Draft & Therapy Dogs

Draft work is very important to us here at Blue Moon. Harpo (our first Bernese) and I entered the first BMDCA draft test at a national specialty in 1992. It was three more tests before we qualified with the Novice Draft Dog title! This began a love affair with draft work for us!
With an avid interest in the carting heritage of the Bernese, in 1993, I became a BMDCA Draft Judge. I also served as the BMDCA Draft Chair for four years.
Nearly every one of our dogs has pulled a cart; sometimes just pulling around the house carrying stones, slash or firewood. We also have had our dogs in several parades. People just love to see a dog pulling a cart!

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My deep commitment to the temperament of the Bernese led me to working with my Bernese in therapy work. The sensitive and gentle nature of the Bernese makes them a wonderful therapy dog. After several years working with Greyson, Samantha and Brigette, I decided to work toward becoming a Delta Society Team Evaluator in 2005. There are many ways that Bernese can serve as a therapy dog. We have had our dogs working with physical therapy groups. Children especially love reading to dogs. One of Greyson’s favorite places to share his spirit was in the surgery waiting rooms at Swedish Medical Center in Denver. Samantha preferred to visit with emotionally challenged children at an elementary school in Denver. Houston, MECO and Brigette love the second graders at Northstar Elementary in Northglenn, Colorado!
Confidentiality agreements prevent too many pictures of the dogs visiting patients or children…..but we have a few!

Christine