My Story:
I have always adored dogs and I particularly enjoy learning about the many different breeds and their historical purpose. For over 50 years I have been blessed to share my life with dogs, including the German Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and rescues.
In the 1990's I learned from the decades of experience that Brian and Toni from Benbaron Saint Bernards shared with me about the "dog fancy", health challenges within their breed, conformation, and genetics. I travelled with them to Crufts in England to experience the "World's Greatest Dog Show" first-hand and it did not disappoint!
Since 2000 I have been blessed with Bernese Mountain Dogs, and my first pet Berner "Poutine" from Swisskiss who lived 14 wonderful years with us. Thank you Madeline and Geoff for your decades of dedication to BMD health that made those years with Poutine possible!
Later, I was mentored by Anita at Bernergold when learning to show Bernese Mountain Dogs and had an amazing time finishing my first Canadian Champion, Bernergold's Bree of the Shire from her kennel. It was exciting to see Bree's sire Abbott win Best of Breed at Westminster and make the cut in Group! I began my own small breeding program and worked with experienced, dedicated, and very health-focused breeders such as Molly of Wildblume in Hood River, Leslie of Borealbreeze in the Yukon, and of course Anita of Bernergold who first trusted me with my original show prospect.
Unfortunately just as I was getting established a sudden serious injury turned much of my world upside-down and it took over two years to recover. I had to withdraw from many activities that I loved, including the show ring. Once I was able, I then had to assess whether the physical demands of showing larger breeds was still a good fit for me at the degree that I was doing before. My older dogs had passed on, leaving me with one neutered male (my loveable shadow Yukon) and missing the ring so much. It was time to think about this new chapter.
After much soul-searching around what would be best for both myself and my beloved dogs, my research and long-time admiration led me to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With the floppy ears of my childhood Springer Spaniel, a temperament that complements that of a Berner, in a lap-sized package - the next chapter is set to begin.
Thank you to my amazing Bernese mentors, puppy families, and friends for this amazing journey so far! Although I will always want a Berner by my side, I have no further plans for BMD litters, but look forward to getting back in the show ring with Cavalier King Charles spaniels, to continue this amazing learning journey. 😉
~Geneviève