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TheThe
Berner BlattBerner Blatt
the newsletter of the
Bernese Mountain Dog Clubof Nashoba Valley
the club for new england berners & their families
February 2017
Calendar of Events ............................22018 National News ..........................3 Regional Specialty .............................4Annual Meeting .................................5
Rescue Notebook ...............................8Birthdays, Congratulations & Brags ..............................................9It’s a Good Thing ..............................10
Where’s the Snow?!
Oakley, the Beach Berner enjoying the snow from previous winter. Even this beach loving Berner is asking “Where is the snow?” Loved, owned and photo by: Nadine Thomas; Centerville, MA
Holiday Party
pages 6 & 7
board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BMDCNVDirectors:
PresidentMarge [email protected]
Vice PresidentPatricia [email protected]
SecretaryCarol [email protected]
TreasurerBruce [email protected]
Karlo Laforteza • [email protected]
Sue Mahan • [email protected]
Steve Diers • [email protected]
Jean Michael • [email protected]
Anya Wittenborg • [email protected]
Calendar of EventsBMDCNV
FMI: www.bmdcnv.org/events.html
~ 2017 ~Feb 19: Winter Walk
Ashford, CT
March 4: Supported Entry: Working DogSpringfield, MA
March 5: Regional Specialty: Working DogSpringfield, MA
March 19: Annual MeetingSturbridge, MA
April 2: OFA Hip & ElbowSuffield, CT
April 24-29: BMDCA National SpecialtyPortland, OR
May 13 & 14: Spring Draft TestsSturbridge, MA
June 3: Ladies Supported EntryWrentham, MA
June 11: Spring Fun DayWestford, MA
June 24: Kittery Summer PicnicKittery, ME
July 29: Vermont Summer PicnicSaint Johnsbury, VT
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New Members
Showcase
Meghan, Brian & London Perlow; Marblehead, MA
Number of Dogs = 1My Dog Loves = Walking on the beach Baron is 8 months old and has been an incredible addition to the family. He goes to work every day with his ‘mom’, and is a gentle giant to little ones in the house. We can’t wait to take him out hiking in the Spring, and hope to teach him carting as he gets older. He makes us smile and laugh everyday!
Welcome!Welcome! New Members
Andrea AldrichWhite River Junction, VT 05001
Danielle SelleckAshland, MA 01721
chairpeoplechairpeoplethethe BMDCNVThese dedicated chairpeople provide essential services to you, our membership. Please feel free to contact them with your questions, concerns, suggestions, requests for help or offers of help. Our mission is to provide the best for Berners and their families.
Berner Blatt EditorCarolyn [email protected]
Breeder Referral ProgramMegan [email protected]
Health Liaison Chair: Karen [email protected]
MembershipKarlo [email protected] E-List Help DeskJeff [email protected] Members List ModeratorSharon [email protected]
Puppy ReferralLaurel [email protected]
Regional Club Rep (RCC)Karen [email protected]
RescueLinda DeCelles1-877-4BMDCNV (toll free)[email protected]
Public EducationMartha Phelpsand Diane [email protected]
Social Media Chair: Facebook & Twitter -Karlo [email protected] -Nadine Thomas
Training ResourcesPaul [email protected]
Trophy ChairDonna [email protected]
Volunteer CoordinatorMartha [email protected] & MeansBill & Stephanie [email protected] Web MasterMimi [email protected]
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Sunday, April 2, 2017Dr. Griffin O’Connor &
Dr. Jason HaviarSuffield Veterinary Hospital • Suffield, CT
Hip and Elbow Digital Radiographs w/Sedation - $175OFA same day submission fees:
OFA H & E: $40 OFA H & E: 3 or more littermates - $90 flat fee
OFA H & E: 5 or more by 1 owner/co-owner - $15 eachMicrochip: $35 each
7th Annual OFA Hip & Elbow Clinic
• Pre-sedation bloodwork with your primary vet shortly prior to the clinic is highly recommended.
• Sedative is butorphanol/dexdomitor. Dogs will be heavily sedated for the xrays and then receive a reversal dose, where they can walk out of the office within a short time.
• Priority will be given to those who previously responded.• Club membership is not required to participate.• Appointments must be made in advance – from 9:00am to 4:00pm
for more information and registration forms please contact Karen Fox. Email: [email protected]. Pre-registration paperwork will be emailed to you.
• Appointments remaining will be offered to other breeds - $225.
National Specialty Update 2018 BMDCA National News
by Jim Todhunter, Show Chair - [email protected]
It’s hard to believe. Just a little over a year from now Berner enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad will converge on Sturbridge as we host the BMDCA National Specialty. During the final months of 2016, new volunteers rounded out the Show Committee: Judy Bache – Registration Chair; Lori Bellussi – Draft Test Chair # 4; Margot Burwood – Draft Workshop Chair; Martha Phelps – joining Tracy Healy to co-chair the Photo Contest; and Meg Schwartz – Agility Chair. We still have one critical need at this time: 2017 National Specialty Sales Manager. We need someone to organize the team that will sell our 2018 Ways & Means merchandise at this year’s National in Portland. If you’re going to the Portland National, we need your help! Contact Jim Todhunter at [email protected] to learn more about this role. The National needs your help. Don’t forget. A National Show Committee meeting follows the lunch at our BMDCNV Annual Meeting. Come learn what’s happening with the National; explore the opportunities to get involved; start making your National memories today. The National need all of us to bring it all together. This meeting provides a great way to see what options for volunteering will suit you.
There will also be a silent auction to benefit the 2018 National at the Annual Meeting. Do you have a surplus Berner treasure you can donate to the silent auction? If you have an item to donate please contact me and help get our National Specialty off to a strong start. Become a part of the team; join in the fun; feel the excitement.
ATTENTION PHOTOGRAPHERS: We need your pictures!
If you are going to be attending any of the following events, please send your pictures to [email protected]:
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - February 11-14 BMDCNV Winter Walk - February 19 BMDCNV Regional Specialty & Supported Entry - March 4 & 5 OFA Testing - Clinic April 2 2017 BMDCA Specialty, Portland, OR - April 24 - 29
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BMDCNV Regional Specialty Sunday, March 5th, 2017
West Springfield, MAIn Conjunction with the
CT River Working Group Association
Breed Judge...Abby PatrizioSweepstakes Judge...Mary Barbara Walsh
Best Puppy, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor, Best Veteran, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Brace, Junior Showmanship
BMDCNV Supported EntrySaturday, March 4th, 2017
Breed Judge...Deborah MulveySweepstakes Judge...Jody Guimond
Both Days! 4-6 Month Puppy and NOHS Competition offered
Please Sponsor a Trophy - Contact Donna Bennett [email protected]
MB-F Secretary - Entries Close Feb 15, 2017
SAVE THE DATES...Sat & Sun, May 13th & 14th, 2017
BMDCA Draft Tests hosted by BMDCNV Westville Recreation Area, Sturbridge, MA
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Sunday, March 19, 2017Sturbridge Host Hotel • Sturbridge, MA
All BMDNV Members, their families and well behaved dogs are invited to attend
the Nashoba Valley Annual Meeting and the 2018 Specialty Meeting. Join us to celebrate the achievements of our Bernese Mt. Dogs, our outstanding volunteers including the MVBP (Most Valuable Berner Person) and the Shelley Tyre Award.
All BMDCNV Members and families are invited and encouraged to attend.
BMDCNV Annual Meeting
please tear off and mail w/ check
Number AttendingBuffet @ $25
(Children Under 10 Free) TOTAL $
RESERVATION DEADLINE: March 12th
Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________
~ To Make Reservations and Payment ~Check ~ Mail Reservation to BMDCNV Bruce Hallden- PO Box 293 Cromwell, CT 06416
Credit Card ~ Visit http://shop.bmdcnv.org/product/annual-meeting-buffet-lunch-tickets
No charge to attend the Annual Meeting Business Portion of the day. Please decide today that you will attend; it helps us tremendously to have an early attendance count. No penalty for cancellation. Refunds issued before March 12th.
PAY BY CREDIT CARD!
bmdcnv.bigcartel.com
10:30 am -12:00 pmAnnual Meeting
12:00 pm -1:00 pmBuffet Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm2018 National Meeting
Overnight Sat 18th $95/$25 Dog until March 4th
Call Hotel direct 508-347-7393
Tickets for Buffet Lunch $25
Cash Bar Available
• •
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Holiday PartyBMDCNV
The 2nd Annual BMDCNV Holiday Party was held on Sunday, December 11th, 2016 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA. We had another fabulous party this year and welcomed almost 90 members and over 40 dogs including many non-Berner fur friends as well! Our members showcased their photography skills through submitting their favorite photos of their Berners in wintery wonderlands. Congratulations goes Sue Morrill for the winning photo and for the many photos that deserve honorable mentions. Once again, we had to ask the hotel for extra tables for the number of cookies that were baked for our Cookie Exchange. This year several of our members
went home with door prizes and one lucky winner went home with the light up Berner. We had a fantastic craft selection for our members to purchase goodies. Our craft table raised $446 for our 2018 National and over 50 toys were donated by our members to support BERNER Inc. fosters and local dog shelters. And, lastly, we had a wonderful visit from Santa who took pictures with our members and their dogs. Thank you again for the dedication and hard work of the many who outdid themselves to make the gathering such a special event.
— Carolyn Massey, Chair BMDCNV Holiday Party
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board of directorsboard of directorsthethe BERNER INCPresident & Director - Alise BurbridgeTreasurer & Director – Tom McKinneyClerk & Director – Anya Wittenborg
Director – Dawn FlahertyDirector – Linda DeCellesDirector – Beth Atkinson
In 2008, the BMDCNV membership established a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to address the needs of the ever-increasing number of Berners being relinquished by their owners and to educate the public in the responsible care of this
wonderful breed. The work of BERNER, Inc. is supported by the generous
donations of people like YOU! Please consider honoring the achievements or the life of your dog (or of a friend or family member) with a tax-deductible
donation either by Paypal on the web site, or by mail to:
BERNER, Inc. P.O. Box 1221 Arlington, MA 02474
BERNER INC NEEDS YOU...to Get Donations from retailers you shop with on-line! When you register with igive.com and designate Berner, Inc as the cause you’d like to support, ALL your on-line purchases will automatically generate a donation from the retailer to Berner, Inc.... at NO cost to you!
It’s quick... It’s easy... and FREE!Learn more at http://igive.com//Q6w2UJmt
iGive.com®
Change online shopping for good.
$1,456earned to date!
Rescue NotebookRescue Notebook
WE ARE THE RESCUE ARM OF THE NASHOBA CLUBEDUCATION & RESCUE
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Max is Home at Lastby Linda DeCelles, Rescue Chair
MAX was a young stray found running along commuter rail tracks. Attempts to find an owner were unsuccessful. We placed him in Berner Inc.’s foster program. Max was typical of the young male Berners who come into rescue. He was friendly and playful. But he obviously had had little or no training. He needed to learn good manners and boundaries. And he was intact. Max was introduced to potential adopters by his fosters, Judy and Mick Beck, at Spring Fun Day. He hit it off right away with BMDCNV members Kathy Boisvert and Craig
Baer post-surgery
Max and Kathy
FALCO, adopted by BMDCNV members Jim & Karen Tompkins, hanging out with Ted, the family cat.
Raymond and their Berner, Rosey. After spending several hours with Max, they decided to pursue an adoption. Today Max is thriving in his forever home with Kathy, Craig and Rosey. He is a very happy guy who enjoys his new life, and his adopters are delighted with him.
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Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...Birthdays, Congratulations and Brags...
Happy 2nd birthday, Cava! To lots of fun adventures in the year ahead!
— Angel and Chris Petrone; Alexandria, VA
Happy Birthday to Clara, Brylins Not For Wallflowers RN CGC, she
will celebrate her 11th birthday on 2/5/17!!— Karen & Jon Fox; South Windsor, CT
Congrats Nancy Thurlow!
Instagram Photo of the Month
The following pictures were submitted for the Holiday Party Photo Contest with the theme “Snow Berners”. Thank you to all our members who submitted photos. Here are some honorable mentions! Congrats to Alice Cheney, Nadine Thomas, Linda Bates, Pamela Eldredge, Heidi Henderson.
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It’s a good Thing!It’s a good Thing!
by Eileen Blass; Kennett Square, PA
Today’s digital cameras are simply mind-boggling. They do virtually everything for you. Automatic exposure. Auto white balance. Autofocus. You can even tell the camera what type of scene you’re shooting, and it will choose the right settings for you.These cameras can do everything by themselves …EXCEPT …MAKE a great picture of your dog.That’s up to you. Every time you look at Facebook, I bet you’re “liking” some photo because the person is your friend. But often in the back of your mind, you’re going: “Ewwww, that’s a terrible photo. “Of course, no one is saying that about YOUR photos. Yeah, right! Even the best of us have posted a few “dogs,” so to speak. So I’ll share some of the inside secrets that we professionals use to make our photos stand out. Whether you shoot with an iPhone, a little point-and-shoot or a sophisticated DSLR that you just got for Christmas, these 21 tips and concepts will help you take better photos of your dog.
Maybe even great photos.1) Don’t shoot just one picture … shoot 100Let’s face it. What are the odds you’re going to get that one great shot of your dog on the first click of the shutter? I’ll let you in on a little secret. Professionals regularly shoot a lot of pictures just to get that one “right” photo. Think different angles and different focal lengths. It’s digital! It’s not like you’re wasting film. Go for it.
2) Now, delete 99 of themWell, you don’t have to delete 99, but DON’T LET ANYONE SEE the photos that didn’t make the grade. OK, sometimes you’ll get 2 or 3 nice shots, but the rest really need to go. It’s call editing. Pick your best. Get rid of the rest! That’s the discipline of great photographers. (Pssst. You don’t have to delete them if you don’t want to, but at least hide or archive them away somewhere. Out of sight. Out of mind. And that way you if you later discover someone famous was in the background, you can sell it to The National
Enquirer!) Besides, all those pixels take up too much space on your hard drive.3) The worst time to shoot outdoorsHigh noon is a great time to have an old Western shootout. But it’s the worst time to whip out your camera. In the middle of the day, you’re going toe-to-toe with the harsh light of the sun and the sun will invariably win.4) The best time to shoot outdoors is just before sunsetIt’s often called “golden hour,” and the light is beautiful. Light is coming from lower in the sky, shadows are longer and there’s more warmth. And when the light is warm like that, it just gets better and better until it simply goes away. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from an overcast day. Overcast skies create very soft shadows and even light, and that, too, can offer just the right mood.5) The next best time to shoot outdoors is just after sunriseThis too is the “golden hour.” And the light is also beautiful. There’s no real difference except that the light starts out lovely and then slowly gets worse as the sun rises higher in the sky. The biggest negative: Who wants to get up that early and traipse around with a camera? Well, I do, but that’s just me.6) Hold your breathGetting unwanted motion in your photos? Then use this little trick. Just before you click the shutter, hold your breath. And then click. Another technique to keeping your camera steady is to hold your elbows tight to your side. Now you’re acting as a tripod … or to be more exact, a human monopod. Either way, you will be still when you click the shutter.7) Get closeUnless you have a really great zoom lens or some other long glass, the biggest mistake most people make is that they don’t get close enough to the subject. So ZOOM with your feet.8) Use your surroundings to make it visually interestingLook for ways to draw attention to what’s going on in your picture. You can do this with leading lines (like a fence in the background) or framing (like a doorway or window).9) Crop your picturesWhat’s important in your picture? Well, if you didn’t zoom in with your feet to get closer, then you’re going to need to cut out the unnecessary crap that distracts from the REAL PICTURE! You can do that with a simple editing program after you shoot (even your iPhone has one built in). Many ho-hum photos can be saved and improved by cropping for impact.
Here are two examples of how getting close to your subject, either zooming with your feet or using a longer
lens, can produce a picture with impact.
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10) Don’t shoot with a flashUnless there is absolutely no choice, never shoot with a flash. Done poorly, your dog will look like he’s hiding in a dungeon. Oh yeah, and he’ll have evil red eyes, too. Whenever possible, shoot with natural light. Plus, today’s digital cameras can do amazing things in low-light situations.11) If you do shoot with a flash, get it off the top of your cameraThis is a more advanced technique requiring equipment to fire the flash that’s not attached to the camera. Generally, light that comes from the same direction as the camera is pretty boring. Put a light to one side and BINGO, you have drama.12) Keep it simpleDon’t cram too many things into the frame. The fewer distractions in the photo, the better. Every photo should have a main focal point. Make sure the person viewing the photo goes to the place you want them to. And while you’re at it, don’t stick your subject smack dab in the middle of the photo. (BTW that’s called applying the rule of thirds. Click here to see a full explanation.)13) Crouch downTry a different angle. Crouch down, kneel, get down on your belly to be on the same level as your dog or put the camera on the ground and point it upwards. I guarantee that your photo will be more interesting.14) Climb up on a ladder or a tree or a porchAgain, a different angle can make a boring picture interesting. So try getting up high. And see the world in a way most people don’t.15) Don’t shoot into the light (or sun)Unless you’re shooting silhouettes, or seeking a backlit photo, you’ll seldom get a decent picture shooting into the sun. Now you’ll frequently hear that you should shoot with the sun behind you. That’s better than shooting into the sun. The best, though, is to shoot with the sun coming in from an angle, not straight on. That will give you more interesting light. And, if possible, use a lens hood to keep stray light from entering your lens!16) Hold the camera levelUnless you’re trying to be artsy, hold your camera level. It’s much easier to fix this BEFORE you click the picture. There’s nothing worse than seeing photos that lean. People and dogs shouldn’t be standing at an angle. And this isn’t what we mean when we say the “Berner Lean.”17) Be a fly on the wallThe best pictures are the ones you capture when nobody is paying attention to you. That’s my photojournalism background talking. While posing your dog isn’t a bad thing, try letting him be himself. Give him a toy in the backyard and let him play while you shoot pictures. Being a fly on the wall and catching little moments requires two things. You must have great
patience, and you must have a camera handy all the time.18) Take advantage of shadowsLook around for ways to include shadows in your pictures. That’s right, shadows! When you have shadows, you will have interesting light. Maybe a fence nearby is throwing light in a cool pattern. Or perhaps your dog is casting a shadow that makes an intriguing shot. Always be on the lookout for those and other different ways to photograph your dog using the light that’s there.
19) Don’t ‘chimp’You see it all the time. Someone takes a digital photo, then stops, looks at the back display, and oohs and aahs about their great picture. (The pros call it “chimping.”) That’s OK occasionally, particularly if you want to check exposures. But if you’re looking at the back of
your camera a lot, then you’re very likely missing great moments. Your dog is doing something amazing while you’re futzing around. Don’t miss your personal Pulitzer Prize.20) The catchlight in the eyesWhatever light you are using, always look for a “catchlight” in the subject’s eyes. You know that little twinkle in the eye. It’s what gives a photo a little something extra. Without a catchlight, the eyes are lifeless. It’s the reflection of the light source in your subject’s eyes. It could be the sun, a flash or even the light from a nearby window. So you may have to reposition yourself to capture it.21) And after all this … Break the rulesAll of these tips are great tips. But don’t rigidly follow them. If you get too caught up trying to not make a mistake, you’re making a mistake. Get comfortable with these concepts. And once you are comfortable:
Break the rules.You’ll probably end up with artistic masterpieces. Or at least some really good pictures.Borrowed and Edited from: http://www.bernerwise.com/take-great-dog-photos/
Eileen Blass spent 26 years refining her craft as a staff photographer for USA TODAY, covering the world from the corporate suites of New York City to the streets of Soviet Georgia, from the Olympics (eight of them) to the Iditarod in Alaska, from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She retired from newspapers in 2015 after a 35 year career which began at the Lansing State Journal in Michigan. In her retirement, she is focused on her own freelance photography business and turns her camera on a daily basis to her beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs. She also runs a blog for the Bernese Mountain Dog community (www.bernerwise.com) and is working on a book about how to take great pictures of your dogs.
This photo illustrates “catchlight”, the small glimmer of light in the eyes that is a reflection of the light source. A catchlight adds life to the eyes and draws attention to them. Merlin is facing the sun which produces this catchlight and allows the late afternoon light to fall on his face.
Contact [email protected] receive an electronic color issue of the Berner-Blatt
ANNUAL MEETINGSAVE THE DATE!Sunday, March 19, 2017
More info on page 5.
This reservation is a very nice private forest with many trails to enjoy with our furry friends. We will gather in the Dining Hall for snacks, hot drinks and then resume after the walk for our annual Raffle.
Volunteers are greatly appreciated!Raffle donations can be sent to:Carol Jensen - 20 Court St. • Cromwell, CT 06416
If there is a cancellation due to weather, a message will be posted on the BMDCNV member’s e-group list and Facebook.
Reminders: Places to take your dog off-leash are dwindling and we must do our part to control our dogs in the presence of other park patrons. Please bring baggies to pick up after your dog.
The Annual BMDCNV Winter Walk Sunday, February 19 at 11 a.m.
at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation • 231 Ashford Center Road • Ashford, CT 06278Event Chair: Carol Jensen
The Annual BMDCNV Winter Walk will be held on
Sunday February, 24th at 11 a.m.at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation,231 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT. 06278
The Annual BMDCNV Winter Walk will be held on Sunday, February, 24th at 11 a.m. at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation
It is very nice private forest with many trails to enjoy with our furry friends. We willgather in the Dining Hall for snacks, hot drinks and then resume after the walk for
our annual Raffle that this year is being chaired by Carol Jensen. Please contact herfor Raffle donations. [email protected]
Volunteers are greatly appreciated so if anyone would like to help organize, or can bring an item for the snack table - please let Carol know.
If there is a cancellation due to weather, a message will be posted on the BMDCNVmember's e-group list and Facebook
Reminders: Places to take your dog off-leash are dwindling and we must do our partto control our dogs in the presence of other park patrons. Please bring baggies to pick up after your dog. Please maintain control while meeting others by leashing or sim-ply holding our dogs. Use your judgment on how dog friendly other patrons are and
show them respect. Also we have secured the Park for the entire day so anyone inter-ested is welcome to take another walk on their own afterward if they would like!
The Annual BMDCNV Winter Walk will be held onSunday February, 24th at 11 a.m.
at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation,231 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT. 06278
The Annual BMDCNV Winter Walk will be held on Sunday, February, 24th at 11 a.m. at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation
It is very nice private forest with many trails to enjoy with our furry friends. We willgather in the Dining Hall for snacks, hot drinks and then resume after the walk for
our annual Raffle that this year is being chaired by Carol Jensen. Please contact herfor Raffle donations. [email protected]
Volunteers are greatly appreciated so if anyone would like to help organize, or can bring an item for the snack table - please let Carol know.
If there is a cancellation due to weather, a message will be posted on the BMDCNVmember's e-group list and Facebook
Reminders: Places to take your dog off-leash are dwindling and we must do our partto control our dogs in the presence of other park patrons. Please bring baggies to pick up after your dog. Please maintain control while meeting others by leashing or sim-ply holding our dogs. Use your judgment on how dog friendly other patrons are and
show them respect. Also we have secured the Park for the entire day so anyone inter-ested is welcome to take another walk on their own afterward if they would like!
BMDCNV19 Lantern Ln.Milford, MA 01757-3709
BMDCNV
BERNER Inc.
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