Two Saint Bernard Pups Touched Noses in the Falling Snow
Two red and white Saint Bernard puppies sit in the fresh snow with their noses almost touching, snowflakes dusting their brown ears. They look as though they are sharing a secret, with their wet black noses and dark masks nearly meeting in the middle. The yard is white and quiet, with a wooden fence, a pair of garden gloves and little paw prints behind them.
Saint Bernards were bred in the Alps, and their thick double coats are suited to snow, so many love a cold day. Even so, puppies are smaller and lose heat quickly, and their coats are still growing in. Keep winter play short and watch for signs of cold, and wipe paws after play to remove ice and salt, which can irritate skin and stomachs.
The breed's history as an Alpine rescue dog is part of its legend. The monks at the Great St. Bernard Pass kept these dogs, and their strong sense of smell and calm manner made them valuable companions in snowy conditions. Today they are mostly family pets, but that gentle, steady nature remains.
These two look as if they are discussing the weather. In a moment one of them will sneeze at a snowflake, and the conversation will end in a snowy tumble. A few snowflakes land on their noses, and both of them cross their eyes to look, which makes the scene even sweeter than before.
