10/29/2010: Bernie is a fantastic family dog, but he is not super outgoing to strangers. He only really cares about them once he gets to know new people for a little bit. He gets very attached quickly, but is not going to be overly affectionate at first. He responds well to strangers that give him treats so any potential adopter should start out that way. Also, I do not have children so he didn't live with them but any that I had him around he was very outgoing toward them and friendly. Several children under the age of 8 took him for walks (youngest was 3) and he was great- BUT I don't know how he would react if they were young children that say pulled his hair or something mean like that since he was never in that situation. The kids that were around him were not mean to him at all. He let them hug on him and gave kisses though. He LOVES his crate and prefers to sleep in it at night and I crated him when I was gone because of all my other dogs but he should be fine without a crate as he isn't michevious. As for cats- he could care less about them. Mine laid with him all the time and he rarely paid any attention to them.

10/15/2010: We would recommend Bernie for a home where  with one older mellower dog or cat. He does fine with other dogs and cats, but does not like them coming near his food; you would need to feed them separately. And he does not really have an interest in playing with them. He would prefer to be on his own with his person. Bernie is a gorgeous dog and really just loves to lay around and snuggle. He would be great for a first time pet owner who, again, only really wants one pet, as he is already housebroken, walks great on a leash, and does fine when left alone.  

9/1/2010: Bernie is a big lovable teddy bear and is approx. 2-3 years old. We think he is a Leonberger mix. Bernie is brand new so we will know more about him soon but so far he has been a complete gentleman and gets along great with all other dogs he's met and even loves the cats. He is always wagging his tail and is just happy to be out of that awful shelter he was in. Bernie is awesome on the leash and doesn't pull at all and comes when he's called. He knows some basic commands and LOVES to be brushed. He is very laid back and content to just lay down near you and relax but seems to be extremely loyal and wants to go with you wherever you go. He rides great in the car and is crate trained and he will let me take food/bones away with his tail wagging. Bernie will make a wonderful family pet!