About Luna

Luna, officially Kaibab's Blue Moon and sometimes called Luna-tic, is Sharon Greenberg's Bernese Mountain Dog, and the inspiration for 'Pets On Rugs.' Luna loves the snow and cold weather, and prefers the air conditioning in the summer. She does like to lay on her personalized rug in the Greenberg's front foyer where she can watch all the neighborhood activities.

"I tell all of my friends, if you like big, beautiful, hairy dogs, then you'll love the Bernese Mountain Dog," says Sharon. "They're loyal, smart, friendly, wonderful family dogs, and that magnificent tri-color coat is gorgeous. The answer to the question, "Do they shed?" is "You won't believe how much!."

Originally bred as a draft & all around farm dog in Switzerland, the Bernese is one of four varieties of Swiss Mountain Dogs. Bernese are known for their strength, agility, good-natured temperament and striking coat. The breed was first introduced into the United States in 1926 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937.

'Berners' unfortunately have an average life expectancy of only about 7 years. Their gene pool is relatively small. Like all large dogs many Bernese have joint problems; hip & elbow displasia can occur even if the parents appear sound. Other health issues can affect their longevity, & various cancers are prevalent within the breed striking almost 20%. Conscientious breeders are selectively trying to improve on these shortcomings. They never sell to pet stores. Luna is my second Berner and has so far been sound and healthy. My first Berner needed surgery for elbow displasia when she was 9 months old & died when she was 5 years old from Malignant Histiocytosis, a type of cancer found frequently in Bernese Mountain Dogs.