Grandpa Sat Down at the Old Piano. Moose Claimed the Other Half of the Bench.
Walt's fingers find the keys of the old upright piano the way they have for decades, slow and sure, while Moose settles onto the worn wooden bench beside him. The big tricolor Bernese sits tall with his white chest puffed out and his brown eyebrows raised, watching the room as if he has been hired to guard the concert. Sheet music leans against the music stand, a basket of folded blankets waits by the window, and two warm lamps glow in the background. Walt's overalls are faded at the knees, his plaid shirt sleeves rolled to the forearm, and his head tilts down toward the melody.
Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred in Switzerland as farm dogs that pulled carts and stayed close to their families, and that people-focused nature still shows today. They tend to be gentle, patient, and happiest when they are near their humans, which is why so many of them follow their owners from room to room. Their thick double coat sheds a good deal, so regular brushing helps keep the house manageable. Because they are a large breed, keeping them at a healthy weight and giving them moderate daily exercise is kind to their joints, and it is worth talking to your vet about what suits your own dog as it ages.
Plenty of dogs flinch at loud music, but Moose looks as if he could sit through the whole songbook. Maybe he is waiting for his favorite tune, or maybe he simply likes being where Walt is. Either way, the bench is clearly built for two.
