YANKEE DUO
Serious Jeter, goofy Judge charm Belle Haven
When the Hawkins family moved into their home in April 2020—right at the start of lockdown—they quickly learned one of the neighborhood’s best features: dogs, and lots of them.
Jeter, a 10-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog from a breeder in King George, Virginia, was the family’s first dog. He was chosen for his size, good looks, and typically calm personality. Large and in charge might be a better way to describe him. “Jeter likes order and wants to run the household and the streets of Belle Haven,” his dad, Tom, said. “He is a very serious dog!”
Then came Judge, who turns four in July. He’s Jeter’s nephew from the same breeder and on many fronts, his opposite. “Judge is a big goofball,” Tom said. “He is always happy and loves everyone.”
Their names— Jeter and Judge —are a fun nod to the New York Yankees, and their personalities somehow fit.
While they don’t have any special tricks to show off, both dogs have perfected the art of sleeping. But when they’re awake, they’re happiest outside, especially in the snow. Watching them run around Fort Willard Circle during a snowfall is a highlight for their family (and probably for anyone lucky enough to see it).
The two gentle giants have made plenty of neighborhood friends along the way. Judge’s favorite is definitely Maple, but they’re regulars with Peanut, Mr. Chips, Dickens, Buzzy, Boomer, Cocoa, and Winnie. And like many in the community, they still remember Gus, a very good boy who is missed.
If Jeter and Judge could plan their dream day, it would be simple: lots of snow, lots of space to run, and maybe something tasty for Judge who is less of a picky eater than his Uncle Jeter. The Swiss Alps wouldn’t hurt—but for now, Belle Haven works just fine.