RILEY FINDS A HOME!
Riley, who is a 4-year old Berner, recently found a loving home in the Pittsburgh area. Riley’s story is a typical pet store story.  The son purchased Riley at an Erie, Pennsylvania pet store. Allegedly the son was talked into buying Riley by an ex-girl friend. As it turned out, the son lost his job and then gave the dog to his father, who was also unemployed. The father did some training with Riley to include an 8-week puppy class. Riley was the father’s family’s first “indoor dog”. They had previously had only "outdoor dogs" that were allowed to roam (Note: Pennsylvania law requires that dogs off the owner’s property must be on a leash). The father’s wife did not want an indoor dog, so for various reasons Riley had to go. Riley had lost 10 pounds in the month before he came into rescue because of the family’s inability to afford food and proper veterinary care. In the interim, Riley developed a hematoma in his ear, which required surgery. The father could not afford to pay for food or veterinary care and decided generously out of compassion for the dog to turn him over to TRBMDC rescue. We know this was difficult but his willingness and courage was in the best interest of this dog. Riley was taken to the Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic where the veterinarians assessed his condition and took appropriate medical action, which included draining the hematoma in his ear and neutering him. The veterinarians x-rayed his hips and elbows. He does have some joint dysplasia but they do not feel it requires corrective surgery. He was walking well and even jumped a small railroad tie wall. He also likes going down the hill in his foster home yard and comes back up with a little “spring in his step. The general rule among vets is that you treat the dog not the x-ray.  Riley, the dog, seems fine. Riley has a great personality. He is very loving and is good with cats. Riley is obedient when you work with him. He knows how to sit, down, and give you his paw. His face absolutely beams when you tell him that he is a “Good Boy”. He may need somewhat better manners when approaching other dogs, but he has clearly just never learned what to do in such situations. With coaching, he tolerated being bathed, having his teeth brushed and his ears cleaned He has already bonded with his family and dutifully follows the family around like any good puppy. Riley is a perfect family pet.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT RESCUE AND REHOMING

Rescuing adult or older youngster Bernese Mountain Dogs can place unique demands on the forever rescue home. While the experience is gratifying, it may also challenge the adoptive family in ways not previously encountered. As such, we take great pains in matching a rescued Bernese Mountain Dog with the right family. The adoptive homes in which we place rescues must live up to a standard as rigorous as those any responsible breeder would require for an initial puppy placement. If you are interested in adopting a rescue, but have never had a Bernese Mountain Dog, please read the materials offered on the Puppies & Breeders page of this website. In addition, we urge you to read the BMDCA Info Sheet on Rescue. If you are in a situation in which you can no longer take care of your Bernese Mountain Dog (e.g, divorce, illness, or job loss), please contact us. We will assist in placing your dog in a loving home. We do not charge owners relinquishing dogs for our re-homing services. Likewise, we do not buy dogs from owners who are relinquishing dogs. If you are interested in adopting a rescue, but have never had a Bernese Mountain Dog, please read the downloadable materials offered on the Resources page of this website. In addition, we urge you to read the BMDCA Info Sheet on Rescue . If after reading these pamphlets you feel you want to pursue adoption, please download the adoption candidate form on this page. Complete the form and send it via snail mail to the Rescue Chair whose address is indicated on the form. Our Rescue Committee will evaluate your application. We will then inform you of our decision and the availability of a rescue or re-home candidate. We charge an adoption fee for each dog that we place. This covers veterinary and fostering expenses that we incur when we take a dog into our rescue program.  

For information on the availability of Club rescued Bernese Mountain Dogs, please contact our Rescue Chair. Should you find that you are no longer able to care for your Bernese Mountain Dog or that you are aware of a Bernese Mountain dog in need of rescue, please contact our Rescue Chair, Julia Airgood. PH: 412.963.9355.

Adoption Candidate Form