Berte's Story
By Lew Olson - Berte's Breeder, Handler and Human Companion
Berte's name (pronounced in two syllables to
rhyme with "birdy") is used in our B-Naturals business and product line
as a loving tribute to a wonderful canine companion who excelled in
obedience and in the ring. This is his story...
Berte was my first Rottweiler. I got him in 1979. I had seen
Rottweilers at a dog show in Chicago and immediately fell in love with
the breed. They were considered "rare" at the time and carried no
stigma on temperament (which I still don't understand, it is about the
owner, but that is another story...). There were very few folks
breeding them at that time, so I had to do a bit of research. |
|
He was not my first dog, but he was my first Rottweiler. Prior to that
I had a couple of Doberman Pinchers and several American Black and Tan
Coonhounds. I was looking for something calmer than a Doberman and a
more willing worker than a Coonhound. I really did get the best of both
worlds! |
|
Berte was not only a wonderful obedience dog, but also a great show dog
and he loved to lure course. He came to work with me immediately (at a
family owned garden center) and he was my constant companion. He was
one of those dogs who seemed to know what I was thinking. He was very
special to my heart. |
|
He got his championship at 20 months (handled by me) and also got his
first obedience title the same weekend he got his championship (also
handled by me). I later sent him with a handler where he remained in
the top ten Rottweilers for three years and won the Medallion
Rottweiler Club specialty in 1985. After he retired, he achieved his
CDX (companion dog excellent, an obedience title) at age seven. |
|
Berte lived to be 13 years of age and achieved the American Rottweiler
Club status of Gold Sire, and the Medallion Rottweiller Club
achievement of being inducted into the "Hall of Fame." He is also the
father of BISS BIS A/C Champion Cannon River Oil Tanker CD, who has the
most "Best in Shows" of any Rottweiler to date. Berte also is the sire
of 38 other champion offspring, including other "Best in Show" kids and
specialty winning kids. |
|
|
Berte developed some arthritis when he got older, and it was through
him that I learned about acupuncture and homeopathic remedies. He had
also been on vitamins all his life; but regretfully, not on a raw diet
- he always got raw meaty bones though. |
|
Mike Liberato, my B-Naturals business partner, became my friend when he
approached me at a dog show, looking for a puppy out of Berte. That
brought Mike to owning Ch Cannon River Stowaway CD (Bravo). He also won
an award of merit at the Medallion Rottweiler Club and had several
working group placements. He also looked a lot like Berte! |
|
Berte was well known for his solid topline, wonderful side movement and
his great temperament. He was just a great companion, willing worker
and he was always there for me. He is in all the pedigrees of all my
Rottweilers, and is certainly a quality in my bloodlines I simply don't
want to lose. |
|
And, as with any dog (or person) we love, I want to make sure all my
dogs have the best diet, supplements and physical and mental exercise
that they deserve as beloved family members. |
|
What Berte helped me learn, and what I have learned since, I simply
want to share with all dog owners. We all want the best health, the
best life and longevity from our loyal companions who are always there
for us. | |
Below: An assortment of Lew's current pets
