ST. BERNARD’S HOSPICE.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19884, 13 May 1936, Page 9

ST. BERNARD’S HOSPICE.

WORK OF THE DOGS. . STRAIN OF THE ALTITUDE. LONDON, April 21. The Lausanne correspondent of the Evening Standard has cleared up the doubt as to whether Saint Bernard dogs were used to rescue the party of Italian climbers caught by an avalanche' in the pass during the weekend, says the Evening Standard. He asked one of the monks who took part in the rescue if the dogs want out.

“No, none of them," the monk answered; then, after a pause, added, as one sorry to spoil a. good news story: “It’s a pity, isn’t it?” In the Hospice there are always about 15 dogs, and often a few puppies. Some of the dogs are strong enough to carry a man. Their work is to open a way in the snow, and sometimes they go out alone to meet wayfarers. If one of them has fallen, they scent him out, and, with their deep bark, bring the monks to the scene. They are also good guides in a mountain mist, or when snow has. covered the path:

Like the monks, who also number 15, the dogs are affected by living at a. height of 8000 feet, and suffer from rheumatism and heart trouble. They seldom live more thannine years. The Hospice was founded in the tenth century, and entertains- about 20,000 guests a year. I remember the fare as plain but wholesome—cold meat, and u concoction of cabbage.