The Saint Bernard Never Looked Back, But He Knew Who Was Following
Down a quiet gravel path lined with weeds and garden pots, a big red and white Saint Bernard ambles along with an unhurried, rolling gait. Far behind him, and much lower to the ground, a small brown bunny hops in his footsteps as though the dog were leading a parade. The evening light slants across the path, and at the end of the lane a house window shines with a warm glow.
Saint Bernards are gentle giants. Originally bred for mountain rescue work, they are known for a patient, kind temperament and a strong attachment to their families. They are large dogs, so they need plenty of space, regular exercise appropriate to their size, and extra care for their joints as they age. Heat can be hard on their thick coats, so shade and fresh water are important in summer. Around smaller pets, a calm, well-trained Saint Bernard can be wonderfully careful, though a big paw can do damage by accident, so supervision is always wise. Slow walks on a lane like this are good for both body and mood.
The best part might be the pacing. The Saint Bernard moves slowly enough for the bunny to keep up, and the bunny trusts him enough to stay close. He does not look back, because he does not need to. Somehow, he knows she is there. That is what a good companion does: sets a gentle pace and keeps going.
