Benevolent Berners

I've done a couple of posts about visiting my friends in New Jersey (see Bodacious Bears and The Historic Hudson post).  When they moved from Colorado to New Jersey, Rick and Lynne had seven dogs and three cats.  In order to get them all to NJ in one trip, I flew out to Colorado to help and we formed a cross-country three car caravan.  I drove one car with three dogs, Rick drove one car with four dogs and Lynne brought up the rear with the cats.  We stayed at dog-friendly motels and stopped for potty breaks at least three times a day.  We needed to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat as much as the dogs.  It was with a sigh of relief that we arrived at our destination.  The dogs they have aren't little lap dogs either, but big and beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs.

That trip was over five years ago.  Rick and Lynne now have three dogs and two cats with much heartbreak along the way as they lost several of their dogs to cancer.  Each one was unique and very special.  But they also have a new dog who's brought them lots of smiles and laughs.  They still have a cabin in Colorado where they go each summer for a few weeks, taking the dogs and cats with them each trip, but now they can all go in one car!

Bernese Mountain Dogs originated in Switzerland as working dogs, perfectly built for pulling carts to market.  They were also used for driving cattle and guarding farms and now some are even used for tracking and search and rescue.  

One of Lynne and Rick's dog, Alex, has a bark that sounds like he's going to rip your head off.  He's got a big regal head and can have a fierce stance, but get to know him and he's just a big mushball.  Here's Alex in his gentleman's pose - notice the crossed paws.

Alex

Bernese Mountain Dogs, also called Berners, have a sweet disposition, love children, and get along with other pets. Their dog Bella is a big goofy girl who loves to play.  Here she is as a puppy - a very cute, but BIG puppy.

Here is Bella today surrounded by her many toys.

Here is Hailey taking a nap in the office.

I truly enjoy my visits with Lynne and Rick, and sharing their love of animals is always part of the fun.