The Saint Bernard Gave the Teddy Bear a Little Too Much Love

The Saint Bernard fills the corner of the frame with a big, soft face, red and white fur, and heavy, drooping jowls. Beside the paws lies a brown teddy bear with its stuffing spilling out in white clumps across a gray carpet. The dog looks up with big brown eyes, as if to ask why the bear had to be so fragile. A couch and a pair of slippers sit softly out of focus.

Saint Bernards are famously gentle and patient, and they are devoted to their families, but they are also powerful dogs with large jaws. A plush toy doesn't last long in a mouth that size, so it helps to choose toys made for big chewers and to supervise play with soft toys. Pick up torn stuffing right away, because fluff and plastic eyes can cause problems if swallowed. Saint Bernards also tend to drool, shed, and get hot easily, so provide shade, cool water, and a comfy resting spot. If you think your dog swallowed part of a toy, call your vet.

The bear gave a brave performance. The dog, on the other hand, is working very hard to look innocent, and with a face like that, it almost works. There will always be another bear, and the Saint Bernard will always be gentle with its people.