St. Bernard dogs, with their gentle eyes, imposing stature, and iconic barrel collars, are more than just picturesque mascots for Switzerland. These furry giants are woven into the nation’s fabric, emblematic of a resilient spirit that aids those in distress. Historically, their fame spread far and wide as alpine rescuers, and their legend grew with tales of their incredible sense of direction and capacity for finding those lost in the icy expanses of the Alps.
However, as times have evolved, so have the roles these majestic creatures occupy. Today, these dogs serve society in an equally significant but quite different way.
In 2005, the torch of breeding St. Bernards was passed from the world’s oldest St. Bernard kennels, perched in the lofty Swiss mountains, to The Barry Foundation. This non-profit organization recognized the innate compassion and gentle demeanor of these dogs and embarked on a mission to channel these traits in a new direction. Under the aegis of the foundation, the St. Bernards have gracefully transitioned into roles as therapeutic and educational aids, catering especially to those most vulnerable in society.
During a tour of the foundation’s expansive kennels in Martigny, nestled near the scenic convergence of Italian and French borders, Andrea Zollinger, the foundation’s spokesperson, shed light on this transformation. “The St. Bernard’s mission today is primarily social,” Zollinger elaborated. “Whether it’s in hospitals, where they offer solace to the ailing, or nursing homes, where they become the elderly’s loyal companions, these dogs have carved a niche for themselves. Their therapeutic interactions with children, even those behind bars, are nothing short of miraculous.”
Each year, the Barry Foundation’s St. Bernards partake in around 600 engagements throughout Switzerland. In these assignments, they play a pivotal role in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, those with special needs, and even aid medical professionals in the spheres of psychosomatic and psychosocial rehabilitation. To Zollinger, the dogs’ enthusiasm is evident. “They willingly, happily participate. You can see the joy it brings them,” she added.
For those intrigued by the legendary St. Bernards, Barryland awaits. This theme park, which also houses a museum, offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the world of these dogs. On a particularly sunny day in late August, the park witnessed an addition to its family. Roxy, one of the foundation’s cherished dogs, gave birth to seven exuberant puppies—five females and two males. These young ones, descendants of the legendary Barry I, are gradually acclimatizing to their environment, playfully grappling in the verdant grass and savoring their initial bites of kibble.
The lineage of these puppies traces back to Barry I, an iconic St. Bernard who, during the early 1800s, saved over 40 individuals in the perilous terrains of the Great St. Bernard Pass. Barry I, much like his forebears, resided in an ancient hospice established by monks in the 11th century. This hospice was a beacon of hope for weary pilgrims and travelers negotiating the treacherous Alpine terrains.
Anne Hölzer, entrusted with training at the Barry Foundation, highlighted their historic significance. “Their acute olfactory sense was unmatched. With their broad and tall stature, they’d pave the way through snowy terrains, aiding rescuers,” she recounted.
In the contemporary era, alpine rescues predominantly deploy smaller breeds, better suited for helicopter transportation. Nonetheless, the reverence for St. Bernards remains undiminished in Switzerland.
As Zollinger aptly put it, “It’s an enduring symbol of our nation. Ensuring these dogs thrive, and remain true to their breed’s standards is a commitment many here cherish.”
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