Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts ribbon cutting at Good Shepherd Kennels
Story and photos by Sheri Trusty
GREEN SPRINGS – There’s a new dog in town – or at least a new kennel to keep him in. In August, Ernie Berry opened Good Shepherd Kennels at his rural Green Springs home, where he offers boarding and obedience training services. The Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at the kennel on Nov. 11.
Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart, who served as one of the guest speakers, congratulated Berry on his new venture. CommissionersAnthony Paradiso, Commissioner Tyler Shuff and State Rep. Gary Click also attended the event.
Dozens of people attended the ribbon cutting to support Berry, who has impacted the community through his work as a Youth Program Coordinator at the Tiffin YMCA, a radio talk show host, a newspaper columnist, a published author and a member of the Toledo Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities. In addition to all Berry has done to benefit the community, he has also served as a tangible inspiration as his life speaks to the power of strength and determination. Berry accomplished much in life despite being both blind and physically disabled.
Berry’s physical limitations never stymied his dreams or his determination. He always used his strengths – an uncanny intelligence and a passion for helping others – to push him to succeed. Most recently, his resolve provided the fortitude to open Good Shepherd Kennels, where he utilizes 25 years of dog handling experience to train a new generation of dogs.
“I have a knack for training dogs. I know how to think like a dog,” Berry said. “I use what I call dog psychology. I understand their phobias, and I teach them to walk through their fears, like when an elevator floor starts moving under them.”
Berry’s philosophy is to fully train a dog and then teach its owners how to maintain the training.
“I call this uptraining. This extra training makes him a better all-around house dog,” he said.
Good Shepherd Kennels features four indoor kennels and an approximately 5,000-square-foot outdoor run. The business is located at 3650 E. Twp. Rd. 164 in Green Springs. It can be reached at 419-973-0017.