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!
