In 1957, I first saw a Bernese Mountain Dog in a park in Basel, Switzerland and was smitten.  By 1966, I finally managed to add one to my life, Olaf v Oberscheidegg, and in 1968, I added two more Berners, and the rest followed.  I currently have three Bernese.   

When the BMDCA was founded in 1968, and I became one of the charter members. Over time I have managed to hold most elected positions in the organization, and I'm currently chair of the Publications Committee. I am also a long time member of the KBS (Schweizerischer Klub für Berner Sennenhunde).  In 1991 and 2002, I was the Event Chair for the ‘91 BMDCA National Specialty in Pittsburgh and the 2002 National Specialty at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV--proving that some people never learn.  

I judged sweeps at the BMDCC Specialties in 1993 at Belleville, Ontario and in 2003 at Ottawa, Ontario. In 1994, I judged sweeps at the BMDCA National Specialty in Carlisle, PA.   In 1999 & 2000 I evaluated dogs a for the Sieger events for the BMDCC Specialties in Ontario and British Colombia.  All along, I have been deeply committed to this breed, and love each of them for their qualities of moderation in all things. I believe that the versatility of a correct Bernese Mountain Dog, that combination of beauty, temperament, and working ability, is to be treasured by all of us.  

Professionally, I am a vertebrate paleontologist at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. I specialize in fossil mammals, which leads to the history and development of our dogs!