Berners Crossing

10/29/2025

Heads up doodle owners!
One of our male pups had a very bad reaction to gabapentin and trazadone which were administered during neuter recovery. Based on the description of his ordeal, I would highly recommend not accepting them for your doodle if offered.

10/29/2025

Trixie and Oreo have been reserved!

10/28/2025

I wanted to brag on Uno a bit, just in case I haven't recently. She is my oldest dog, 9 years to be exact. There's a saying about the Bernese: "3 years a young dog, 3 years a good dog, and three years an old dog."

So what about AFTER 9 years? Well, those are golden years, gifts that we cherish as long as we can. Uno's mama, Clara, stayed with us for 12 years! Only one dog in her lineage lived longer.

One of the best ways to lengthen a dog's life is by eating healthy food and exercising regularly. Since Uno gained some weight after spay, I let her run the grounds whenever and wherever she wishes.

A few weeks ago, she and I went for an early morning walk down our country road. It was cool and quiet except for an occasional LGD pacing his fence. On the way home, that same dog was waiting to greet us, along with competing dogs across the street. All the ruckus attracted even more dogs. We were walking down the middle of the road when a black short haired dog that I had never seen before showed up. She didn't have the same respect for the fence as the guardians. Within seconds, she was through the fence and running straight at me.

Now, Uno is usually a nervous wreck (gunshots/fireworks) and always walks behind me. She instantly put herself between me and that dog and they stood nose-to-nose with their backs and tails making a perfectly straight line. This was a challenge!

Uno is an old dog, but that didn't stop her from trying to protect me. She was up against a much younger, much stronger dog who bit her on the side of her face, threw her down and bit her again on the ribs. I had only a water bottle and Jesus with me so I started with the least, aiming that bottle directly at the dog and firmly invited her to get lost. She let go of Uno and stared at me for a second then turned away and left.

My biggest concern was that the five other dogs watching, might feel inclined to join in. They stayed within their boundaries, thankfully. Uno shook off the dirt and looked at me like, "What was that?" We were only a few yards from home and finished our walk and she went right back to her playful self. No PTSD, no whimpering, NOTHING! She had a job to do (in her mind) and she did it. The other dog left which meant UNO won, even if she was still upside-down when it happened. We are a TEAM and we share credit.

YES, the owners were notified and of course denied their dog could do such a thing. However, we know the truth and we also know the rules. Next time we walk, it will be with a big stick. REMEMBER, every dog is capable of doing anything that any dog can do. There's always a first time. So, keep your wits about you when you're out walking and never let your dog be aggressive unless your life is in danger, then let them do what they're wired to do...protect.

10/25/2025

Today, I've been reminiscing about great stories as well as some of the losses we've experienced over the years. Life is hard and sometimes a pup brings a little light into it and a whole lot of joy.

I've had the pleasure of hearing about wonderful connections, and the "perfect fit" a pup's presence brought to a family. I've also heard the sobs of owners as they describe a heartbreaking and untimely loss of their young dogs.

We, too, have experienced a whole gamut of emotions during the years of raising new generations of Bernese and Bernedoodle pups, getting them ready for their forever homes or keeping them for the long haul. Many holes have been dug, chickens scattered, garden beds reseeded after 8 sets of happy paws danced around in the sprinklers but we haven't quit yet.

Having a pup is a challenge; there's no doubt about it, but it's our goal to make it a little easier by providing a healthy start and a well-rounded personality. We are honored when we see the same commitment from the families our pups end up with. So, thank you to those of you who stick it out consistently and finish the training, giving the Bernese and Bernedoodles a good name.

10/13/2025

After three days of rain, the mud had to go! Trixie and Oreo are all clean and very fluffy. Oreo looks exactly the same but Miss Trixie is morphing into a dark version of her father! All her brown has turned Grey and her black might end up being a dark slate grey or even charcoal grey.

09/23/2025

Rainy days and muddy dogs are on the agenda this week. Two doodles, in particular, don't mind getting wet and dousing their Bernese counterparts.

Trixie and Chloe (aka. Kat and Oreo) are available. They have been playmates and partners in crime but are also both independent. So, while they work well together, they are also great with other dogs and would be great as an only dog if their human is willing to play or explore.

Chew toys are a must. If they are not provided, a substitute will be found and promptly implemented.

They are familiar with the sight of strange dogs, goats and horses, but may not have ever seen a cat. They also are starting to track the woods for bones. So, they would definitely enjoy an antler search.

09/17/2025

08/31/2025

Snickers has found a home! You know it's a good match when brother and sister agree on the same pup.

08/31/2025

Sweet Twix has a great home!

08/23/2025

Reese has a family!

Available pups are:
MALE: Snickers (gentle giant, mellow)

FEMALES: Oreo (spunky & friendly)
Twix (gentle and slender), Kat (the friendly explorer)