Three Bernese Puppies Lined Up in the Only Patch of Sun

A bar of afternoon sun has fallen across an old hardwood floor, and three Bernese Mountain Dog puppies have lined up inside it. Their black, white, and rust faces rest flat on the boards, noses pointing at the camera, small white paws stretched out in front. The light catches the fluff along their backs, and the floor glows a warm honey color around them.

Bernese Mountain Dogs come from the farmlands of Switzerland, where they once pulled carts and kept watch over the family property. Their thick, soft double coats are made for cool weather, which is why a warm spot feels so good, and also why they can be uncomfortable in heat. Puppies of this breed grow into big, sturdy adults, so even a tiny pup like these is carrying the beginnings of a large frame.

Because the breed is large, vets often recommend careful exercise while the joints are still developing. Short walks and gentle play are better than long runs or lots of stair climbing in the early months. Nutrition made for large-breed puppies and regular checkups also help them grow at a steady pace, and your vet can guide you on both.

For the moment, the plan for the day is simple: stay in the sunshine and let the fur warm up. Three fluffy puppies in a patch of light make about as peaceful a picture as a floor can hold.