Penngrove Station By Lyndi Brown — April 2020
Puppies are ready for foster families at Bergin University of Canine Studies
A new campus for Bergin University of Canine Studies is almost complete at the former Green Mill site on Old Redwood Highway. The 10 acre property sports a group of U-shaped modular buildings to house the accredited Bergin University degree programs for Master’s, Bachelor’s and Associate degrees.
Facilities manager Eric Jensen and founder Bonnie Bergin gave me a tour last month of the modular buildings centered around a quad. With a budget of $700,000, there will be three classrooms, an administration office, a training space with a mirror wall to reflect what trainers and dogs are doing, and a restroom block. The units house Associate and Bachelor degree classrooms, and a library with small classroom and lunch break space. All units are ramped for easy access.
The process has taken 3 years. Construction was slowed by a lengthy permitting process and rain delays. Additional complications arose because of tiger salamander and red legged frogs. Fencing was installed to bar the tiger salamanders from access to Old Redwood Highway where they would’ve gotten run over. The group bore $100,000 in cost in delays and an Environmental Impact Report.
Development began the day after Thanksgiving 2019. Hopefully, construction can be completed by mid-April, when telecommunications and electrical will be added.
Bergin Facebook message March 23:
Bergin College of Canine Studies
Our former campus at The Hatchery is officially closed for students. Due to the local COVID-19 shelter in place orders, we have switched to online instruction for the remainder of the semester. Next semester we will be on our new campus at the former Green Mill property! Thank you to our students, staff, and supporters for being flexible and mindful during this difficult time. Stay safe, everyone!
Bergin U’s mission is to advance the human-canine partnership through research and education. Since its founding in 1991, hundreds of people from 16 countries and 34 states have attended its programs. Bergin U has graduated over a hundred service and social/therapy teams.
Bergin and Jensen appreciate the supportive role played by Board Chair Dave Phillips, a retired CPA, Board member and architect Mark Quattrocchi, and Sonoma contractor GMH.
Community members can volunteer as puppy raisers, or care for dogs during student breaks. “Puppies are available right now,” said Devan Amundsen, an instructor and dog kennel manager. “I need people to foster 5 month old puppies and keep them for 12 weeks to three months.” Volunteers will bring their pups to training class twice a month, and socialize their dog out and about in the community. The volunteer pays for food; Bergin University pays any medical, and provides harness and leash.
These puppies are named for foundations who support Bergin University: Guzik, Giannini, Gilmore. Puppies can be fostered in homes with other animals if those pets don’t fight or have bad behavior. Sources of volunteers include 4H, Future Farmers of America and seniors, and the general public is encouraged to get involved.
As early as 6 to 7 weeks old, puppies begin training: they learn 12 to 20 commands. Volunteers are also needed as playground monitors. They are trained to watch puppies play in an enclosed playground.
For info on being a puppy parent, contact devan@berginu.edu
“It’s not just puppies who need homes,” said Bergin. “Students need a room to rent or a house to share in the Rohnert Park to Petaluma area.” Housing is needed in Fall, Spring and summer semesters, including a 7-week Summer session. Please inquire by contacting connie@berginu.edu.
“We welcome donations to the project, and count on our community for volunteers,” said Bergin. Look for updates and events at www.berginu.edu and on their Facebook page Bergin College of Canine Studies.
