Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue

04/22/2025

Update on mama Snickers and baby Skittles!

Snickers and Skittles are in Michigan and settling into their foster homes.
To recap...
These girls came from the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas, where Snickers had a severely injured eye, and Skittles a severely injured foot. With lots of help, we got them to a foster home in Corpus Christi where they both underwent surgery and convalesced.

This weekend, they were transported to Michigan. Everyone who has met Snickers says she's a very sweet, and special girl. Skittles is an adorable pup, and isn't letting her amputation slow her down at all - though she needs more time to learn to love and trust people.

That said...rescue never stops. 5 other dogs came into rescue this weekend as well, and 5 the week before that. And one of them, Emme, is also facing an amputation tomorrow.

Emme was surrendered to rescue this month with a lame paw. After a regular vet visit, we were referred to a surgical specialist, who informed us today that amputation will be required because of how long Em's injury has gone untreated. Much like Snickers, what started out as a treatable injury has turned into a major, life altering surgery.

So while we revel in Snickers and Skittles freedom and health and good outcome, we still need help. Please consider donating for Emme's surgery, and all of our other costs.

Preferred donation link:
https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/424f9cb2-9ad2-4971-bb92-cf0ef4f136e9

You can also use the donate button on this post, which is through Facebook/Meta/Paypal.

04/14/2025

Mama Snickers and her baby Skittles just got their stitches out today and are feeling so much better!! For those that missed it, these two were living on the streets and through trauma Snickers lost her eye and baby Skittles her leg.

They are going to be arriving in Michigan on 18th! We are in need of a foster for 4-5 month old Skittles

04/12/2025

Ready for adoption - Meet Jayla!

She is a very sweet 6yr old Berner. Spayed and up to date on her vaccines.

Things to know about Jayla-

🔶 The perfect family for Jayla would be a family who lives a more quiet life. Up until now, she had spent all of her life outdoors in a barn having puppies and she is now very fond of spending time in the safety of a home. She would love a doggy brother or sister, as she is still learning to be a dog and would thrive with a confident fur sibling to continue to show her the ropes. The perfect family for Cookie would be one who is open to putting in the time to show her love and she will return the favor in due time. She is truly a Velcro dog at heart and wants nothing more than to snuggle with her future family.

🔶 MUST have another calm and confident dog in the home to help her continue to learn to "dog" as she is still learning her new life outside of being a breeding dog without interaction with many people and life in a house versus a barn or small crate.

🔶 Jayla is a larger Berner, at her vet appt she weighed in at 110lbs, She could lose a few lbs which in time will happen with more walks as she gets more comfortable.

🔶 Good with older, calm, dog savvy kids only. Younger, busy kids startle her.

🔶 She definitely needs a fenced yard. She can be easily spooked and may panic as she is still getting used to her new life.

🔶 She is learning to walk on a leash and is still quite suspicious around men (especially tall men.

🔶 We're not sure how she is with cats as there aren't any in her foster home but she has shown a low prey drive and we suspect she would be alright around cats.

🔶 She can be left alone with free roam in the home. She has been left for up to 10 hours in her foster home and no accidents or anything chewed up. She is completely house trained.

🔶 Jayla LOVES attention. Snuggles of any kind. She loves laying on the couch. She loves chewing bones. She loves savory treats.

🔶 You always know when she has dozed off to sleep because she snores quite impressively! 🤣

🔶 She is in a foster home near Columbus, OH. Interested adopters must travel to her foster home to meet her and bring her home.

🐾 We are an all volunteer rescue and do our best to get through applications in a timely manner. It may take up to 3 weeks to notify applicants.

❗️ If you have an application on file within the last 6 months, email us at [email protected] to let us know you are interested in Dorothy (not Facebook messenger)- please do not apply again ❗️

Click below to fill out an Application for Jayla.

https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_ADOPT&a=67df316df9d26899ccb7d082

04/03/2025

Mama Snickers and little Skittles are so grateful for all your support! They are so happy being off the street and getting the love they deserve.

04/02/2025

Thank you everyone for all your support! We got enough donations to cover half of their vet care so far, we really appreciate it!!

Snickers and Skittles are out of the hospital and enjoying being in a home for the first time. They both seem to be feeling so much better after their surgery. They were loaded with parasites and have received treatment for that as well. They are following their foster mom all through the house and just soaking up all the attention. We will continue to post pictures and updates as they heal.

03/31/2025

Yesterday we were contacted about a very urgent situation. Snickers, a BMD mix had been living on the streets for a long time. Her & her puppy were seriously injured over a week ago resulting in Snicker’s eye literally falling out of her head and a badly broken leg for her young puppy. Unfortunately when we learned about this situation, they had been living like this for over a week. They were both rushed into emergency surgery this morning where we learned that Snickers will be losing her eye. Her puppy, Skittles has had such a serious injury untreated for so long that her leg was seriously infected and necrotic. There was no saving it and it unfortunately had to be amputated. Despite the serious neglect and trauma these two girls have been through, they are sweet as can be. They were in terrible pain, covered in fleas and ticks yet had tail wags and kisses for their foster mom. According to her vet, Snickers is less than a year old and her puppy is 4 months old. We can’t imagine the horrors these two girls have been through but it’s all good things from here. We will keep you updated on their healing journey and would appreciate any donations to help support their high vet bills.

03/23/2025

Meet Prada
This little Berner mix girl really wants to find the perfect family that will have patience with her and understand she's going to take awhile to be comfortable with a family.

Prada is very laid back and is happy to sit all day on the couch. If she feels uncomfortable she will go back into her crate which is her other safe space.
🔸 She's wonderful with kids and loves to have them sit and snuggle on her.
🔸 She needs a confident dog that will teach her the in's and out's of her new world.
🔸 She also lives with a cat and likes to have her sit near her too.
🔸 She has to have a fenced in yard as she is a high flight risk and also best to have a gate before your front door as she has been known to try and bolt out the front door.

We are looking for a family that has experience with these kind of shy, rescue dogs and will be happy to have a dog in your home you are be ok with not always seeking attention. She will take time and patience. As she gets comfortable she does have a silly side her foster Mom has seen unfortunately it's not as oftern since she's still unsure of things. As time goes by we know she will be a great dog as she gains confidence. It's just going to take some time. She's been with her foster family for 4 mos and they are just seeing her start being more confident.

Prada is spayed and up to date on her vaccines. She is about 3yrs old. She is a mix of a king charles cavalier spaniel and a Berner. She is on the small side around 45lbs.

She is being fostered in New Baltimore, MI. You will need to travel to her foster home to meet her and also to adopt her.

We are an all volunteer rescue and do our best to get through applications in a timely manner. It may take up to 3 weeks to notify applicants.

❗️ If you have an application on file within the last 6 months, email us at [email protected] to let us know you are interested in Prada (not Facebook messenger)- please do not apply again ❗️
https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_ADOPT&a=6764e67984ef524c326ce3d8

03/21/2025

UPDATE: We are SOLD OUT of stickers! WOW!!! Thank you to all of our supporters who purchased stickers and made donations! We are forever grateful to you all. 🙏

We hope to offer this sticker and more in the future. Stay tuned!

🚨Be a Supporter- Sticker Fundraiser Sale!🚨

Show your love of Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue and become a supporter with our ⭐️NEW⭐️ stickers!

Stickers are $4 each. They are vinyl and dishwasher safe, so display them on your water bottles, coolers, cars, anywhere! Stickers will be mailed out within the next two weeks.

All proceeds from our sticker sales will go directly to help with medical care and expenses for our pups.

Quantities are limited, so order today! 🖤🤎🤍🐾

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/heart-of-michigan-bmd-rescue-sticker-fundraiser

03/20/2025

🌟 Sneak peek 🌟 at an exciting fundraiser that begins TOMORROW! Check back tomorrow at 9am CT.
🐾🖤🤍🤎

03/18/2025

Adoption Alert! 🖤🤎🤍🐾

Adoption Pending!

Meet Harley, a stunning 2 1/2 year old Female Bernese Mountain Dog with a heart full of loyalty and love. Harley thrives on companionship and loves going for walks, cuddling on the couch, peanut butter, and wrestling with her dog friends. She Is 75 pounds.

Harley takes her job as a protector seriously—she’s deeply devoted to her home and person. She needs a confident, experienced leader who understands structure and training to help her feel secure and relaxed. Because of her protective nature, she can be wary of strangers or guests, especially if she doesn’t see them approaching.

Towards the humans in her family she is affectionate, intelligent, and joyful. Harley loves being part of a family and does especially well with children aged 4-10. She enjoys their energy and is happiest when she feels included in family life.

She would do best In a home without cats unless your cat Is dog-saavy. She prefers no rude puppies bouncing around her. She Is also able to be crated for up to 6 hours and does well!

Harley will flourish in a home that values training and leadership. If you’re looking for a smart, loyal, and beautiful companion who will be your fiercest protector and best friend, Harley might be the perfect match for you.

Harley Is located near Indianapolis, Indiana and the adopter must travel there to adopt.

Here’s the direct link to apply to adopt Harley!

https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_ADOPT&a=6786a1a042a626ce2b67edf7

If you already have an application on file, send us a message. No need to apply again.

03/18/2025

Is this how to walk the dogs when you have more than one?

Show us your Berners who have to hold the leash!! 🤍🖤🤎

(and please excuse the "tumbleweed" of dog hair in the photo 🤪)

*Pictured is HOM alum Emmett, rescue name Kringle

03/17/2025

03/17/2025

UPDATE:

Unfortunately, this the update we never want to share. Helga is gone. The infection was widespread and of unknown origin. The clinic did their best for our girl, but she became very sick very quickly and nothing seemed to help. We are having a necropsy performed to hopefully get more answers.

These are the ones that weigh on us the most - the dogs who are lucky enough to be rescued, but never get to know the joy of their forever home. We take comfort in our fosters loving these dogs like their own. At least Helga knew love and kindness, if only for a fleeting moment.

We'd like to thank everyone for their love, support, prayers, and donations.

❤️‍🩹

---------------------------
Thoughts, prayers, good vibes, and donations are needed for our sweet girl Helga. Helga a very sick girl currently hospitalized at the emergency vet.

Her care is surely going to cost thousands, possibly over $10k. We are uncertain what is wrong at this point, but know that she has some kind of infection and is receiving antibiotics and fluids while undergoing further testing.

This sweet girl is still in foster care and deserves a chance to find her "forever home" and learn to be the spoiled princess that these Berner girls can be.

We're pulling for you, Helgz

03/08/2025

Thank you everyone for all the interest in Dorothy. We have paused applications now.

Cuteness Alert!

Meet Dorothy. She is a 17wk old Bernese Mtn Dog. PURE Puppy!!

The perfect family will be patient and willing to put in the effort of training this girl. We think she would love another dog in the house (though not a requirement). She is an active puppy who wants to play, so a family who could play or take her on walks would be good.

A family who isn't gone for long periods of time will be what we are looking for in the adoptive family as she does feel very nervous when left alone. She is anxious when left alone. She will need someone who is willing to put in the effort to teach her how to be calm when left alone. She is showing signs of seperation anxiety and at this young age will require alot of training to make sure she outgrows this while she is young. Puppy classes are a MUST.

Dorothy is good with cats, and other dogs and you don't have to have a fenced yard to adopt her as she currently goes outside on a leash.
When she is outside you need to keep eyes on her she will eat ANYTHING that is left out (typical Berner puppy), she tries to eat her p**p right now..so you'll want to take her out on a leash until that habit is broken

She is such a sweet funny puppy who loves to be loves to be loved! She doesn't know her size so best in a home with children over 7yrs old as she grows she can easily knock over a younger child.

Dorothy will be spayed this week, chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. If you can give this sweet girl a forever home, please fill out an application. She is currently located in Grand Rapids, MI and you must travel to her current foster home for a meet and greet and to bring her home if you choose to adopt her.

We do want to disclose that Dorothy was surrendered due to having the SOD1 gene which is associated with Degenerative myelopathy. She may never get it and live a very long happy life but as she gets older she could develop DM so we want whoever adopts her to know this. If you know Berners you may have heard of this condition they can get.

We are an all volunteer rescue and do our best to get through applications in a timely manner. It may take up to 3 weeks to notify applicants.

❗️ If you have an application on file within the last 6 months, email us at [email protected] to let us know you are interested in Dorothy (not Facebook messenger)- please do not apply again ❗️
https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_ADOPT&a=679f838bf5c5bcaedf10eb74

03/05/2025

This happy girl's name is Glinda.
She is recently retired from having puppies and ready to start her new life.
She is just over 2yrs old, last vet check weighed in at 90lbs. so a beautiful big Berner girl.

Glinda's looking for a furever home that has another dog there that can continue to help her build her confidence and have a companion.
She doesn't go in a crate when left home alone and at night her foster leaves a fan on in her room to help her settle.

🔶 She MUST have a fenced yard, she's good with kids and cats.

Things she LOVES:
She LOVES when her foster takes her to the nearby fenced in track to run free. She loves to RUN! In big wide spaces (fenced) and she turns into a horse at the Kentucky derby!
She LOVES Cheese. Havarti by the slice. Shredded cheddar on her food also. Her foster calls her Chedda.
She LOVES the snow. Loves all weather elements and rubbing & rolling on her back constantly.
She also LOVES being wrapped up in a blanket, electric one specifically. Just for a little so she doesn’t get too hot.

Her perfect family is a family who is VERY patient and understands that this girl needs time. They are willing to take things really slow but also will be structured in a sense that she knows she’s safe and secure. She needs and also likes a routine. She doesn’t do well with change. So whether it’s scenery, a couch moved, different blanket, she gets nervous. Daily walks are a must. Not just for exercise but to create that safe and secure bond with her new family.

🔶 She still will get spooked at loud or any kind of sudden movement or noise, does NOT like crates, and also does not like going into or out of a gate, door, car or any kind of change of a room or scenery where she has to go IN and OUT of something. She'll need to gain confidence here over time.

🔶 She's a lovable berner girl that is a work in progress at first when she is adopted but as you see her get comfortable with things you will be rewarded with knowing you helped her be the amazing girl she is working to become.

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Glinda is spayed, chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. If you can give this sweet girl a forever home, please fill out an application. She is currently located in Grand Rapids, MI and you must travel to her current foster home for a meet and greet and to bring her home if you choose to adopt her.

We are an all volunteer rescue and do our best to get through applications in a timely manner. It may take up to 3 weeks to notify applicants.

❗️ If you have an application on file within the last 6 months, email us at [email protected] to let us know you are interested in Glinda (not Facebook messenger)- please do not apply again ❗️

https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_ADOPT&a=679f82cef5c5bcaedf10e91d

03/05/2025

Have you rescued a Berner from us, transported for us, fostered?
We'd love to have you share your story this year at the Bernese Specialty.

We'rer eaching out to let you know that the BMDCA National Specialty is coming up and the coordinators of the 2025 Rescue Row are still looking for more stories. If you would like to share your story on how you got you Berner, transport stories and fostering here is the link.
https://www.bmdca-store.com/Rescue-Gallery_c_192.html
The deadline is March 16th to get your story in. It's a wonderful part of the Specialty to walk down rescue row and read the stories I am told.
If you have any questions on how to get you dog set up in Berner-Garde let me know. It's very easy. I just entered by rescue girl recently and working on writing a submission for Rescue Row.

If you've never heard of this Berner celebration you need to check it out. If you are interested in a Berner this is ALL things Berner and great to really see the dogs and all the events they have.

Rescue Gallery - The perfect way to celebrate our rescued Berners is to tell their story in the Rescue Gallery! Regardless of whether your Berner was

02/17/2025

Bernie update: He has been adopted.

‼ Special Foster Home Needed ‼

We are looking for a foster or foster-to-adopt home for Bernie, a 5 yo male BMD/mix. Bernie has been at a shelter since October. He is a big (95lbs), active and goofy guy who's love language is tennis balls! We would like to pull him from the shelter and place him in a foster home ASAP.

Bernie likes other dogs and people but playing fetch win all of his love. 💚 His new foster home will have to make sure there are no dogs or children outside when playing fetch since he can become possessive of his balls. He has never bitten anyone but will give some warning grumbles to ask them to back off. Playing fetch is easy with a few different balls at once. He will drop the one he has to chase the next. We are unsure if he will share other toys with dogs or not since the shelter has not tested him.

His ideal foster home will have children over age 8 and a fenced in yard for him to play his favorite game. We think he will make a great companion to a family or person who is willing to play with him and take him on walks. He is very sweet.

What does fostering mean? You provide a temporary home for him until he is adopted (typically 2-5 weeks). We provide food, approved medical expenses and other approved supplies needed. We will assign a foster caseworker to you who will help guide you through the process and help find him a permanent home. Fostering is truly an awarding experience!

If you think you can give Bernie a foster home or may be interested in fostering-to-adopt him, please fill out a foster application here: https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_FOSTER
A volunteer will reach out to discuss fostering with us!

Can't foster? Please share to help get Bernie out of the shelter!

02/16/2025

Adoption Alert!

Bear 🐻

Bear is a 3 yo male Bernese- German Shepherd mix. He came to us as an owner surrender when their family fell on hard times. He was very confused & missed his family but he has so much love to give, he settled in well in his foster home, bonding closest with their 16-year-old son.

He is a big boy at 95 pounds, and he is very strong & athletic. He has the best traits of both breeds. He is affectionate, smart & curious. He doesn’t bark often but when he does, it’s a big, deep police dog woof. He’s an excellent guard dog. He does do a fair amount of talking with beeps, whistles & grumbles that mean “I need love.”

Other things to know about Bear:

- He does not require a fence but does require regular exercise. If in a fenced yard, he can jump the fence. He is a very athletic boy.

- Bear loves animals! He would love a doggie sibling and his own cat buddy. He likes to wrestle with other doggos.

- Would prefer his forever family to have kids. He loves them. He is instantly their BFF.

- Bear is good on a leash and knows basic commands. He is working on not hugging every human he meets (paws on shoulders).

- Loves to dive head first into snow, loves hugs, couches and big bed snuggles.

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Blear is neutered, chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. If you can give this sweet boy a forever home, please fill out an application. He is currently located in Waterford, MI and you must travel to her current foster home for a meet and greet and to pick him up.

We are an all volunteer rescue and do our best to get through applications in a timely manner. It may take up to 3 weeks to notify applicants.

❗️ If you have an application on file within the last 6 months, email us at [email protected] (not Facebook messenger)- please do not apply again ❗️

Bear app: https://app.sparkie.io/application?t=5c170feb96c080000420478c&m=DOG_ADOPT&a=679292ac83cd244c0ffe78c1