The Saint Bernard Sat Very Still While Six Kittens Explored Him

The Saint Bernard lies across the grass with his massive white paws stretched out and his gentle brown-and-white face turned to one side. Between his front legs and along his chest, six tiny kittens have gathered, tabby, calico, gray, cream and ginger, looking like little toys in his shadow. Sunflowers tower behind them, and a gray wooden fence and a coiled garden hose frame the quiet yard. The big dog's expression is calm and watchful, and he seems very aware of his small guests.

Saint Bernards are large, gentle dogs, famous for their history as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. They are usually patient and good-natured, but their sheer size means they should always be supervised around young kittens. They also tend to drool and need regular grooming, and heat can be hard on them, so shade and water are important. For kittens, a gentle introduction to a large dog should be slow and calm, with a safe place to retreat. Sunflowers are generally considered safe for pets, but keep an eye on garden products and talk to your vet about outdoor safety.

With the sunflowers nodding overhead, the Saint Bernard looks as if he has been doing this job for years. It is hard to imagine a gentler guardian for a litter of kittens. Even the sunflowers seem to lean in for a better look.