Bay Village dog came home a champion

Pearl, competing in the AKC FastCat Invitational in Orlando in early December. Photo courtesy Nancy Peterson Wright

View Image Gallery

Bay Village resident and Bay Middle School substitute Nancy Peterson Wright and one of her beloved rescue canine companions, Pearl, a 5-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, recently qualified and competed in Orlando, Florida at the AKC FastCat Invitational. Pearl was also featured in "The Fastest Dog Special" on ESPN2. Pearl came home with three rosettes for executing amazing runs at the competition.  

Pearl was a rescue dog that had a tragic start as a puppy. She came from a puppy mill and was purchased from a pet store by a family that kept her crated for hours in a crate not designed for her growing structure. In the competition, Nancy and Pearl proudly represented North Coast Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue.

Bernese Mountain Dogs have gained popularity over the last several years. Tragically they are being cross-bred with poodles and other small breeds. This takes away from the integrity of the original breed and raises health concerns.

The Bernese Mountain Dog, aka Berner, is defined by the American Kennel Club as good-natured, calm and strong. They can weigh almost 95 pounds and have a life expectancy of 7-10 years. This breed is a hardy dog that thrives in cold weather. This breed helped multitask on farms and pastures in Switzerland. They are used to keep predators away from livestock. They also pulled milk and cheese wagons.

Nancy is actively involved in rescue and has fostered many breeds, however she has been loyal to the Bernese Mountain Dog for 30 years. She volunteers with rescue dog transports and also still fosters. She strives to have high expectations with positive reinforcement training, a healthy  diet and lifestyle for her dogs. Pearl and her canine siblings were registered therapy dogs too.

For Nancy and Pearl, 2021 was to  be action packed as previous years with travels all over Ohio, Michigan and Virginia, and hopefully a repeat trip to Orlando. Pearl had an active training schedule. Her personal trainer was Marie Buckingham. She also practiced at Medina Kennel Club, Pinnacle Dog and Canine Sports. She enjoyed professional dog dock-diving sessions and was working on her title for novice weight pull.

Sadly, Pearl became suddenly ill earlier this month, developing pneumonia. She did not respond to the treatment. Pearl earned her angel wings. Fly high, Pearl. 

Our deepest sympathies to Nancy and we know we will be writing about you and another magnificent dog again very soon!