Kent (My Brother), Dana & our Ducks
Since I was a young boy, animals have been a large part of my life. Fish, ducks, birds, reptiles, cats and of course dogs have all been residents at one time or another. Up to this point, of all the wonderful creatures I have had the pleasure of sharing my life with, the Canis familiaris is my personal favorite. Well….., it has been labeled man’s best friend and who am I to argue?
Going back to the mid 70’s I remember growing up with Labrador Retrievers in the house. In the 80’s my family started breeding their Labs and so started my interest and involvement with animal reproduction. We enjoyed a lot of years with this breed. In 1994 we (and Ashley) birthed our last litter of Labradors. We kept the creamy white yellow boy, Fairfax (meaning fair haired one) and he was with us until the summer of 2006. I don’t know if I ever will get over his loss. He was truly a great “Man’s Best Friend” and will be deeply missed.
Moving back, but forward from 1994, I took a couple years off from breeding dogs, moved to a farm and by 1996 my wife Janet & I started a whole new adventure.
In 1996 we transported from Oregon a male and female alpaca to our farm in Pennsylvania. The male was called Blizzard and hence formed the basis for our farm name. The alpacas changed our lives dramatically as we were now involved with a true livestock farming business. Raising, breeding and birthing alpacas has taught us quite a bit more about genetics, evaluating stock and animal husbandry. One must learn that to be truly effective and successful with any animal breeding program….. Oh, let me stop at this point for a second. I would like to emphasize animal breeding program. Why? Because whether you are breeding alpacas, birds, fish or dogs, most of the principles are the same. Of course there are some breed specific issues but overall breeding is breeding. And to be successful, one must have at minimum a basic understanding of genetics, an eye for evaluation purposes and general animal husbandry skills. We have also learned that one must set goals and have a plan as to what they would like to accomplish. Overall, one of the most important things we have learned over the years is that one never stops learning. One always needs to search for the answer, ask questions and admit when they are not sure or wrong. For those who are interested, we are always open to share our experiences.
In 1996 we transported from Oregon a male and female alpaca to our farm in Pennsylvania. The male was called Blizzard and hence formed the basis for our farm name. The alpacas changed our lives dramatically as we were now involved with a true livestock farming business. Raising, breeding and birthing alpacas has taught us quite a bit more about genetics, evaluating stock and animal husbandry. One must learn that to be truly effective and successful with any animal breeding program….. Oh, let me stop at this point for a second. I would like to emphasize animal breeding program. Why? Because whether you are breeding alpacas, birds, fish or dogs, most of the principles are the same. Of course there are some breed specific issues but overall breeding is breeding. And to be successful, one must have at minimum a basic understanding of genetics, an eye for evaluation purposes and general animal husbandry skills. We have also learned that one must set goals and have a plan as to what they would like to accomplish. Overall, one of the most important things we have learned over the years is that one never stops learning. One always needs to search for the answer, ask questions and admit when they are not sure or wrong. For those who are interested, we are always open to share our experiences.
Buck, Fairfax, Ashley, Nutmeg & Doozie
Dana, Brenda (My Mother), Janet & 1994 Litter
Janet Swimming with Labs
Ashley & Janet with Labrador Litter
In 2004 we acquired our first female Bergamasco, Alpines Alcina Dell’ Albera or “Alcee” for short. We decided a herding breed would best suit our lifestyle on the farm. Alcina came from Mark and Charlene Schlager of Alpine Sheepdogs in New Jersey; a wonderful family with a deep love for the breed. Our next Berg, Tempeluddens Eccellente, “Excie” came from Sweden out of the Tempeludden Kennel. In 2006, we made a critical decision to bring in some much needed new bloodlines to North America. When we started planning for the future it was evident there was not enough genetic variety. We planned a trip to Bergamo, Italy to meet with experienced Bergamasco breeders. With the company of Jutta and Robert Ammann of Luna di Lana Bergamascos in Germany, we visited some Italian kennels including Del Piervez and Valle Scrivia. After the gracious hospitality of everyone we met, wonderful herding demonstrations by Luigi Cavalchini, and much learning, we brought back Hermione Del Piervez, “Mione”. In 2007 we completed 2 additional trips throughout Italy and Switzerland to learn more about the origins of the Bergamasco. We attended a show and brought back a beautiful male for our breeding program.
Currently at Blizzard Peak Farm, we have 6 Bergamascos, 1 cat we call our own (visitors always welcome), and approximately 5 alpacas depending on when one would visit. At one time we cared for 25 alpacas. Starting in 2008 we decided to devote more time working with our dogs and helping to educate others about the breed. We now spend a lot of our “spare time” with Bergamasco activities. Our farm also is home to a variety of wildlife including whitetail deer, turkey, pheasant, ducks, geese, fish & frogs and all of the usual rodent fare on a farm. That pretty much brings us up to date regarding our animal world. I am a full time insurance broker running a family business and Janet is an optical lens representative for an international company. We welcome visitors but it is always best to call first to plan a visit. Sometimes things can get a little hectic…… Ciao
Currently at Blizzard Peak Farm, we have 6 Bergamascos, 1 cat we call our own (visitors always welcome), and approximately 5 alpacas depending on when one would visit. At one time we cared for 25 alpacas. Starting in 2008 we decided to devote more time working with our dogs and helping to educate others about the breed. We now spend a lot of our “spare time” with Bergamasco activities. Our farm also is home to a variety of wildlife including whitetail deer, turkey, pheasant, ducks, geese, fish & frogs and all of the usual rodent fare on a farm. That pretty much brings us up to date regarding our animal world. I am a full time insurance broker running a family business and Janet is an optical lens representative for an international company. We welcome visitors but it is always best to call first to plan a visit. Sometimes things can get a little hectic…… Ciao
Blizzard
Liberty Birthing
Cria Nursing
Alpacas at Blizzard Peak Farm
Crimpson with Blue Ribbon
Blizzard Peak Family Photo, 2007
Friends and Bergs in Seriate, Italy
Dana & Janet Brier ~ Renfrew PA., USA ~ "Breeders of Bergamascos from World Renowned Bloodlines"