Honeybear Hans V Donar x Honeybear Cinnamon ‘N’ Spice

Born: 4/27/1993 DOD: 6/24/2002 Berner-Garde ID: 10498

Bernie Roo was the start of it all - our first Berner and first dog of our adult lives. When we arrived at Elaine and Lee Squires home at 8 am June 17th, 1993, we had no idea what to expect - we hadn’t seen any of the 22 puppies ours would be picked from, and we didn’t get to pick. But our special boy was waiting for us in his own x-pen near the two runs full of puppies and he was PERFECT!

He was like our first child and we soon learned how much work a child might be! Aside from being our most loved, adored, spoiled Berner puppy, he spent his first year gnawing our hands, chewing holes in the drywall, and digging holes everywhere in the yard. But by a year later when our first human child arrived, Bernie was fairly well trained and seemed to know what his new job as family dog was all about. For his next eight years Bernie was often used as a pillow or ride-on toy, more often than not photographed with one or more kids sitting on his back.

He did not see himself as a protector as much as a companion and only gave little ‘woofs’ to let us know he needed out and nose bumps on the door when he wanted back in. ‘Rooing’ was his way of vocalizing what was on his mind. His main daily goal was to make sure he was included on whatever car trip we might take and when he wasn’t included he’d give you an earful of ‘rooing’ when you came home.

Bernie had his quirks such as an extreme fear of flying insects, which would send him dashing in a low run to hide under something, and his ability to hear thunderstorms a state away. These would cause him to find a closet, bathroom, or the laundry room to hide in.

He was as gentle with our cats as he was our kids and it wasn’t uncommon to find him sleeping with a cat curled up next to him or even one of the cats seeming to comfort him during a storm. He was well known at the local soccer fields and our kids’ schools.

Bernie lived his entire life as an ‘only Berner’ because Jeannie knew it would break his heart to have to share his people with another. And his commitment to the family earned him his special position. Bernie set the bar very high for the Berners who follow him, and yet they each seem to have their way of making their own place in our hearts.

Bernie Roo gets himself tangled in a mess

Playing musical ‘chairs,’ Bernie gets the ‘sit’ part correct, but is a little off on aim.

Posing for a ‘family’ portrait with other Honeybear Berners at the 1993 BMDCSEW Berner Fest.

During his one and only time in the show ring, Bernie chooses to sit rather than stand while the other puppies show. He placed 4th out of five - not bad considering the combined lack of experience between puppy and handler!

A pooped out Bernie puppy rests with Daddy while Comsikey has something to say.

Melanie sits on Bernie Roodolph for the family Christmas Card photo.

Bernie sneaks a kiss to Parker. At least it got him to smile!

As long as no one pulled his tail, Bernie was happy to be included in whatever the kids were doing, even if that meant being used as a ride-on toy, but especially if it involved playing in the snow.

Washing Bernie was a big enough job that everyone could have a part.

A young Parker endures January temperatures to sit with Bernie. Bernie’s orange soccer ball can be seen in photos throughout his life. It was one of a few toys he would want thrown for him but he would usually only retrieve it three times - five in a row was his lifetime high. Bernie was not what you’d consider a ‘high-energy’ dog!