I guess Maria has qualified me as a friend, so from that standpoint I'll describe the Berner greeting I get from Daisy and Buddy.
As my car pulls into their parking area, Daisy stands with her paws on the porch railing and barks enthusiastically. Buddy barks for good measure. When I get out and they come greet me, Daisy is a whirling dervish, not sure what she wants me to pet first, but her prime directive seems to make sure that I am not forced to touch Buddy or in any way come near him. Buddy just waits. Daisy leaps and jumps and tells me how no one ever pets her, how she is mistreated horribly by people who never give her a bit of affection, and in spite of being told firmly "OFF" by several of us, she has to get up to whisper in my ear about all her trials and tribulations. Buddy just waits. Once I have been suitably greeted, I try to move into the house. This is normally a difficult feat with Daisy running in and out between my legs. But add a suitcase and subsequent poor visibility of the ground, it makes it easy for Buddy to finally attempt to get my attention - by tripping me. I have to put down the suitcase and then pet him. Daisy by this time has to run to tell Maria that there is a guest. As though Maria didn't already know from all the barking and laughing.... Then I move inside to be able to sit on the floor and be suitably mauled by two of the sweetest and friendliest Berners who tell me that they are never petted, never fed, and never given enough treats. Then come the bellyrubs!!! And they have to show me their few paltry toys, I think they only have 20 or so. Eventually I get to say Hi to Maria and Jack... Pat Long (& Luther - who lets Daisy and Buddy know who is really the top dog) Berwyn PA
