“He’s perfectly insulated” ❤️
There’s something magical about the serenity of freshly fallen snow. But for Liz Vanderbrouk in Switzerland, her yard never stays untouched for long. Her 10-year-old Bernese mountain dog, Carl, ensures it becomes his personal winter haven.
Whenever snow blankets the ground, Carl can be found nestled in the yard, his dark fur forming a cozy mound beneath the accumulating flakes. Over time, the snow builds around him until only his giant head emerges, giving Liz an amusing sight as Carl grins at her before sinking back down into his frosty retreat.
Unlike his younger brother, Steve, a 5-year-old Newfoundland who enjoys brief snow play before retreating indoors, Carl revels in the cold. As soon as snow begins to fall, he eagerly signals his desire to be outside, persistently staring at the door until his parents let him out. Once outside, Carl settles into the snow, seemingly in bliss, and will remain there for as long as they allow.
Initially, Carl’s snow naps raised concern for Liz and her family, who worried he might get too cold. “We Googled it immediately to make sure he was safe,” Liz explained. To their relief, they discovered that Bernese mountain dogs are well-suited for such conditions. Carl’s thick, insulating coat keeps him warm, even as snow piles up on his back.
A fun fact from an online commenter helped explain Carl’s comfort: “If snow doesn’t melt on an animal, it means they’re perfectly insulated. The cold doesn’t reach their skin, and their warmth doesn’t escape their fur.” This insight reassured Liz that Carl’s snow naps were not just safe but thoroughly enjoyable for him.
Even when the snow melts, Carl prefers cold weather, thriving in Switzerland’s crisp air. On chilly days without snow, he enjoys lying on frosty grass or energetically playing with Steve, chasing and hopping around with youthful enthusiasm.
For Liz, seeing Carl so happy in his snowy element is a source of pure joy. “As dog owners, there’s nothing more satisfying than looking at your fur child and knowing that they’re happy,” she said. Carl’s love for winter has not only entertained his family but also deepened their appreciation for the unique quirks of their beloved pup.