Who We Are:

The Apollo Bernese Mountain Dog rescue is a division of Stepping Stone German Shepherd Rescue. We are an all volunteer, not for profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding new homes for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Those of us who love the Bernese Mountain Dog feel responsible for any Berner in trouble. So, Stepping Stone German Sheperd Rescue has established the Apollo Bernese Mountain Dogs Division to fill the need. We take in rescue dogs for the Kentuckiana Bernese Mountain Dog Club which is responsible for Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

Purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs come into our rescue program from shelters, poor home situations or from owners who have been unable to keep the dog for one reason or another. We do not accept mixed breeds or Bernese crosses.

How We Are Different:

Our dogs are fostered for at least three to four of weeks before becoming available for adoption. Dogs that are taken into our rescue program are evaluated for physical condition and general health, level of training, and behaviorial qualities to determine the dog's suitability for adoption. Adoptive homes are selected based on making an appropriate owner/dog match. The dogs are started in obedience training and socialization activities. This allows us to evaluate the dogs for temperament and health before matching them with their new human companions. They are fed a premium brand food, spayed or neutered, given a full series of distemper, adenovirus, parvo, parainfluenza, lepto and corona vaccinations, bordatella vaccination for kennel cough, rabies vaccination, heartworm tested and maintained on monthly prevention year round or treated first if positive, maintained on monthly Frontline for fleas and ticks, fecal checked and dewormed and blood tests are performed to determine overall health. X-rays are performed only if there is any indication of lameness or resistence to complete movement of joints. All this means that we have dogs in the program that are not listed on our site, so feel free to contact us to see what dogs we are currently working and what dogs are on the wait list to come into the program.

Owner Referral Program:

In addition, because of special circumstances, owners may have to give up their Bernese Mountain Dog. As a service to them, Stepping Stone provides a webpage of owner referral berners. We may or may not have met these dogs. This page is listed as a service to these owners. Dogs can also be placed by owner referral directly from a current owner into a new home if both parties agree or the dog is not in any danger by remaining in his or her current condition.

Rescue dogs come with a history:

Older dogs may be available for many reasons: circumstances change, and someone must place a much-loved pet that can no longer be kept; death or ill health of an owner necessitates a rehoming; a Berner is lost and ends up far from home in a dog pound with the owner unable to locate him (see Microchipping Your Dog). The important thing to realize is, older dogs have formed many behavior patterns based on their past living situation which may have been caused by owner error, lack of training or a combination.

Some rescued dogs are well trained and well socialized family pets; some are well mannered, house trained and know a variety of commands.

Dogs with behavioral issues can be rehabilitated, retrained, and can become excellent companions with patient and understanding owners. Actually many dogs whose training has been neglected are extremely responsive to an owner who is willing to devote themselves to offering the dog needed direction. Adoptive homes with owners who are willing to take the time to work with the less than perfectly mannered dog often have the rewarding experience of watching their rescue dog blossom into an outstanding companion or working dog. A rescued dog is very appreciative for a second chance at life.

Do not hesitate to take a rescued Berner into your home. These dogs are usually highly adaptable and have a willingness to please that allows them to fit in quickly wherever they are loved. However, don't expect an instataneous fit as it takes a rehomed dog approximately one month to realize that they are "home". Patience, consistency and reassurance are the keys to your dog's adaptation to your routine.

It is best to aquire the dog when you can be at home with it full time for the first few days. This is so that the dog can learn what is expected of it, where it is to relieve itself, when meals will be served, etc.

The most important piece of information to know about your rescued BMD is to have fun and enjoy the love and companionship of a dog!