The Bernese Scholar Kept Writing Long After Dark
Late at night, one candle is still burning and the scholar is not ready to stop. This tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog has a white blaze down his nose, rust-colored cheeks, and thoughtful amber eyes, and he wears a heavy black robe with a white shirt cuff at the wrist. A long feather quill is poised in his hand. The dark, warm background and the small flame at the left edge give the painting a quiet, studious mood.
Bernese Mountain Dogs came from Swiss farms, where they pulled carts and kept watch over the family. Today they are known as sweet, steady companions that love being with people. Their thick coat sheds a lot and keeps them happiest in cool weather, so shade and water are important in summer. Berners are large dogs and often have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds, which makes regular vet visits especially worthwhile. Slow, steady growth during puppyhood is also important for their joints, so ask your vet about feeding and exercise.
A real candle and a curious tail do not mix well, so pet owners are wise to keep flames out of reach or use flameless ones. In the painting, though, the little flame burns safely and the scholar's attention stays on his pages. Whatever he is writing, we hope it ends with a good long nap.
