The Saint Bernard Watched the Pond. A Little Rabbit Watched Him Instead.

Mist is still hanging low over the pond, and a red and white Saint Bernard has settled beside it with his nose lifted, sniffing the damp morning air. At his side sits a small brown rabbit, Clover, pressed close to his thick chest fur. She is looking the same direction he is, ears upright, as if the two of them are waiting for something to happen on the water. The grass is dotted with fallen leaves and the old wooden fence leans in the background.

Saint Bernards are famous for their calm, patient temperament, and many of them are happy to be gentle around smaller animals. They are very large dogs, though, with heavy paws, so even a friendly nudge can be too much for a rabbit. Their thick coats also mean they can overheat in warm weather, so shade and fresh water are important, and a cool, misty morning like this is right up their alley. Rabbits do best when they have a place to duck into, so any outdoor visit should be supervised. If you are unsure whether your pets would get along, your vet can offer good advice on introductions.

The funny part is how much the two look like they are sharing a thought. The dog has the weary dignity of someone who has watched many sunrises. The rabbit has the alert posture of someone who has watched far fewer and wants to be ready. Together they make a small, quiet committee of two, keeping an eye on a pond that, as far as anyone can tell, is doing absolutely nothing.