For Karina Freiburger, Bernese mountain dogs had grown from a breed she merely adored to owning a full-fledged breeding business focused exclusively on her favourite dog. She named it Freiberners. Years after beginning the new venture, a community was slowly growing and wanted to band together. After a successful inaugural community walk in the spring, the demand for another stroll only grew. “We had a lot of praise from that and a lot of interest to make it bigger and better next time. We had over 100 Bernese mountain dogs here today, walking the beautiful trails of Cox Creek… we have over 240 people that have also attended, which is wild,” Freiburger said. Cox Creek Cellars hosted the event for a second time running, building on a relationship that has seen the community walks blossom as well as several sessions of puppy yoga throughout the summer. Connor Creighton, event manager at Cox Creek Cellars, told CTV News the event was once again a hit. “This has been a really great turnout. The dogs have been super well-behaved. It seems like everyone’s really enjoying our pizza, their grilled cheese, the atmosphere, the beautiful weather in the fall,” he said. “This has been a tremendous day, and our teams have a lot of fun with the dogs and all that… so yeah, I’m thinking I need to adopt a dog soon.” Participants got the chance to walk through various trails located on the winery before coming back to several in-house made pizzas, ciders, wines, and a grilled cheese food truck. While she realized the event had reached further than Guelph or Waterloo, Freiburger did not understand just how far it could spread. “We’ve had people from three or four hours away come for today’s event, as far as Ohio. So, we have people in the States even come up for it [and] as far as Windsor, Belle River and Ottawa Valley area,” she said. “It’s been insane to see how far people will drive for this incredible breed, to celebrate them and all be together.” Raffles, swag bags, and pup cups were also available to those who attended through a partnership with Fergus’ Pet Valu store. Owner Greg Querin explained how the first walk solidified what they believed made the event special. “The local part in the community… I mean, that is what we are all about and why we got into this business. We need those kinds of connections, and it is what our business is based on, that foundation of that sense of community and family,” he said. “Because when you see these dogs, whether they’re from Freiberners or other Bernese, it’s all part of a family where we’re all connected through those animals, and it’s why we’re here. We love to spoil our pets.” Community may be the leading appeal, but Querin made it clear that the breed speaks for itself. “Bernese are a very unique breed where they’re just all so friendly. They’re beautiful, you know instantly when you see one, what they are. So again, when they become part of your family, they really, truly are one of yours,” he said. In a job that keeps her constantly on the go, Freiburger admitted that even she took a moment to realize that her dreams of hosting events for her favourite dogs had finally come to fruition. “I did take a minute where I stepped back just to look at all of the people and all of the Bernese Mountain dogs. I never thought in a million years I would see 110 Bernese Mountain dogs together in one place. It’s surreal. Still, I think I’m a little in shock sometimes… this is now become the reality and it’s incredible,” she told CTV News. Freiberners and Cox Creek Cellars plan to keep their bi-annual community walks in the spring and fall, alongside puppy yoga and other potential dog-centric events. As for Freiberners and Freiburger, the journey is anything but over. “I made a life change a little while ago, and it has been crazy to see how many people have rallied in my corner and supported me today. It goes to show not only are people fans of Bernese Mountain Dogs, but there are fans of Freiberners and that, if anything, is more motivation to keep me going, keep doing what we’re doing and enjoying everything that we do every single day,” she said.
