I apologies to the group for sending e-mail not in plain text - I have attempted to reset the computer to plain text format= Please feel free to ignore the prior messages that some cannot read - or delete LeAnn Zogg North Dakota
A suggestion for Bernese Dog lovers to consider. Last week while reading the paper I noticed Bernese Mountain Dog puppies advertised in our classified section. There are not many Berners or Breeders in the Dakota area. Most of us know each other, know the breeders and dogs. It seemed unusual that someone would need to try selling their puppies through the paper due to long waiting lists, etc. It indicated they were AKC, but there was no mention of health histories, or other information. The phone number was not from our area, thus it peeked my curiosity and concern - who and why would puppies be sold by an out of state person through the paper. I did not wish to offend the person advertising the pups, but I was concerned and contacted the area BMD club officers and the National BMDCA for advice and direction. As an owner, I was getting calls from friends in the area wondering about the dogs and breeder listed in the paper. Based upon the advice from Robin Hamme, PR Chair and Rep for BMDCA, we placed an add which encouraged people interested in Bernese Mountain Dogs/puppies to contact the web site for the club. www.BMDCA.org. " Bernese Mountain Dogs/pups. BMDCA breeder referrals. Find facts, tips and contacts at www.BMDCA.org. We can help." The purpose was to get the information out to people to be informed before they buy. There are far too many health issues, puppy mills, and other issues regarding our breed. It is my hope that by placing this ad in major city papers throughout the state, people will go to the site and become informed about the breed and hook up with responsible breeders. I cannot speak to the integrity of the person placing the ad, nor would it be appropriate to do so. But I strongly believe that buyers must be informed and that as a member of BMDCA, it is my small effort to work hand in hand with our area and national officers to educate people. Call it a "grass roots effort" if you will. Robin asked me to share with you the steps we took to respond to a newspaper ad. I would like to invite and encourage all of us to watch our papers, pet stores, etc. where puppies are sold and use what is at your disposal to educate people about our beautiful breed. LeAnn Zogg North Dakota
