November 18, 2011 - From Wendy Keene - I am pleased to announce that Divi (Von Engel's Mystical Divination RN) completed her Rally Novice title on October 30 in Hampton, Va., at the ripe old age of seven months.

I want to shout out to all my Berner friends that my Xoie (URO1 Magic Mtn's Xoie v Alderhorst, CD RAE CGC TDI) will be eight years old on November 18.  Knock on wood, she is in perfect health!  She just showed several weekends ago in Veteran's Obedience and won her class both days.  Only a touch of gray around the muzzle shows any age on this beautiful girl.  Many, many thanks to Judy Butenas for sharing her "X" litter with me.  Xoie has been a great ride so far and I'm looking forward to more years with her!

Windy Keene, Just Say K9 Sports

November 14, 2011- Congrats to Barbara Yoder, who traveled to North Carolina for the Herding Workshop, Clinic & Tests, sponsored by Chattahoochee Valley BMD Club over the weekend.  Three of her four dogs picked up their first JHD legs (on sheep), and Freya and Lara completed their HCTs titles (on sheep)!  Way to go Barbara and her herding girls!   

November 10, 2011- Food Bank - At the meeting Sunday, there was mention of opportunities to donate food and supplies for dogs in need.  Subsequently read in the Frederick Post that the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County has established a pet food bank, providing dog and cat food to anyone in need of assistance.  Donations welcomed at AWLFC, 1202 E. Patrick St., Frederick.  FMI 301-663-5855.

November 7, 2011- THANKS, GEORGEANN & BOB! for hosting PV members and guests yesterday for a scrumptious buffet lunch, general meeting, and a fun time with Berner "Jeopardy."  A quick head count tallied 35 Berner lovers were on hand to enjoy the beautiful afternoon in Leesburg.

Meeting notes:  

• The members ratified an increase in dues proposed by the Treasurer and recommended by the Board.  Dues notices will be sent to members soon.

• There were no applicants ready for vote, and no new applications were read.

• Specialty catalog ads are needed to support the 2012 show.  Sandy Novocin is collecting ads now and requests they be submitted by December 15.  She will write ads for anyone needing help.

• The slate of Officers & Directors was read.  There were no nominations from the floor, therefore, the slate will be elected at the annual meeting in December.    

November 3, 2011- We were greatly shocked to learn yesterday that David Casnoff has died, passing away in his sleep Tuesday night.  We extend our most sincere sympathy to his wife, Cheryl.  Cheryl and David joined PV many years ago after acquiring their first Berners from Sandy Novocin, and while no longer active because of their distance from PV events, they did frequent our February/March meetings a number of times at Joel and Jeanne's home in Silver Spring.  David was enthusiastic about his Bouvier Club and wished he could be more active in PV.  We will post any information we receive about funeral/visitation arrangements.

October 30, 2011- Very sad news from Jan & Dave Burgan -- their beautiful Sawyer (Brooknoll Sawyer of Beowulf) died on October 25 of lymphoma.  Jan and Sawyer excelled in many companion events in his brief five years, earning 17 titles overall, and Sawyer was awarded the BMDCA's Working Dog Excellent designation in 2010.  Sawyer was a Master Draft Dog (requires a passing score at five Open Draft tests), a BNDD (Brace Novice Draft Dog), had his CDX in Obedience, an RE in Rally, and an AXP (awarded July 2011), OAP (Jan 28, 2011), NFP and OJP in Agility.  It is always tough to lose a Berner friend, especially a young one, but Sawyer's passing also ended a very special bond formed between dog and handler during years of training and competing.  Our hearts go out to Jan, recognizing the enormity of her loss of her very special boy.

On a brighter note, congratulations to the other Burgan Berners -- Hayfields Grand Brooknoll, "Brooks" on his RAE on October 8, 2011.  And CH Hayfields Grand Tribute to Bayberry v Bera, "Berri" who got her HCT on September 30.

October 27, 2011- From Pete & Bill - Kody received his RN with two placements at the Cumberland Shows this past weekend.  The weekend before he passed the CGC test at the Howard County Show.  Rose picked up two legs towards her RE title.  Sophie. . . well she performed great in Open B but just so happened to be on the second command and decided to rest on the sit.  It was just too long a day to sit there and look pretty.

Pete Williams/Bill Davis

October 12, 2011 - We finally have the PV draft test results.  Click here to see names of teams who were successful in their attempts for new titles at Crozet, Virginia on September 24 & 25.

October 10, 2011- The day got even better for the Stefanacs yesterday when Barkley went back in the ring, after winning best Veteran at the Watchung Specialty, to compete for Best of Breed.  He received one of the two Awards of Merit!  Congratulations Andrea & Chris!

October 9, 2011- Happy travel to our members who trekked to Bethlehem, Pa. for the Watchung BMD Club's annual Specialty this weekend.  We just got word that Barkley, owned by Chris & Andrea Stefanac, won Best Veteran Sweepstakes.  Way to go Bark!

Sept 28, 2011- Greatly saddened to learn that Valerie & Bill lost their ol' girl Tart suddenly last evening.  Sound all her years and enjoying the good life, in the blink of a short afternoon, stressed by beeping smoke detectors and the exertion of avoiding them, Tart slipped peacefully away.  Our most sincere condolences to Bill and Valerie as they cope with the shock of this loss, and the vast hole left in their Owl Branch pack.  Valerie's tribute to Tart is posted on the Memorials page.

Sept 27, 2011- Wild Mushroom alert!  With the recent rains and now cooler weather, wild mushrooms abound in our yards.  Local news the past few days reported two men, one in Springfield, Virginia, the other in Frederick, Maryland, nearly died from ingesting Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) mushrooms.  Dogs and small children are often victims of mushroom poisoning because they like to taste as they explore.  For more information on Death Caps and other dangerous fungi, here's one link with basic description and pictures.  http://americanmushrooms.com/deathcap.htm.  Also, links to two Bernese-related posters regarding mushroom poisoning.  http://bernese.biz/MushroomFlyer.htm and http://bernese.biz/MushroomFlyer2.htm

Sept 26, 2011 - Matt Korotki & Titan had a busy week.  First, Matt put Titan through his paces to earn his Canine Good Citizen designation at 4-H last Tuesday.  Then at a Baltimore County Match, Titan took a Working Group 1 and scored a 93 and first place in Rally Novice B.  Then Matt was a judge and Titan was a grand marshall at the Carroll's Pets In Need Dog Show on Sunday.  Congratulations to this winning team!

Sept 25, 2011- For PVBMDC 2011 Match Results - click here

Sept 23, 2011- Happy Fall, Everyone!  This is a great time to take pictures of your Berner.  If you get any good shots, we'd like to add some seasonal color to the site and would be happy to post them to the top of this page.  Please send in .jpg format to carol@pvbmdc.org.  Thanks!  Also, you can start working on getting your best pictures now so you can enter the Specialty Photo Contest in 2012.  We'll be getting details on that soon from Georgeann Reeve. 

Sept 22, 2011 - Does anyone recognize the young man with the Berner pup pictured in Tuesday's Frederick News Post at the 4-H Fitting & Showing on Monday, September 19, at the Great Frederick Fair?  Here's a link to the picture (probably will only work for a week).  http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=126269  Maybe he'd like to get involved with the club.  Thanks, Carmelita, for spotting the picture.

Sept 22, 2011- Good luck to all the draft teams this weekend at the two draft tests in Charlottesville!  A little bird told us that Debi Bullard and Dallas have been working especially hard preparing for their first try, participating at the PV Draft Workshop on Sept 11, and following up with lots of practice at Valerie Chase's place the following weekend where Mason Dixon BMDC sponsored sessions for teams entered in upcoming draft tests.  Fingers crossed that all the hard work pays off.  

Sept 15, 2011 - Apologies to Barbara Yoder for missing her recent event results - 

August 14 Congratulations are in order for Lara Lydia v. Lindenhof, granddaughter of Cindy, on her new Novice Agility title this afternoon (August 14). The girls ran on Friday and Sunday (closed out of the entries for Saturday) for two qualifying scores--one in Jumpers (her 2nd) for Freya and one for Lara in Standard. The girls were a little "off" this w.e. and not jumping their best, but we were happy for the new title and good effort.   Once again, grandkids Mark and Karalynn were on hand to provide assistance. This time they even earned $ for their ring crew, score and leash running efforts--a bonus they had not expected. They are first-rate kennel help and seem to thoroughly enjoy coming along. Certainly the girls like having them around and are on their best behavior when the kids take them out for walks or hold them for their next event.

Sept 13, 2011- Buck & Priscilla Sykes would like you to know about an upcoming Herding Workshop, Clinic & Tests, sponsored by Chattahoochee Valley BMD Club in North Carolina, November 11 - 13.  This is a three-day introduction to Herding for beginners.  You can read more about it at http://www.cvbmdc.org/PossumHollowNov11-13Premium.pdf. Buck writes that they have enlisted the help of instructors and farms which helped them start their own pups in herding.  "These are folks that really understand Berners, and I honestly think that their methods and help will make a very enjoyable and successful venture into the sport of herding for Berner owners."  Check it out!

Sept 11, 2011- Fantastic weekend in Walkersville!  Thanks a million to the event chairs -- Carmelita White, Saturday's AKC Sanctioned Match, and Barbara Yoder & Katherine Skerl, Sunday's Draft Workshop.  And to everyone who pitched in to help make both days productive and fun.  Hooray for the sunshine, and hooray for our dogs that make it all worthwhile.  Will get the results and pictures posted soon.

Sept 10, 2011- Congrats to Robin Korotki and her boy Titan (Snowking's Titan of Winterthur) who went Group 3 and Group 2 (Guardian Group) at UKC shows last weekend.

Sept 9, 2011- The weekend events are still on, as far as we know.  Ken Lingley and George Hasenauer are setting up this afternoon and will report on the condition of the grounds.  We'll post any changes here. 

Sept 8, 2011- Another award for Matt Korotki - Congratulations, Matthew!  Just heard he was named Youth Philanthropist of the Year for Carroll County (Md.).  His mom says they are running out of wall space for all his awards!

July 19, 2011 - From Valerie Chase - On July 2 Justy took BOB and earned her GCH (Grand Champion) title with her third and last major win, earned at Bel Alton MD. She took the big spring shows off to try to have puppies (no luck) so it was hard to find majors when she came back out. A huge "thank you" to Jo Ann Charnik and Adam Thistle who have taken great care of her and trained her to show with joy and enthusiasm. Justy finished just in time as she is blowing coat big time! She is now GCH Owl Branch Rough Justice CD RN.  Picture above of her in one of my flower beds - the plants came as volunteers and took over the entire bed.   Valerie

July 11, 2011- PV MEMBERS VOTE TO SUPPORT VITAL RESEARCH!  Yesterday, at the July General Meeting held at the Howard County Fairgrounds, PVBMDC members once again demonstrated their care and concern for our breed by donating $2,000 to medical research.  Designees will be determined by the Board, but the membership directed $1,000 for histio research, and $1,000 for continued investigation into degenerative myelopathy.  Another $475 is to be donated to Berner Garde Foundation.  Congratulations, fellow club members, for this continued dedication to improving the health of our beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs!

A quick head count tallied 41 members and guests in attendance at the picnic.  The number of dishes prepared and shared was impressive.  Delicious salads, fresh fruits, cakes, pies. . .OH MY!  Thank you, cooks!  And thanks to everyone who arrived early and helped set-up the tables, provided cold drinks, and organized the settings, and for staying late to undo and repack it all.  Much appreciated!

Special thanks to Robin Korotki and the Juniors who presented ring favors and made sure the trophies were at the judges table in time for the awards.  

Meeting Notes:  

• Welcome to new member Judy Russell of Purcellville, Va., and junior applicant, Amy Briggs of Littlestown, Pa.
• Joyce Dickhoff reminded members she needs photos for the 2012 calendar
• 2012 Specialty is on track.  Judges have been hired, contracts are in process
• Members will be asked to participate in the selection of 2013 Specialty judges
• Maria Crifasi and Dot Decker have resigned their positions of Membership and New Membership Chairs.  We need volunteers to fill these positions.  Please e-mail Georgeann (georgeann@pvbmdc.org)
• Jennifer Donnelly announced a new Yahoo Group for the 2014 National Specialty.  Write her for details.
• Rescue has placed four dogs so far in 2011.  Three others families that were considering releasing their dogs for adoption have decided to keep their pets.  
• Mimi, the purebred girl that was turned in for rehoming at the end of May and then promptly delivered five puppies, was at the picnic and on her way to her forever home.  The puppies are still being fostered by Carmelita White.  Three have families waiting to take them home at 8 weeks, two are still looking for someone to love them.  Contact Sharon (sharon@pvbmdc.org) if you can help.

July 9, 2011 - The Club's general meeting will take place at the Howard County Fairgrounds tomorrow where PV is supporting the Berner entry at the National Capital Kennel Club Show.  The meeting and picnic will begin after judging is done.  Judging begins in Ring 5 (first ring inside the main hall entrance) at 11AM.  We estimate judging will be done close to Noon.  Members are asked to gather in the barn just above the vendors by 12:15 when we hope to be able to start the meeting.  The plan is to grab a plate a food and get settled so we can eat, meet and socialize.

June 27, 2011 - Janet & Don Grandstaff's Hayfield Grand Tribute to Bayberry V Bera, co-owned by Dr. & Mrs. Fred Tanzer,  finished her AKC Championship on May 21 with a major win at the Mattaponi Kennel Club show.  Congratulations to all on your new Champion!

May 29, 2011- Thanks Maria & Jack, for another lovely event on the mountain!  Fun Day this year was well attended and the weatherman provided a beautiful, Berner-perfect afternoon.  There was ample food provided by members and lots of "yummies" from those who indulged in the pound cake topped with scrumptious mountain grown strawberries.  (Thanks, Maria, for all that hulling!)

The President and Vice President were not able to attend, so next in line to lead the meeting was our Treasurer, Jack, who did a great job filling in.  

From memory (sans notes), there was one motion and affirmative vote to authorize Joyce's calendar for 2012.  Maria read the names of current club applicants, but no one was eligible for voting.  There was discussion about the Club's 2011 charitable giving, and members were asked to send their suggestions to Georgeann so the Board can make recommendations to enable the members to make an informed vote at the Supported Entry picnic at the July 10 show at Howard County Fairgrounds.  Sandy gave a report for the RCC (Regional Council of Clubs) and brought us up to date on the 2014 National Specialty, which, although officially in the PV rotation, will not be held in our area since the BMDCA approved the 2012 show in nearby Gettysburg.  Two members received special recognition for their service to the club -- Sharon Hasenauer, Rescue Coordinator, & Carol Lingley, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster.  After the meeting, everyone was invited to walk the trails Jack had cleared, or use the agility set-up.  

Thanks again to the Crifasi's for all the hard work they put in for everyone's enjoyment!

May 6, 2011- New Titleholders - Congratulations to Nan Pixton and Jennifer Donnelly on for Anatar's Galway Piper's new Draft Title - Advanced Novice Draft Dog (ANDD) - earned at the Blue Ridge BMD Club's first Draft test in April.

Congrats also go out to Julie Bacon and Karma (Edgeside Karma) for his new AX, earned at the Shetland Sheepdog Agility Trial in Frederick last weekend.  Julie also shared that Karma has a new baby sister -- Edgeside's Grand Indulgence V Anatar, "Indie", bred by Janet Grandstaff, sired by one of Jennifer Donnelly's boys.

April 20, 2011- AKC TO RECORD DRAFTING TITLES - Effective June 1, 2011, AKC will record, for a fee, the following titles Draft titles - NDD, DD, NBDD and BDD. Any of these titles earned since January 1, 2000 will be recognized. Other parent clubs approved for the same titles were the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, Mastiff Club of America and American Bouvier des Flandres Club. The Saint Bernard Club of America was approved for DD and TDD titles and the American Rottweiler Club was approved for titles unique to their club. The process starts with a request from the owner.

April 11, 2011 - It was great to see so many members turn out with their Berners for the Dog Walk yesterday.  Robin Kelly, event chair, said she counted 25 Berners, and there was a guesstimate of 35 or so people in attendance.  We missed the members  that had traveled to California for the National Specialty, and those that were showing down in Harrisonburg, Va. and a couple we know that are vacationing, but it was nice to have something Bernerly to do on such a nice spring afternoon.

The main group started walking the path around the perimeter of the park at 11:30, while it was still cool enough for jackets.  Carmelita stayed behind and started the charcoal grill and got things ready for lunch.  As the temperatures climbed the tired walkers headed back to the pavilion, watered their dogs and settled in for a couple of hours of socializing while enjoying the grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and the nice dishes contributed by members.  We greatly appreciate all of Robin's efforts to pull off another enjoyable PVBMDC event.  We were sad to learn that she is in the process of relocating to the Raleigh, NC area.  We will miss her tremendously!

March 17, 2011- Contributed by Sharon Hasenauer   Our thanks to Jennifer Donnelly and husband Scott for hosting our meeting last Sunday in their beautiful home in Lovettsville, Virginia.  Members and guests enjoyed a bountiful lunch of Jennifer's "Poor Man's Lasagna," her mom's family recipe.  It was accompanied by several salads and fresh rolls, followed by several decadent (but totally calorie-free) desserts, all brought by members.  President Georgeann Reeve chaired an informative meeting, followed by Julie Bacon, who gave a presentation on non-conformation events we can enjoy with our dogs, such as drafting, rally, obedience and herding.  Thanks to Daylight Savings Time, the sun followed everyone home.

March 16, 2011 - One of the sweetest boys that ever wore a Berner suit has left us.  Sharon & George Hasenauer's beloved Luke took flight for the Bridge on Monday to join his sister Frenchie who died in 2010.  Luke probably attended more PV functions over the last eleven years than any other of our Berner members, and we will miss his presence more than words can convey.  Even with progressing paralysis that stilled his former wild, happy tail wagging, he made it clear that he enjoyed every encounter with his many friends, especially if they had a cookie in their pocket.  Our hearts go out to Sharon & George whose house is way too still tonight.  Please take a moment to read Luke's tribute on the Memorials page.

March 9, 2011 - From Buck & Priscilla Sykes

Our ROBYN continues to do well.  Her ‘ANDY’ and ‘ANJA’ just turned 8mo last week, and they are a good-looking couple of kids.  ANDY has already finished his CD and RE, and will probably be ready for the JrHerding test at nationals.  We held ANJA back a bit so as to avoid much jumping.  She’s a ‘wild child’ but a clone of ROBYN and a real sweetheart.  With Priscilla as her handler, ANJA finished her ‘RN’ this past weekend with two perfect 100’s, and she also completed the first leg of her ‘CD.’  Priscilla thinks that she may also be ready for the Specialties’ JHD test.  Who knows, with a bit of luck perhaps ROBYN and both her pups will earn Tri-Athlete Awards (Obedience, Rally & Herding) at our Specialty.

Now ROBYN and her babies are formally:  CH ROBYN vom Worblental  CDX RAE TD MDD MBDD JHDs HRD-Is HTAD-Is -- Tranquility’s ANDY Robynson  CD RE, and --  Tranquility’s ANJA JUNGFRAU  RN.

Tell everyone hello for us.  We’ll be looking forward to seeing Georgeann and any of our gang from PVBMDC that are able to make the Specialty.

Buck and Priscilla

February 27, 2011 - From Andrea Stafanac - 

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Central Virginia will be holding a Draft Workshop on March 13, 2011 at Crump Park (also known as Meadow Farm Museum) in Glen Allen, VA. Glen Allen is a suburb of Richmond. The workshop, open to all breeds, will run from 9:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m. or so. Please bring water for your dog, a chair and something for shade if the weather is going to be warm. There are no trees in the area of the workshop. Also please bring a bag lunch. There is a grocery store with a deli section and prepared foods approximately 5 minutes from the park.

The morning will be focused on helping those that are new to drafting and introducing the dogs to a draft harness, dragging a sled, etc. We will break for lunch, then the afternoon session will be draft ring practice and proofing for teams that are preparing for the spring draft tests. The beginner teams are welcome to continue working at their own pace during the afternoon.

Beginner Workshop- $25

Draft Ring Practice and Proof- $15

Further information, registration form and directions can be found on the club's

website at www.bmdccv.org.

February 21, 2011 - From Georgeann:  

Thanks to all for making our Specialty so SPECIAL! I`ve received so many compliments from our exhibitors and judges. Thanks to our Chair Becky Braukus and all the many committee chairs, and our tireless (and now exhausted) club members for all your hard work. I'm thrilled to be associated with such generous and talented folks! Thanks again!

February 14, 2011 - From the Crifasis - Maggie (Witchway To Hearts Delight CD AJP AXP OFP BNDD DD, BMDCA Working Dog Award) is the BMDCA's Top Agility Excellent A Standard BMD for 2010!  Flying Maggie had a great year,  adding AKC titles for Agility Open Jumper Preferred, Excellent Jumper Preferred, Agility FAST Novice Preferred, Agility FAST Open Preferred,  Agility Excellent Preferred, and BMDCA titles for Brace Novice Draft Dog and Draft Dog. Our Justin (CH Bedro's Justintime v Greenway CD NJP BNDD DD) had a fantastic 2010 also, completing titles for AKC Champion, Companion Dog, and Agility Novice Jumper Preferred, as well as BMDCA titles for Brace Novice Dog, Draft Dog, and qualifying for the BMDCA Versatility and Working Dog Awards. 

Berners Rock!!

Jack and Maria Crifasi

February 13, 2011 - New York City Goes To The Dogs - The Frederick News Post has an article about the upcoming Westminster Kennel Club show this morning featuring an interview with Georgeann and accompanied by a nice photo of her Berner special, Tanner, who will be making his third appearance at the show.  Check it out at Frederick News Post.com

Best of luck to Tanner and everyone traveling to New York this week.  The Working Group will be televised on Tuesday night, Feb 15.  FMI, go to www.westminsterkennelclub.com

February 9, 2011 - The Judging Program for the Specialty is now available on the superintendent's website - www.raudogshows.com.  The JP has the ring schedule, so you might want to print out a copy and carry it with you.  If you have a dog entered, you will receive a copy in the mail.

February 9, 2011 - Jim Barrett, member of PVBMDC and president of Central Virginia BMD Club, would like to introduce some of the CV members to PV members at the Specialty next week.  He thinks a group of around six CV members will be at the Saturday show, and they will be wearing CV caps and/or CV logo shirts.  Please extend a warm welcome to our southern neighbors!

January 30, 2011 - Great turn out for yesterday's Winter Warm-Up.  A big thanks to George & Sharon Hasenauer for organizing, and to all who helped with food, set-up, programs and clean-up.

January 17, 2011 - Andrea Stefanac and Josie (CH Adesa L-Sin's Objection Overruled) had a great day in Fredericksburg on Saturday, where Josie earned her Rally Novice title.  Congratulations!

January 14, 2011 - Marcy Maycock has posted a beautiful tribute to Zeus on the Memorial page.

The PV Specialty premium notice has been mailed.  An electronic version is available from the Specialty page, or visit www.raudogshows.com.

January 8, 2011 - The year has not started well for a couple of our members.  Our sincere condolences to Eleanor Mix on the loss of her beloved Peter, and to Marcy Maycock on the passing of her wonderful boy Zeus on December 22.

January 7, 2011 - Thanks to Sandy Novocin for sending along the 2011 event calendar that the Board put together on December 15.  Dates are now posted to the Calendar page.

December 21, 2010 - From Barbara Yoder -  After battling traffic to get up to Baltimore last Friday evening (12/17), we nonetheless managed to arrive at the Oriole Dog Training Club's Rally trial on time to participate in the [Rally] Excellent A & B classes (from work to home to venue took over 3 hours, a distance of just over 50 miles...). Am happy to report that Lara completed her Rally Excellent title with a first place finish and qualifying score of 85. That completes her Rally competitions (unless we decide to do RAE) and we're now focusing on her CD. She's not as good at that as she has been with Rally, so this will take some more work to succeed in that event.   Barbara.  

December 12, 2010 - Wonderful turn out for the Annual Meeting and Holiday Party today in Point of Rocks - Thanks to Beki Gieseke and Sharon Hasenauer for their joint efforts in coordinating the event!  Lots of help setting up and tearing down made all the difference and we appreciate those who made the effort to show up early and stay late to pitch in.  Following a brief meeting where the membership elected the 2011 Officers (VP - Carmelita White; Secretary - Beki Gieseke; Two-Year Directors - Sandy Novocin and Sharon Hasenauer, and One-Year Director - Debbie Reams), the crowd participated enthusiastically in bidding for the wide-assortment of donated items for the annual auction.  Thanks to Norb & Sandy Novocin for conducting the auction and to their able assistants, Lizzie Hemme and Matt Korotki.  

Today's event finished up the 2010 PV event year.  We look forward to the coming year and the good times we will share in the company of our beautiful dogs and their people.

December 2, 2010 - New member Julie Bacon has something to brag about! This past weekend at the Keystone English Springer Spaniel Club in New Jersey, Karma (Edgeside's Karma) finished both his OA and OF agility titles!  We have had a very big 2010! We started the year with just a RN and now he is officially known as: Edgeside's Karma CD, RE, OA, NAP, NJP, OF, CGC plus the BMDCA NDD and Working Dog Award and AHBA HCT which we earned in October! I am VERY proud of my versatile boy and what he has accomplished just this year!! Yippee!

Thanks,

Julie

December 1, 2010 - We were sad to read the following post on the Berner-L from Paul Rosbolt - 

November 28 - We lost our boy Tyr to Lymphoma this past week. He was a typical Berner boy--goofy, loving, and protective. He loved to work. The long trek to UD, despite the occasional disappointing trial, was a journey of joy. We will miss him. Paul Rosbolt Middletown, RI 

Our deepest sympathies go out to Paul & Robin.  The bond one experiences when doing advanced obedience training is very special.  We know Tyr's loss must be felt enormously.

November 24, 2010 - Westminster Holiday Parade, Saturday, Nov 27 - Mason Dixon BMD Club will have a unit in the parade again this year and invites all Swiss breeds to join in.  The route is about one mile long through downtown Westminster, Md., and the walk starts promptly at 5PM.  The group gathers by 4PM at the middle school on Monroe Street.  There will be a vehicle parked at the end of the parade route to transport people and dogs back to the starting point.  The easiest access to the formation area is Route 140, south on Englar Road, and then a right on Monroe Street.  The middle school is up the hill on the left side.  The group usually parks and decorates the truck at the far end of the middle school building. If you have questions, contact Sue Eller at berknees@yahoo.com.  Note: This is an event for dogs that are comfortable in crowds and around loud noises -- drums, sirens, whistles, etc.  Not the place to socialize a young or nervous dog.

November 20, 2010 - The Turkey Cluster, four days of shows, is coming Nov 26 - 29 to the Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD.  BMD entries are as follows.  Please double check times at infodog.com.  We take no responsibility for anyone missing classes based on information printed here.

Fri 11/26 - 13 BMDs 5-5 (1-2) - Ring 5 @ 10AM (behind 13 other dogs)

Sat 11/27 - 17 BMDs 6-8 (1-2) - Ring 6 @ 1PM

Sun 11/28 - 17 BMDs 8-6 (1-2) - Ring 5 @ Noon

Mon 11/29 - 10 BMDs 5-3 (1-1) - Ring 6 @ 9AM

November 17, 2010 - Just a reminder to PV members who ordered calendars: please send your check made out of PVBMDC to Maria Crifasi.  Price is $15 if you are picking up the calendar in December.  If you want it shipped, add $2.  Joyce will put in the order for printing tomorrow so if anyone wishes to order a calendar, just send me an email today to mcrifasi@hughes.net

November 17, 2010 - From Barbara Yoder - We attended the Salisbury shows and on Saturday (11/13) Lara qualified for her third and final leg in Rally Advanced to earn that title.