not hinder the success of the BMDCR Spring Draft Test
on April 17th. Congratulations to all 19 participants and many thanks to judges Eden Jonas and Sue Sanvido, Draft Chairman Lou Tucker, SecretaryNadja Torling, Committee Dottie Schulte, Pam Solomon, Jeanne Stanwood,Sure and begorrah that was the BMDCR marching in the Denver
St.Patrick's Day Parade on March 13th. Christine Mann organized
shamrock-festooned carts, dogs, club members and friends.
Sláinte to all who participated!
The Rockies Draft Retreat 2010 sponsored by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Rockies was a big success! The intent of the Retreat was to promote drafting work and to offer a place where people of different experience levels can get together to train with their dogs, learn tips and tricks, hone their skills, and ultimately prepare for a BMDCA Draft Test. Participants from multiple states enjoyed the weekend of learning and fun in Black Forest, CO.
Eight intrepid BMDCR members, six berners and one
honorary berner enjoyed a wonderful off-lead packhike
on Crosier Mountain near the hamlet of Glen Haven on
June 20. The weather was gorgeous and afforded
beautiful views of the Mummy Range in Rocky
Mountain National Park to the west. The four people
and three dogs who made it all the way to the top were
further treated to a spectacular vista which included
Longs Peak and the town of Estes Park. Some members
of the group elected to have their berners carry a pack
load equal to 20% of the dog's body weight, as described
in the backpacking title requirements of the Greater Swiss
Mountain Dog Club of America. The hike stats: 8.2 mi
round-trip to the top, with 2037 ft elevation gain!
A big bevy of Berners and their families enjoyed a beautiful day in the Colorado mountains on August 14th at BMDCR’s annual summer picnic, Bernerfiesta! River cavorting, socializing, and a fabulous fajita buffet prepared by BBQ Chefs Beverly and Michael Hilmes made for great and tasty fiesta fun. Many participants also took advantage of the Canine Good Citizen test offered.
BMDCR's annual independent specialty show on September 10, 2010 was a great success! This year's theme, The Berne Identity, made for plenty of fun and "spying" on great Berners and a rendezvous of great Berner people. It was a record fundraising year for our raffle and theme apparel sales, and for attendance at our post-show reception. Congratulations to all winners and big thanks to all participants and club members who worked so hard! Full show results can be found here: Results
Great Colorado weather contributed to BMDCR's Fall Draft Tests on October 2-3 at Cherry Creek State Park. Congratulations to all who passed, pats on the back to all who participated, and big thanks to all who volunteered. Special thanks to Trial Secretary Joanna Hughes, Chairman Jeanne Stanwood, and Hostess Lou Tucker. Results
On November 6th & 7th, BMDCR participated in Holiday Gifts for Pets and their People, a fundraising event for animal rescue groups held at Tagawa Gardens in Aurora. Decked out for the holidays, our draft dog teams gave rides to little kids, and even a few small dogs. Booth volunteers provided education about Berners and BMD rescue. We raised $750 for our own rescue program.
On December 5th, BMDCR members, friends and Berners caroled at Aspen Grove, a dog-friendly shopping area in Littleton. Everyone then warmed up with great food and friendship at Berner Noel, our annual holiday party hosted this year by Bob, Lou, Marin, Bergen and Cassie Renee Tucker.
Previous News
The BMDCR is matching our member's Furry Scurry contributions up to $400 this year. The Furry Scurry is the nation's largest charity dog walk and the biggest fundraiser for the Colorado Front Range area's premier humane society - The Dumb Friends League.
Contact Phil Shaffer
Our 2011 CERF and heartworm clinic saw over 30 dogs and raised $530.00 for rescue and draft activities. Thanks to Dr. Todd Hammond and family of The Eye Clinic in Wheat Ridge and Dr. Nancy Fusleier.
Pam and Barry Solomon walk with "Watson", "Legend", and "Smokey" to support the Dumb Friends League in the 2011 Furry Scurry. The BMDCR is matching our member's contributions this year to support the league in their mission.
Narsil and Kim Giannone discuss strategy before their turn at the May 21st BMDCR Draft Test.
Five Berners and one Samoyed headed out on the Colorado Trail for a pack hike on June 5th. Thanks to Ron Abbott (kneeling with Steiger) for organizing the event. Steiger has his WPD (working pack dog) title from the Greater Swiss Club as well as his CD and DD.
Our 2nd Annual Draft Retreat was another success, ending on Sunday 6/19 afternoon with a draft match during BernerFiesta! our annual summer picnic. Fun and Yum!
Dr, Fick, orthopedic surgeon at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, reviewed the common Berner joint problems and treatment options at our July meeting. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and torn CCLs are well known to Berner owners.
BMDCR offered a canine first aid class on October 15, 2011. Pictured above are graduates: (L-R) Mary Ann, Candy, Alice, Martha, Instructor ―Odie‖, Pam, Mike, and Buffy (not pictured).
BMDCR's Fall Draft Tests on October 8&9 were full on both days - 24 teams, plus alternates, with participants coming from all corners of Colorado and the states: Utah, Oregon, Arizona, Washington and Nebraska. Results were published in
the Nov-Dec
newsletter.
Congratulations
to all who
passed and
earned new
titles!
Pictured are
Pam Swisher
and new NDD
Rosewood
Dexter.
BMDCR members caroled and carted festively through dog-friendly shopping center Aspen Grove again this year. BernerNoel, our annual holiday party followed, hosted by Laura Haupenthal and Al Beers. A good time was had by all!
BMDCR held its Annual Awards Banquet on January 29, 2012 at C.B.Potts in Littleton, Colorado. Contratulations to Kathy Roth Award winners Barry and Pam Solomon, and to all new title holders also celebrated. The Kathy Roth Award is BMDCR's highest honor: In the spirit of love and dedication given the Bernese Mountain Dog by founding president KathyRoth, this honor is awarded to those who share her passion and continue her vision. Members' dogs who earned new titles in the past year were awarded certificates from the BMDCR.
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Rockies held their Spring Back to Back Draft Tests April 21 and 22 at Adams County Regional Park in Henderson, Colorado. Steve Likevich from North Royalton, Ohio judged both days along with Barry Solomon from Evergreen, Colorado on Saturday and Nancy Fuselier, DVM from Colorado Springs, Colorado on Sunday.
The maneuvering course was set up in a Western Theme with a corral of stuffed ponies, wagons served as moveable obstacles, a saddle and Indians rounded out the course.
The judges kept the test moving along efficiently both days giving time at the end of each day to socialize and recognize successes!
The bernese mountain dog teams were at their finest despite unusually hot weather which was near 80 degrees both days. This year’s test set a new president with 17 entries and 12 passes for a 71% pass rate on Saturday and 18 entries with 12 passes for a pass rate of 67% on Sunday. The passing teams were awarded glass sun catchers along with special ribbons for teams earning advanced titles.
We welcomed entrants from as far away as Oregon and Arizona and a good time was had by all. Thank you to all who volunteered each day, your contribution was invaluable.
7 month-old Dechlen Kennedy was happy to pass his Canine Good Citizen test at BernerFiesta!
Berner Fiesta! on July 22nd was a fun-filled day for all! Muchas gracias to Lori, Don, Gracie, Murrey and Dechlen Kennedy for hosting many Berners and their families!
BMDCR's Fall Draft Tests were held on October 6th and 7th in Murray, Utah - great days for 13 entrants who passed on Saturday and the 11 who passed 0n Sunday! Thank you to judges Eden Jonas and Kathy Vasquez, Chairman Stephanie Biksacky, and Secretary Vicky Hall.
Berner Noel! Despite freezing temperatures, BMDCR members, berners, and friends carolled through dog-friendy Aspen Grove shopping center. Following the fa la la la las, everyone warmed up with a fireside lunch and good cheer at Champps restaurant.
Happy Holidays
to All!
BMDCR's Sixth Independent Specialty Show, Obedience Trial and Rally Trial on September 7th was a glittering success! Our Celebrating Silver theme commemorating the club's 25th anniversary made everyone shine!
Huge congratulations to all the winners and much gratitude to the show committee and helpers!
BMDCR participated in MEET THE BREEDS at the Rocky Mountain Cluster of shows in Denver, February 14-18.
At the June 8th meeting BMDCR members celebrated successfully hosting the 2013 BMDCA National Specialty, Rendezvous in the Rockies!
Dottie Schulte, BMDCA 2013 National Specialty Show Chairperson, enjoyed time to stop and smell the puppies.
On September 6th, BMDCR held it's 2013 Independent Specialty Show. This year's theme was Berners Gone Wild. A wild time was had by all!
Despite an early snow storm on October 4th, the BMDCR Fall Draft Tests were a real "Barn Berner" at Catamount Ranch in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado on October 5th & 6th. Results
Despite the weather outside being too frightful for Berner carting and caroling, BMDCR members enjoyed good food, good friends, good gifts, and good cheer at Berner Noel on December 8, 2013. BMDCR wishes everyone Happy Holidays!
Our annual awards banquet was held on January 19th at Las Brisas Restaurant in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Congratulations to all members whose dogs earned recognition for achievements in 2013, and to Lori Kennedy, recipient of the BMDCR's highest honor, the Kathy Roth Award, for significant contributions to the club. Also introduced this year were the "Golden Kong Awards" (ala the Golden Globe Awards) for specific contributions to the club. Golden Kong recipients were Dottie Schulte) for "Best Director in a Live Show" (Superb Direction of the 2013 National Specialty; Nancy Fuselier, DVM, for her many veterinary conributions to BMD Rescue and our annual Health Clinics; Sandy Dunaway and Sharon Keefer for "Best Original Score Adaptation" (Website Creativity and Technical Support); and Don Kennedy for "Best Supporting Actor in a Non-Member Role (much behind-the-scense work for the club).
Don Kennedy accepting the Kathy Roth Award on Lori Kennedy's behalf.
The BMDCR held their Spring Draft Test at Sterne Park in Littleton. The theme was nautically The Colorado Carting Cup, and the 80 degree weather was truly beachy!
A great time was had by teams from Arizona, Utah and Colorado.
Hardy thanks to Captains Lou Tucker and Lori Kennedy, Boatswain Secretary Vicky Whitney, and all the mates who supported these events.
The BMDCR Herding Fun Day on May 25th was a blast! Huge thanks to Jim DeKieffer and his sheep for hosting and teaching us!
Berner Fiesta! A perfect Colorado day for a Bernerly picnic at Pine Valley Ranch Park on July 27, 2014.
BMDCR is proud to be a sponsor of this AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer, on display at the Greeley Kennel Club shows August 15-17.(See our logo lower right). The trailer is fully stocked and ready to roll when needed. We thank all who support BMDCR so that we are able donate to such worthy causes.
Photo by Sara Karl.
Photos by Barb LeTourneau and Sharon Keefer.
The BMDCR 2014 Independent Specialty on September 5th in Greeley was truly An Affair to Remembern! Thank you to all our exhibitors, spectators, and volunteers. RESULTS
The BMDCR fall 2014 draft tests were held under sunny skies and wonderful fall temperatures in Fort Collins at Edora Park on October 4th and 5th. We had 29 entries each day, with several passing teams on Saturday withdrawing on Sunday to give our alternates a chance. On Saturday we had 18 passing teams and on Sunday 12 teams passed! And several teams were oh so close. Several teams also earned their Advanced titles at these tests. What a great weekend! RESULTS
Photo by Show Photographer, Brenda Halverson, who will have more photos posted soon at /pawsinmotion.smugmug.com
Happy Holidays from BMDCR!
Berner Noel 2014
Happy New Year
from BMDCR!
Zeke ringing in the New Year
photo by Barb LeTourneau
A very fun BMDCR Annual Awards Banquet was held on January 25th at Citron Bistro in Aurora, CO. Beautiful certificates were awarded to member dogs who achieved titles in 2014. The Kathy Roth Award was awarded to Elaine Witulski for her many contributions to the club.
The Kathy Roth Award is the club's top honor, annually acknowledging a club member who has contributed significantly to the club and its goals "in the spirit of love and dedication given the Bernese Mountain Dog by founding President Kathy Roth, this honor is awarded to those who share her passion and continue her vision."
Photo by Barb LeTourneau
BMDCR held its first - three consecutive days of draft tests on May 1-2-3, 2015 in Elizabeth, Colorado. This event was made possible through the time and hard work of many volunteers dedicated to maintaining the working abilities of the Bernese Mountain Dog. The BMDCR extends its gratitude to judges Barry Solomon, Stacy Temples, Valerie Horney, Christine Mann, and Patti Davieau for generously giving their time and expertise. We thank our Draft Test Committee, our hosts Barbara and Keith LeTourneau, and our Stewards for their many contributions. Most of all we thank our exhibitors! It is through your dedication that the natural working abilities of the Bernese Mountain Dog may be shared with others. Results
Tridraftalon photographs are available from Paws in Motion Photography
Our 2015 Independent Specialty was a purpley, majestic success!
Club members and their dogs marched in the Olde Golden Christmas Parade on December 5th, spreading Bernerly holiday cheer throughout the land!
Photos by Christie Melton and Alice Clark.
Photos by Christie Melton and Alice Clark.
