The Bernese Mountain Dog Insisted the Box Was Exactly His Size
A big tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog has somehow folded itself into a cardboard box that is much too small. Two white-tipped paws rest on the box flaps, and the head rises out with a wide, happy, slightly guilty smile. Sunlight pours through a window beside a curtain, and a blanket lies over a chair. The box is bent at the sides, and the dog looks entirely proud of the fit.
Dogs, like cats, often love snug spaces, and a cardboard box can feel like a safe little den. Curling up in a tight spot is an old instinct that helps dogs feel secure. Berners are large, sturdy, loving dogs that were bred to work on farms in the Swiss Alps, and they are known for being gentle with their families. They also do best in cool temperatures because of their thick coats. A cardboard box is fine for supervised play, but make sure a dog doesn't chew and swallow chunks of cardboard. A comfy bed in a quiet corner gives the same cozy feeling, and your vet can help if your dog seems anxious.
The box, sadly, is doomed. The dog, for his part, believes he is the perfect fit, with all the confidence of a very large puppy, and there's no use arguing with a smile that wide and that proud.
