The BMDCR Rescue Program FAQ

Do you have dogs available now? 

There is a fair possibility we do.  Unfortunately, our rescue program
 has had to grow dramatically over the last few years due to the
 growth of puppy mill activity.

How many dogs do you place a year? 

On average, we  place about 20 dogs a year.

Do you place BMD's in my state? 

The BMDCR has placed dogs in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The club actively searches for dogs in our region of responsibility that includes the states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming. If you do not live in one of these four states, you may still fill out a rescue application but the likelihood of receiving a BMDCR rescue is extremely remote. Instead, you should contact a club closer to you. See the list of other BMD clubs. 

Berners cost too much from breeders; can I get one cheaper through rescue?

Our adoption fee varies by age of the dog. This fee is used to cover costs and can vary, but is generally less than the price of a dog from a breeder.  The dog may be examined by a vet if necessary, all shots will be brought up to date, and we will spay/neuter if not already done. Any detected or suspected health problems will be checked out and treated if possible. 

How long is your waiting list? 

We keep a list of potential adopters. The dogs are not placed on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather as a best match to an adoptive home that will be the best place for the dog. We have lots of potential adopters and with so few dogs a year, the wait can be long. 

How long do you keep my adoption application active? 

Please update your information every six months. After that, we will be less likely to contact you with a potential adoption. 

Can I get a puppy through rescue? 

It is not likely.

Where do your rescue Berners come from?

Pounds, shelter, surrenders directly to us by the owners, even just plain lost or abandoned. 

Can I use this dog for breeding? 

No. All Berners placed through the BMDCR rescue program are spayed or neutered prior to release to the adoptive home. 

Is there a guarantee? 

Sorry, no. We collect whatever information on the dog that we can and pass all of it on to the potential adopters so that they can make an informed decision. But no one can foretell the future. If the adoption does not work out, you are required to surrender the dog back to the BMDCR rescue program. 

I've heard that Berners are one-person dogs. How well do they adjust to their new owners? 

Surprisingly well. Even ones from good homes that were surrendered to us have re-attached to their new families. It takes love and patience for all of them to overcome whatever baggage they have. So far, they have all done well. 

Do your rescue dogs ever come with AKC registration papers? 

Sometimes we get papers on surrendered Berners and gladly pass them on to adopters. It is helpful for health history. If the new owner wants to participate in AKC events, they can apply for an ILP number for the dog. The dog is then allowed to join in all AKC events other than Conformation like any registered dog. 

Do you ever place Bernese mixes? 

The BMDCR rescue group only places pure bred Bernese Mountain Dogs. However, we keep a list of potential homes that would also consider a BMD mix and if we locate a mix, we notify those homes of the dogs location and they may adopt the mix directly from the current owner or shelter. You may indicate your interest in a mix on the application.

What if I have a dog to surrender? 

Call Amanda Wilson Brazeal at 970-213-2315 if you have a dog that you need to surrender. This number is for surrenders and for reporting dogs in shelters/pounds. 

I want to get on your adopter list or am interested in fostering a dog in the rescue program, what do I do now? 

Click the appropriate form link below to access the adoption and foster applications (helpful tip - save the form to your desktop before filling it out, then save again once you have it completed before you email as an attachment):

BMDCR Rescue Adoption Application

BMDCR Rescue Foster Application

Click here to donate to the
BMDCR Rescue Fund 
Thank You!
 BMDCR Rescue Chairman
Amanda Wilson Brazeal
bmdcr4rescue@gmail.com
970-213-2315