What Do Saint Bernards Carry in Their Barrels?
Saint Bernards, with their distinctive shaggy coats and gentle demeanor, are often associated with rescue missions and heroic feats. But did you know that these magnificent dogs have been carrying something very special in their barrels for centuries?
A Brief History
Saint Bernards were bred in the 17th century by monks in the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps. The monks were dedicated to helping travelers cross the treacherous mountain passes, and they developed a breed of dog that would be able to navigate the harsh terrain and assist those in need. One of the key tools in the Saint Bernard’s arsenal was its barrel, which contained a special cargo.
What’s Inside the Barrel?
So, what do Saint Bernards carry in their barrels? The answer is brandy and blankets! That’s right, these lovable dogs were trained to carry a special container filled with brandy and blankets to help keep travelers warm and alive in the harsh alpine environment.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside the barrel:
- Brandy: The brandy was used to help revive travelers who had succumbed to hypothermia or exposure. The monks believed that the brandy would help stimulate the traveler’s circulation and warm them up. Saint Bernards would lick the brandy-soaked blankets to help warm them up before placing them on the traveler.
- Blankets: The blankets were used to keep travelers warm and dry. They were often made of wool or other warm materials and were designed to be easily spread out to provide warmth.
How Did the Barrel Work?
So, how did the barrel work? Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
- Training: Saint Bernards were trained to locate travelers in distress and guide them to the barrel.
- Lifting the Barrel: The Saint Bernard would lift the barrel using its powerful jaws and trot it to the traveler.
- Blanket Spread: The Saint Bernard would spread the blanket over the traveler, using its paw to smooth out any wrinkles.
- Brandy Application: The Saint Bernard would lick the brandy-soaked blanket to help warm it up, and then place it on the traveler.
- Follow-up: The Saint Bernard would stay with the traveler until they were able to continue their journey, providing companionship and comfort as needed.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Saint Bernards and their barrels:
- Size: The barrel was typically around 4-6 feet long and 2-3 feet wide.
- Weight: The barrel was around 50-70 pounds, which is relatively light for a Saint Bernard.
- Capacity: The barrel could hold around 2-3 liters of brandy and 2-3 blankets.
- Frequency: Saint Bernards would typically carry their barrels on long treks across the mountains, checking on travelers and providing aid as needed.
- Success Rate: Saint Bernards were incredibly effective at helping travelers, with some estimates suggesting that they saved over 2,000 lives during their years of service.
Conclusion
Saint Bernards and their barrels are an iconic part of history, and it’s fascinating to think about the important role these dogs played in saving lives in the harsh alpine environment. Whether you’re a dog lover, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates a good story, the tale of Saint Bernards and their barrels is sure to captivate and inspire.
Here’s a summary of the key points:
| What’s Inside the Barrel? | Brandy and Blankets |
|---|---|
| Brandy | Used to help revive travelers |
| Blankets | Used to keep travelers warm and dry |
And here’s a timeline of the key events:
- 17th century: Saint Bernards are bred by monks in the Great St. Bernard Hospice
- 1700s: Saint Bernards begin carrying barrels containing brandy and blankets
- 1800s: Saint Bernards become renowned for their rescue work, saving over 2,000 lives
Whether you’re a dog enthusiast or just someone who loves a good story, the tale of Saint Bernards and their barrels is sure to delight and inspire. So next time you see a Saint Bernard, remember the important role they played in saving lives and the special cargo they carried in their barrels.
