About Us
OUR CREW
Jessica || communications, marketing, chief of operations
Jessica handles emails, the website, social media accounts, photography and all manner of communications. She’s the voice behind everything we do. She also manages operations and handles the puppy curriculum. Jess thrives on organization, research and planning, and nothing makes her happier than a good ol’ research session and a spreadsheet.
When she’s not teaching puppies or posting cute photos on Instagram, she is either homeschooling her kids, reading a good book or whipping up another loaf of sourdough bread (which her kids devour in 5.7 seconds). Her husband teases her about planning the next vacation while still on the first (what can I say – I’m a planner!), which usually involves hiking, exploring and yummy food.
Curtis || kennel maintenance, adult dog care
Curt has over ten years of management and construction experience and handles all of our handyman projects around the kennels and property. He gives oversight to the program and handles the heavy work of putting up fences, moving heavy items, remodeling or building. He also manages our breeding dogs to ensure they are getting proper nutrition and care.
He loves to go fishing, biking and snowboarding, although he rarely has the time for any of them. His friends would all tell you he’s a great listener, which is true, much to the dismay of his wife and kids when they’re waiting on him!
Why Vertmont Kennels
We’re not for everyone. But for the special families who choose us to raise their new family member, we are committed to providing an exceptional experience.
It’s not buying a puppy. It’s adding to the family.
Here’s what you can expect when you trust Blackwood Acres Kennels…
A brand you can trust and be proud of to…
Operate with integrity and honesty in everything
Write concise and detailed emails and website copy
Keep a fun and regularly-updated Instagram page where your family and friends
Provide beautiful and professional puppy photos
Post entertaining and educational social media content
Maintain a beautiful, easy-to-navigate, and regularly-updated website
Provide detailed info on our parents dogs, including temperaments and health testing
Give updates on Blackwood Acres puppies that have gone home
Donate 10% of every puppy’s adoption fee to charity
A healthy, well-rounded puppy produced by…
Healthy, happy parent dogs
An advanced service and therapy dog socialization curriculum (Badass Breeder)
Empowerment to be confident and resilient
Vaccination, de-wormings, and microchipping
A health clearance from our licensed vet
A two-year health guarantee of a replacement puppy in the case of congenital health defects
Being taught the life-saving “puppy, puppy, puppy” recall
Official American Kennel Club registration paperwork
An incredible adoption experience consisting of…
Regular updates via social media and email
Near-daily uploads to private Google Drive album
Bringing you along on the journey as your puppy grows
A lovely, well-thought-out go-home bag
Discounts and benefits for other companies
Our Preparing for Puppyhood book mailed right to your door
Detailed records and reports on your puppy
A professional and streamlined adoption process
Videos and scorecards of temperament evaluations provided of the whole litter
Priority picks reserved for service dogs, breeders, previous clients, and VIP clients
Exceptional customer service includes…
Every single person being treated with kindness and respect, whether they adopt a puppy or not
Clients becoming part of the family
Seeking to bring a smile to your face
Easy-to-follow and -understand communications
Responses within 24-48 business hours
Always being happy to answer your questions
Remembering each and every puppy we raise and send home
Fun client benefits
A private Facebook group and responses to every client’s post
A gift on puppy’s 1st birthday
Breeder support through your puppy’s lifetime
Gladly taking our puppies back if you can no longer care for them
Ever-expanding knowledge of…
Bernese Mountain Dogs as a breed
Health and longevity in Berners
Ethical breeding practices
Different temperaments in puppies
How to conduct accurate temperament evaluations
How to instill confidence and empower, not coddle
Service and therapy dog desired traits
Desirable traits for families with young children
Matching puppies’ temperaments with family’s home and lifestyle
Useful supplies and gear
If this sounds like what you’re looking for in a breeder you can trust, we look forward to receiving your application!