RESCUE & REHOME ASSISTANCE
Our rescue and rehome program is limited to those dogs that are representative of the breed and appear to be purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs (Berners). The primary objective of the rescue, rehome, and adoption program is to provide a loving home and good living conditions for any Berner which is currently homeless, in a shelter, in an abusive situation or for Bernese Mountain Dog owners who are no longer able to keep their dog due changing life circumstances.
If you hear of or know of a Bernese Mountain Dog in our region (GA, SC, TN, FL, AL, MS, LA, AR) who needs to be rescued or you are an owner in need of assistance with rehoming, please contact one of our Rescue Coordinator Sloane Shepherd at sloaneshepard@yahoo.com. In North Carolina you can also contact Carolyn Paige of the Blue Ridge Bernese Mountain Dog Club www.blueridgebmdc.org by email or by phone 919-620-8687 or 919-451-5681.
ADOPTING A RESCUE OR REHOME
Please heed the invaluable advice that all breeds do not fit all life styles. Responsible pet ownership requires an honest and factual assessment of whether a specific breed is right for you. Not all breeds fit all lifestyles. If you have never owned a Berner, please visit www.bmdca.org and view their BMD Info Series to learn more about the breed. There you will find information on the breed history, breed versatility, health, geriatric care, grooming, and rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do most of the Berners requiring rescue or rehome come from? Most BMDs that are rescued or rehomed come from their owners who are no longer able to care for them because of changing life circumstances or there are issues with the dogs’ health or behavior.
How can I adopt a rescue or rehome dog through your program? In order for an adoption to be successful we need make sure an appropriate match is made taking into consideration the Berner’s needs and adoptive family’s needs. Completion of our Prospective Rescue Adoption Questionnaire will assist in our efforts to make sure Berners that come through our rescue program find their way into the most appropriate homes.
How long will I have to wait for a rescue/rehome Berner? Our club rescue and rehome program places an average of 10 dogs per year. We never know when we will be contacted so we are always looking for just the right match for each dog. Therefore, we encourage you to fill out our Rescue Questionnaire if you think a rescue dog might be right for you.
Can I get a puppy through rescue/rehome? The average age of dogs that come into are program are between 1 to 4 years of age.
Are there any special challenges with adopting a rescued or rehomed Berner? YES. Each dog that we take in has its own unique challenges. Some rescue dogs have temperament issues such as shyness or separation anxiety and may have extra obstacles for the adoptive family to overcome. Others may have behavior issues such as: barking, digging, chewing, jumping up on people, housebreaking. Adoptive families should plan on spending anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks in a professional obedience training program. Training will help the dog overcome an often traumatic stage while they adjust to a totally new environment and it will help the adoptive family solve most common behavior problems.
What are the adoption fees? Adoption fees for rescues are currently set at whatever costs the club incurs to rescue the dog including any additional medical costs, vaccinations, etc. The amount can vary from $250 to $500 depending on the age, health and circumstances of the dog.
We appreciate you reviewing the information on our rescue and rehome page. Berners are very loyal companions and are happiest when they are surrounded by their family and friends. By adopting a rescue or rehome Berner the real joy of ownership is in having a dog that will always be your number one fan.
ADOPTABLE BERNERS
CVBMDC Rescue is currently working with several Rescue Dogs. Please contact us if you are interested in any of our rescue dogs at sloaneshepard@yahoo.com .
FOSTER CARE/TRANSPORTATION
If you can assist us with our rescue efforts by providing foster care or transportation for a Berner in our rescue program, please contact our Rescue Coordinator Sloan Shepherd at sloaneshepard@yahoo.com phone 770.321.6278 .
To help you think through a variety of breed-specific issues and understand whether a Berner is right for you, Please read about the breed at our national Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America website.
