October 2021 Charity Spotlight
At the end of every month, we donate a percentage of every sale to an animal advocacy group. Since October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, we had our fans and followers nominate their favorite shelters. The shelter that was chosen is Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue!
Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue is a network of foster homes and caring volunteers dedicated to helping rescue Bernese Mountain Dogs and BMD mixes and placing them in permanent homes. They help provide a safe harbor for Bernese Mountain Dogs that might otherwise be destroyed or abandoned.
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland, in the city of Berne, for which it is named. Originally a farm dog, they were used as a guardian for livestock and as a carting dog. “Berners” are sweet, affectionate, and calm, and have an easygoing nature. They are intelligent, loyal, and devoted to their family.
In the words of Barbara McCabe, who adopted from the rescue and nominated this month’s spotlight:
“Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue has gone above and beyond to rescue many Bernese Mountain Dogs around the country. They take in strays, puppy mill dogs, re-homes, sick and injured dogs, and even dogs with behavioral issues. Their donations solely come from the community and in times of need, they rally for help.
My adoption story began in November of 2020. I was the owner of a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog named Bailey, who sadly passed away from bone cancer in her leg. My husband and I did everything we could to beat the dreaded disease and went as far as having her leg amputated and getting her chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately all of our efforts failed and she passed away. Our hearts were shattered and while I was not ready to get another right away, I channeled my loss into helping the Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue in any way I could.
One day, I noticed they had posted a beautiful petite female puppy mill rescue who, oddly enough, had a rear leg amputation just like my previous girl. What were the odds? It felt like fate had put her in our path. I inquired about her journey to rescue and my heart just sank. I knew right away that we needed to adopt her.
It’s been almost a year since we adopted Autumn, and she has been nothing but an amazing beautiful part of our family. Her disability of having three legs does not slow her down one bit. She is happy, thriving and is loved to the moon and back. My husband and I are so grateful to be her Pawrents and do our best to help the rescue when needed.”
Pictured: Barbara's Berner, Autumn
4Knines is happy to help nonprofits make a difference. We hope you will consider supporting the mission of Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue by making a donation. A donation in any amount helps keep these dogs in a safe environment until they can be re-homed or adopted.
