When I started in Bernese Mountain Dogs in 1990, I was relentlessly told what a political sport this is, requiring lots of money to play the game. With a little bit of antique dealer bred into me from my Grandfather's genes and an aquired "horse dealer" aptitude, I knew I could be successful if I was resourceful and discriminating with my breeding stock.

Keeping only what I felt were the best representatives of the breed out of my litters, the next obstacle to overcome was the financial burden of the show ring. In a compromise to achieve my goals, I made mutually beneficial arrangements with people such giving co-ownership of a bitch and sharing her first litter in exchange for my co-owner bearing show expenses!

Although I knew my dogs were not everyone's cup of tea, I also knew two other things. One, when I woke up in the morning, my dogs were the type of Berners I wanted to see and secondly, there would be others to share my vision.

Uppy's show career started with Kasey VonEngel (7 at the time) at the end of the lead, guiding Uppy to multiple BOB's and Group Placements out of the 6-9 puppy class. Finished at 8 months, Uppy continued his winning ways by getting an award at every specialty he was shown at, including BOB at the 2003 Potomac Valley Regional Specialty under a breeder judge I have admired for years, Debbie Wilkins. When I started receiving recognition from long time breeders and people I respected in the BMD world, I knew I was on the right track.

 

Uppy's 2003 National Specialty Best of Breed under world renowned breeder judge and author Sharon Smith further attests to Uppy's appeal to knowledgeable, experienced and respected breeders and judges within our fancy. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mrs. Smith for this prestigious win and monumental acknowledgement.

I would also like to thank my best Berner friend and co-breeder of Uppy, LeeAnn Brownstein. Our friendship has weathered the test of time and dogs. There is no one I would rather share this glory with. A special thank you to Kathryn Young, a straight shooter whose love of Uppy and strong support has been inspirational to me. Hugs and kisses to all my friends that put up with my personality deterioration at dog shows and all my "stressing!" All my love and appreciation to my kids who love these dogs as much as I do and never make me feel guilty. And thank you most of all, to my husband Kip who NEVER says no, who encourages me without compromise, even when I am killing the bank account and keeps me going when things seem hopeless.

Finally, NEVER EVER say you can't. Looking at the big picture, the odds were against me. Simply, a winner is a dreamer who never quits.