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A red and white Saint Bernard sits in the foreground while a woman, a girl, and a man open gifts near a lit tree. 10 / 21

The Family Opened Gifts While a Saint Bernard Kept a Calm Eye on Things

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In the front of the picture, a big red-and-white Saint Bernard sits with her head turned and her wise brown eyes gazing off to the side. Behind her, a woman, a girl in a pink sweater, and a man kneel around a pile of wrapping paper and gift bags, unwrapping presents under a glowing tree. Stuffed animals and boxes cover the floor, and a stone fireplace with garland fills the corner.

Saint Bernards are huge, friendly dogs once used for rescue work in the Swiss Alps, and they tend to be calm, patient, and good with children. They also drool and shed, and their thick coats can make them too warm indoors, so keep the room cool and give them fresh water. Holiday mornings are busy and noisy, and a large dog can accidentally knock over small children or ornaments with a tail swipe, so keep an eye on her. A quiet spot near the family is perfect for a calm giant who wants to be included.

She seems perfectly content to supervise. The wrapping paper rustles, the family laughs, and she sits like a gentle chaperone who has seen many holiday mornings. The best gift for her is simply being close to everyone. When the last gift is open, she will probably collect her own hug, and the whole pile of paper will be hers to rustle through.

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