Berry was my first very own dog. He was a dog with such a vigorous spirit

that he deserves mention on this site. Although physically unknown to one

another, Berry's life touched Bambuli dramatically. It was through the former

that I was schooled in handeling a troubled dog like Bambuli, enabling him a

second chance at happiness.

On April 26, 1989, I adopted Berry from an Animal Shelter. He was an

approximately three year old Schnauzer-DSH mix whose past history was unknown.

Berry's was a complex case. He would flee from bigger dogs and attempt to

be the aggressor to those of slighter build. He would attack small dogs and

puppies if I failed to control him.

He also showed erratic behavior towards people, often allowing ten people to

pass him and loosing control over the eleventh. Rapid mood changes, from

distant to frightened to aggressive, were deeply embedded into his character.

He was so agitated by his own turbulence that he often reacted explosively in

nonthreatening situations.

Berry did not hold interaction with humans very highly and sometimes it

seemed that life didn't turn him on either. He ate sporadicaly, perhaps 3 times

a week, if at all. He was not receptive to rewards, praise, food treats or

play. It was as though he was so captured by his own inner troubled world

that he could not cope with the stimulas of his environment.

It took 2 years of trust building before Berry was able to find a tranquil

middle within himself. Gradually the noble canine that was so long hidden

behind self-protective aggression came shinning forth. He finally learned how

to cope with his stongest traits, that of being soveriegn, strong and

nonsubmissive, harmoniously.

He was truly majestic as he led us on our walks. It was an honor to know him.

Berry found the nobility he had always strived for and I was

granted a part of it. We both worked very hard to earn this.

Berry passed away on Feb. 12, 2000, after almost eleven years together. I

would never trade away the times we shared with one another and, eventually,

including my second dog, Jabberwocky. It wasn't always easy, but, the many

wonderful years made it well worth the effort.

It is important for me to put into words that this dog truly transformed my

relationship with the canine race. Berry showed me the true soul of a dog

and therefore will remain unforgettable.

Click here for more pictures of Berry