Berner owners are an amazing group of people, and it's a group of which I'm proud and privileged to be a part. The efforts that people take to help each other and the breed as a whole are just fantastic. We have people who run incredibly involved fundraisers, people who help set up websites for fundraisers behind the scenes, people who donate items to fundraisers, a group called BEHAF that helps individuals, and a veritable army of caring and generous people.
I personally have always focused on ways to help the breed as a whole. Health research, educational efforts, rescue efforts, lobbying efforts, and the like. I have always supported as many of the other fundraisers as possible, either financially or with donations of items. I would ask that if people want to use this List as a means of raising funds for any specific owner or dog, that they keep a few things in mind. 1) Establish a single person to coordinate the efforts. Figure out the specifics, and also allow for insufficient or over sufficient donations. Where will the extra funds go? Where will the funds go if they are not sufficient? Will they be returned? 2) Find a way to verify the need. There are people who will try to take advantage, and once burnt, future similar efforts can be irreparably damaged. 3) Be ready for some very hurt feelings. This community does not exist to help every owner, and it is often not possible to even help all of those that we would like to help. BEHAF was established for just this sort of purpose, and their Special Friends funds can be used to help specific people who may not qualify for general BEHAF funds. They have done a very good job at anticipating many of the unusual situations, and have established policies and procedures. They are there for us all, whether in need or trying to share. We have a great many very generous people. I hope to see that continue, and I would like to make certain that their generosity isn't abused. Each of us adopted dogs with the knowledge that there would be expenses involved. Sometimes those expenses are excessive and unexpected. Sometimes the expenses are reasonable, and sometimes they are just a grasp for any hope, however slim. It is for each of us to examine our motives and choices when we determine a treatment for our dogs. Cost is always a factor as well as quality of life issues for the dog and the family. I can't tell anyone what is a reasonable decision for them to make for their dog, but I also can't help share the financial burden of each of those decisions - as much as I might like to do so. Before giving anyone advice, think. Telling someone to get CAT scan for their dog might be an excellent diagnostic tool for the vet, but it may be out of financial reach for most of us on the List. Prolonged chemo and radiation therapy may be a good treatment plan for certain cancers, but not everyone would be able to afford the cost in time and money. People making hard choices often feel guilty enough if they are unable to provide everything that they think should be provided. Going to the best vet hospital is often even worse - they have the best training and the best equipment, but they are usually happy to recommend some of the most expensive treatments without thought of the family or the dog. They want to learn, and they don't learn much by saying that the best thing for this dog and this family is to enjoy what time is left without any expensive treatment attempts. We all have made or will make some hard choices. (If any of us has unlimited resources, please contact me at once! I can find ways to help unburden you!) Those hard choices are a part of what dog ownership is all about. We want to keep them with us forever, but we can't. No matter how much it may cost. Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
