Aiden “Bear” started it all for us. We drove several hours away to pick him up, and it was worth every mile! He is such a charmer. He’s super loving, gentle, and playful all wrapped in one. And he’s such a happy-go-lucky dog. He instantly won our hearts.
He loves to walk between our legs so he can get body scratches. He especially loves his neck and hind legs scratched. His sweet spot is behind his ears. A gentle rub around the ears will have him melting in our arms. When we give him a treat, he takes great care in not accidently biting our fingers. It’s so sweet. And although Saint Bernards can be stubborn, he was easy to potty train and to teach tricks to. He absolutely loves to sleep with all four paws stretched out. And if he can sleep in front of the air conditioner or a fan, he’s content. Although he would prefer the snow, not much of that happens in Kentucky.
When we first got him, it was just him and Caleb at home during the day while the rest of us were at work. The two quickly developed a bond like no other. Boys best friend. Today, Caleb calls Bear his counselor. But looking at the pictures below, I would say they were more napping sessions instead of counseling sessions.
Saint Bernards are known for being a nanny. They absolutely love children. Once these dogs become a part of your family, rest assured your family is safe. They take their job seriously. Bear is no exception to that rule. Bear, to this day, still does not like it when any of us leave for work, the store, church, or whatever. He whines and barks and gets excited. It doesn’t matter that there’s always someone home. He prefers it when we are all at home where he can keep an eye on us. After all, he can’t do his job thoroughly if someone is missing. So we make it a point to tell him bye, what we’re doing, and that we’ll be back. Yes we talk to our animals, and we truly believe Bear understands us. He still will be watching for us, but he seems to calm down as long as we tell him these things. And despite his weight, if you are sitting on the ground, he will sit on your lap.
Jessyca had a pet cat, Indy. And with all pets, there is a degree of concern when you bring in new pets. When I was little, we had several cats running around our property. Heidi somehow knew which cats belonged to us, and which cats were not ours. She would help keep the kittens warm during the winter months. And she would even let the kittens play on her. She was such a loving, caring dog. Bear has been the same way. Indy had apprehensions about a puppy, let alone as he watched Bear grow into, well a bear size animal. But the two always got along and even played with each other. The only difference so far between Heidi and Bear, is that Heidi liked to investigate the spicy cats that were around in the country. Spicy cats being skunks. Needless to say, spicy cats do not like dogs, and Heidi was sprayed quite often. We’re hoping that doesn’t happen for us.
Bear has character and charm. He’s not fond of getting his picture taken, but when I can sneak one in, it’s worth a million words. He definitely knows he’s loved, he’s spoiled, and he’s a good boy. We can’t imagine this life without him in it.
In late July 2023, we moved from our farm in Kentucky to central/eastern Illinois. Pictures will now reflect our new home.
R & D Farms 