Berners Crossing

08/15/2024

Today is Uno's 8th birthday! She's certainly not the oldest living relative in her family, but she is here at Berners Crossing. As matriarch, she has filled in her mother's position nicely but we want o do things better and not just extend her life but make improvements as we can.

One improvement is switching to Life's Abundance dog food. It is developed by a HOLISTIC veterinarian who has no interest in keeping her clients sick by prescribing medicated foods that are high in corn, soy, and genetically modified ingredients. That's a must for our dogs and puppies and always has been. We've started our dogs on it and they love it! Plus, they eat less and p**p less. That's a big deal.

Uno will soon start on a weight management formula to help her be light on her feet again. Her mama might not have lived longer with a little less weight gain but she sure would have been more mobile. Anyone who's passed the age of 40 and has gained considerable weight knows first hand how much harder it is to get around quickly, myself included.

Lifesabundance.com/bernerscrossing

08/11/2024

Now that Guady and Rocky have moved on to bigger adventures, the remaining three will begin personalized training as potential therapy dogs and get some light load training as time allows.

Baker has shown that he is a homebody. He does not have a wander lust as males often do. When he's outside, his favorite place is under the porch where its cooler and yet he can keep an eye on what's going on. He is a quiet pup with big sad eyes, lots of extra skin and fluffy fur. He will aspire to become a doorstop, just like his great grandpa Monty. In the winter, he will likely perk up and enjoy the snow, perhaps making an excellent sled puller. His paws predict that he will grow into a formidable force. He does need to gain car riding experience and get out more into society. His tendency to prefer staying home can easily turn into reclusiveness and that is not ideal for a Berner. So, my mission is to turn him into a big teddy bear who loves everyone not just his favorite person.

Denali is my shadow. Wherever I go, that's where he wants to be. Washing dishes? He's nearby on the floor. Watering plants? He's right there in the nursery. Walking? Of course. We'll see if the car is the exception. It's been a while since we've been able to go out together, just the two of us. If we can get the additional manpower, he'll get to go to the market.

Ozark has mellowed out considerably and is quite the watcher. When we go for walks, he wants to explore but always has one eye glancing over to see if I have moved on without him. I'm so proud of how much he's responded to his training. He still has a facetious side but his big sister, Rosie, makes him look like an angel.

08/08/2024

Rocky has gone home!
It's a good day.

08/07/2024

Guadalupe has been reserved! This is cause for celebration!

08/06/2024

Maverick and Jada have a few words to share about their boys.

Jada: I'm so proud of how well-mannered these boys have become. They deserve good homes as I have been given. I know they are getting big and everyone loves a cute tiny pup, but consider this. You know exactly what personality type they have and you have saved months of dog food expenses. Lisa is trying very hard to support 10 dogs (including their cranky dad) and is always available for advice. Several people have shown interest but no one has even visited. Please do! You won't be disappointed.

Maverick: These boys are taking up my space! If you think they're too big and not cute anymore, just look at me! Cute is nothing compared to gorgeous. Even though my predecessor was called the dog version of Fabio (I think he looked like a girl) he had nothing on me. I'm handsome, muscular, intelligent and don't mind if you say so. If any of my boys are as awesome as me, you'll be lucky, but I don't want them to be here showing off. There's only room for one stud around here.

So, there you have it. Rocky, Guadalupe, Baker, Ozark, and Denali come from two very confident and classy dogs. We will be taking at least a year off from Bernese pups, so get them while you can.

08/03/2024

Guadalupe is ready to go home. The market was bustling with so many people, sights and sounds, and plenty of other dogs to meet. He ALMOST got a new home.. three times.

Time for a nap.

08/03/2024

Guadalupe or Baker will be joining us at the Liberty Lake Farmers market tomorrow! It's a great place for humans and dogs alike to socialize.

We will be on the south corner right by the entry running our vegetable stand, MONTAGUE HERITAGE FARMS. Stop by and say hi!

07/16/2024

This is our pups' grandpa, Whiskey. He is a 135 lb Canadian lap dog. Way, way back in their lineage, both his grandpa and Clara's dad were handled by the same person.

07/15/2024

The boys and I are taking a morning stroll before it gets too hot.

07/14/2024

It's hot outside! These guys were just about to get baths yesterday. The pool was being filled for a great outdoor experience, but I postponed so we could get ready for market first. Then, our water pump went out!!

Well, at least they have a pool of fresh water to get them through and the chickens get the salad greens wash water. So, there is a silver lining in the middle of this dark cloud. Now, to pray for rain.

07/13/2024

Baker is such a sweetheart. He wanted to stay the night inside even though it was too hot. (The AC couldn't keep up.) I eventually dragged him outside where he slept comfortably but not before staring at me with those big d***y eyes

07/10/2024

Since there's a spectrum for everything, I thought I'd come up with one for the pups.

Ozark is boss. He eats first (only after his dad) He is confident and smart, loves attention and has no fear of anything except heights. That's common with heavy dogs.

Denali is second...if he cares enough to be. If there's something more important to do, he'll be content playing alone or napping. He aspires to be a doorstop by day and a little bit of an explorer in the cool hours of the day.

Rocky and Guadalupe are sweethearts and they wait their turn. Both are even keeled with no desire to boss anyone around, a healthy interest in people and new places, although Rocky is more likely to hang back while Guady (gwah-dee) runs to the front with Ozark when attention is being given. Rocky reminds me a little bit of Scooby Doo. He's tall and gangly with good intentions.

Baker waits until everyone is gone before venturing to the food bowl. When he's in the house with no other pups, he still waits to eat if I'm in the room. I have to leave or touch the bowl before he eats. He leans to the shy side of puppyhood but that will ease up once he gets away from the stronger personalities.

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07/09/2024

Ozark couldn't wait to go outside. After all, everyone else did. Nobody told him the porch was missing. What to do? What to do? The stepping stool was just so far away!

It took him a minute but gravity and desire eventually got him down. Ozark is many things, but graceful isn't one of them.

07/09/2024

Happy summer everyone! Happier still with a Bernese buddy. Five boys are ready for adventure if you are!

07/05/2024

07/05/2024

Baker is pup of the Day!
Fridays are normally super busy with planning, harvesting, and packing produce for the Saturday farmers market, but sweet Baker needed some one-on-one time.

If he has one vice, it's being tied up. He's doing better on the leash but a tie down is the end of the world.
So, after sitting a few feet from him for almost 12 minutes, he eventually realized that he can get up and walk to me! It took that much time for his brain to switch from flight mode and start thinking with his Berner heart...the people loving mechanism...but he did it!! I wish I could have recorded his excitement.

He is now happily romping the yard with my daughter off leash. This guy is a natural follower. I just want him to be able to walk on leash when needed without causing a scene. Everything else about him is perfect.

07/01/2024

Intense crate training has begun, thanks to several friends allowing us to borrow bigger crates. At four months of age, a pup can be a joy to bring into the family or a burden, depending on the habits he has developed. So, even though they prefer to sleep outdoors in the cool of the night, all the boys spent the night in crates. It wasn't the first time, but it has been a while since we've used them.

There were whimpers of misunderstanding and some half-hearted attempts at escaping but overall, they did well. The window was left open and they were able to breathe in the cool air as the thunder clattered, lightning flashed and the rain fell most of the night. By 5am, they were back outside and EVERY CRATE WAS DRY!!

Now, there are still communication issues with multiple dogs vying for attention, but it helps that three out of five are confident, walk the leash pretty well and adapt pretty quickly to new surroundings.

Of the five, Rocky is the most sensitive. He really wants to be in the house with people (except when it's crate time) He has learned to escape the backyard only to run to the back door and ask to be let in. If there was a Homeward Bound remake, he would be ideal as he is such a homebody.

Baker and Ozark shared a kennel together initially but like brothers often do, they squabbled. I don't know who started it but they were quickly separated. So, each of them and Denali have their own crates and Rocky and Guadalupe still share an XXL just fine.

06/27/2024

This year has brought a lot of changes to our program and home. As you know, we said goodbye to Clara after 12 years. Her granddaughter, Jada, has moved to Idaho to be a youth's companion, and Uno has been spayed.

This means that Bella is currently our only breeder. This will reduce our "oops litters" and prevent having to find homes for so many pups. Bella had one litter last fall and is being considered for a doodle litter this fall if there is enough interest.

A major change that we absolutely must implement is a deposit to be on the wait list. That allows me to plan properly, knowing just how many people are serious enough to commit. In the past, I have had a litter on the way only to find that half my wait list couldn't wait and often times found a pup just a couple weeks later.

There are currently no plans to have another Bernese litter until next fall at the very earliest, so if you're hankering for a fluffy mountain dog, now is the time. BTW, males are often easier to train than females...just be sure to get them neutered unless you like challenges.

06/27/2024

THE BOYS ARE IN THE HOUSE!!! Well, actually, they're in the back yard and getting so big! It has been a challenge feeding five growing pups and three adults but we've got a system with shifts. Dad comes in the house and eats first (he insists) while the boys wait outside. They have their own food, so they don't have to wait too long.

One thing I've got to say about these guys is they are all very sociable, responsive, and in the prime window for personalized training. They need homes where they can thrive and get the attention they need. Spread the word!

06/18/2024

How to adopt a Bernese Pup:

1. Call me, let's talk
2. Visit the pups. They tell you a whole lot more about themselves than I do.
3. Read & sign the puppy agreement (for health guarantee)
4. Place a deposit...or, if they're ready...
5. Pick up your pup!

It is simpler than speed dating but timing, meeting the specific needs of your family, and being in agreement with your significant other are important.

06/17/2024

Have you heard? Three years a puppy, three years a good dog, three years an old dog. Maverick just entered "good dog" phase.

06/16/2024

It's such a beautiful late spring day for relaxing in the yard or going hiking with a Bernese pup. Guadalupe and Baker are ideal companions.

06/11/2024

There are still 5 males left!

Today, the spotlight is on Ozark. He's been spending time in the house with me and a visiting doodle, very respectful of her space and need to be number 1. She is a princess.

Ozark is a solid all-purpose dog, just as the breed was intended. He is not overly energetic or jumpy, sits on the floor, not the furniture, and likes to walk around the property with me. He is content to stay in the house if need be without complaint, gets along with all the dogs he's met. The only creature he has taken issue with is his bossy half grown sister who thinks he should be tackled. Sisters!

Ozark has been passed up twice because he still has a pink spot on his nose and once because they changed their mind about getting a dog at all. None of those people actually spent time with him.

I will work on leash training in the mean time and take him for rides when I can.

06/07/2024

Clara passed peacefully @ 1:30 and was laid to rest between two young cherry trees. She will be missed.

4/30/12 - 6/7/24

06/07/2024

There is a good chance that Clara will not be with us another week. She has declined very quickly and can barely walk. Some of you met her just a few weeks ago and were astonished at her energy. That's Clara! Always has been. So, when she can no longer get up off the floor or manage a couple steps, it is cause for concern.

That concern has developed into a deep sadness because I know this is the end. Her sass is gone and I never thought I'd miss it. While she lays on the floor resting, I notice that she is struggling to breathe and I have been told by experienced Berner owners that when it is her time, I would know.

06/05/2024

Rocky and I took to the road for some errands, then stopped at the local library to walk some trails. He had other plans.