In the treacherous Swiss Alps, the tradition of rescue dogs began as early as the 1700s.
Though many dogs were known for their rescue of humans, none was so celebrated as Barry. During his career in the early 1800s, Barry saved more than 40 people. No rescue was as famous as his rescue of a young boy he found trapped, partially frozen and asleep in an ice cavern.
Barry licked the boy to warm him and wake him. The dog then contrived to get the boy to cling to his back and the two made their way to The Great Saint Bernard Hospice, where Barry lived and was trained.
At the hospice, one dog has always been named Barry in honor of the great rescuer.
