S is for St. Bernard
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These beauties got their name from the Great St. Bernard Hospice at an ancient pass in the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. Because of the dangers of crossing this path, many St. Bernards have been credited with saving lives (though are not currently used for rescue there).
Ever wonder what that barrel was for so commonly depicted around a St. Bernard's neck? Legend is that they are casks filled with brandy; avalanche victims supposedly drank the brandy to stay warm while awaiting rescue! (However, this is supposedly a myth perpetuated by the painting Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler by the artist Charles Landseer.)
Ever wonder what that barrel was for so commonly depicted around a St. Bernard's neck? Legend is that they are casks filled with brandy; avalanche victims supposedly drank the brandy to stay warm while awaiting rescue! (However, this is supposedly a myth perpetuated by the painting Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler by the artist Charles Landseer.)
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