Welcome to the online SwissRidge Hall of Fame! My goals for this page are simple: a) to profile the accomplishments of SwissRidge owners with their dogs, and b) to entertain!
SwissRidge Dogs at Work
Many SwissRidge owners work with their dogs to achieve therapy designation. This makes me extremely happy, as it proves how well these clever, calm companions adapt to any situation. Trained therapy dogs often visit hospitals, schools, or senior’s residences, for example, to spread some doodle cheer.
Other doodles have proven their sound temperament and trainability by meeting the requirements of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizenship award.
If you’ve worked hard with your dog to achieve these designations—or any number of challenging feats—let’s celebrate them! Please forward your news, and ideally a photo, and we’ll give you the SwissRidge press you deserve.
Here are some of our current high achievers:
Marlee, owned by Carolyn Karle, was certified as a therapy dog by St. John’s Ambulance. A standard English Goldendoodle, Marlee has been well socialized in Carolyn’s hair salon and is now putting her skills to work in the community visiting seniors and generating support for food drives.
Motley, a mini Bernedoodle owned by Jamie Amell, was certified as a Canine Good Neighbor. He puts smiles on residents’ faces at his local nursing home.
Ellie, a Goldendoodle owned by Kat Hamel, has been a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International for several years. Ellie is also a part of Canine Inspired Change, which is a therapy dog non-profit in Saint Paul, MN. Ellie and Kat visit the chemical dependency unit at St. Joe’s hospital every week, as well as an elementary school to work with at-risk kids. They also visit with people who are recovering from traumatic brain injuries, and autistic young adults.
Cobham, a standard Goldendoodle owned by Laurie Catizone-Jordan, is certified with Pet Partners and visits the elderly.
Braidie, a tiny Goldendoodle, is owned by Mari Ann Spoelstra. Above her head is her Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog certificate. On the left-hand side are her AKC Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen Awards and framed certificate. Amazing work, Braidie, for all your accomplishments!
Myca, owned by Sheryl Johnson, is officially a St. John’s Ambulance Certified Therapy Dog.
Monroe, a standard Bernedoodle, and Rosalee, a mini Goldendoodle, are owned by the Barbick family. Both dogs are CGC, CGCA and CGCU certified!
Cleo is a standard Bernedoodle owned by Ginny Rhodes. She earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate.
Fenway is a tiny Bernedoodle owned by the Paquette family. She works as a therapy dog as part of the Burlington Humane Society pet therapy program. She has also been approved by St. John’s Ambulance to be part of their therapy dog team.
Bernie is a standard Bernedoodle owned by Marc Steigerwald. Bernie passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Way to go, Bernie!
Rusty on the left (22 months) and Snickers on the right (7 months) earned their Canine Good Citizen awards on October 29, 2016.
Alice (Mango and Valentino July 24, 2015) with her St John Ambulance Therapy Dog kerchief, her CKC and her CGN certificates. Congrats to Alice and her owner Lilac Christie for these amazing achievements!
SwissRidge Dogs Living Large
On a lighter note, I often hear about my dogs mixing and mingling with people who are in the public eye. Some are even owned by public figures. I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos I’ve received of SwissRidge dogs with movers and shakers. If you have more, please share them with all of us in the virtual Hall of Fame.
I will also be framing actual photos and creating a Wall of Fame in the receiving area of my new kennel!
Motley and Vedder, owned by Jamie Amell, working the Hollywood angle. Jamie’s brother, Robbie Amell, starred in the movie The DUFF, and is also on the TV show The Flash. His wife, Italia Ricci, stars in Chasing Life. When Robbie and Italia visited recently, they graciously posed with their furry “nephews.”
Here are Motley and Vedder with hockey legend Bobby Orr, and well-known hockey commentator and dog enthusiast, Don Cherry.
Here are Motley and Vedder with hockey legend Bobby Orr.
Harley, Penelope, and one of Kia’s tiny Bernedoodle pups got a backstage pass to hang out with the band Lady Antebellum. Lead singer, Hillary Scott, was so impressed that she sent them home with an autographed photo.
Actress Candice Bergens and her Bernedoodle puppy Moose.
Former NHL player Martin Lapointe and his family with their Bernedoodle, Kuda.
This comprehensive, easy-to-read and entertaining book covers everything you need to know about this amazing hybrid. Since Bernedoodles can vary significantly in size, build, coloring, and even personality, prospective owners need advice from someone who knows the breed inside out. Who better than the breeder who created them?
Pawsh Magazine – “… insightful tips for finding the right breed and puppy for your family dynamic.”
Often people will want one of my dogs because they are irresistibly adorable. Please take the time to consider if this breed is the right choice for you and your family. Click the link above to answer some questions to help you see if our doodles are the best match for you.