It's been some time now since travellers struggling over Switzerland's St Bernard pass have required the help of large, huffing dogs with little casks of brandy tied round their necks. Romantic as the image of the dogs rescuing someone stranded in the snow may be, most people nowadays prefer a helicopter. There's even a modern tunnel to save travellers the trouble of clambering over the top of the pass.
And thus the small order at Great St Bernard have decided to part with their dogs. Caring for the dogs year round takes up a good deal of the monks' time and energy, and frankly they eat a lot. An adult dog can put away about 2kg of meat per day.
The monastery plans to sell its 18 dogs and 16 puppies to associations rather than individuals, but if you think a 100kg dog is what you need to make your home complete, check out Saint Bernard rescue, a site dedicated to matching the large, loveable dogs with suitable owners.
The site features stories of successful adoptions, such as Lara, who took on a burly, grunting St Bernard called Major. He has settled in nicely, she reports, and even made friends with a Red Bone Coon Hound named Lizzie.
For those unashamedly interested in cute pictures of St Bernard puppies, the St Bernard club of America has the stuff.
