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Adventure in Gimmelwald day with Sebastian and Tangle. Delighted, they watched cows being milked
and hens in coops.
But it started snowing heavily by mid-afternoon. We retreated indoors and
It was a snowy paradise. We reached Gimmelwald before noon. Vistas of white settled down for a cosy evening.
wonderland rolled around us. Taking the cable car from Stechelberg to a farm- Around dusk Lama called Tangle and Sebastian, who were outdoors. Sebastian
stay in the remote village of Switzerland, we shivered in the chilly wind. appeared obediently. A piping hot dinner was served. "Call Tangle in. It's
Walking up to our lodge we could hardly quell our excitement. Lama was now snowing heavily now," I told Lama. Some time passed but Tangle did not
a bonny 8-year-old. We were to stay for a week in the Swiss Alps. Planning a come in. "I'll go," said Lama's father. "He's probably with the farm dogs."
holiday meant taking Sebastian and Tangle along. And that called for a lot of
preparations. But Tangle was nowhere to be seen. One of the farm lads had last seen him
walking around the yard.
Our mountain log hut was straight out of a picture book. The cottages had a
quaint rustic aura. We settled down quickly and rushed outdoors. Extremely worried now, we sought help. The genial owners and his men
fanned out over the small town. With torchlights they scanned the area. Hours
Surrounded by spectacular snowy peaks, this beautiful traffic-less village had passed. Indoors, Lama was in tears. The men braved the snow and hunted
around hundred people. Time had stopped here centuries ago. Anticipating a furiously for our dog.
peaceful, serene holiday we went for a stroll.
Suddenly they heard a bark. And Tangle appeared out of the dark. Tugging at
Lama carried Sebastian, his cuddly Himalayan Cat. Tangle, his sturdy St his shirt, he pulled Lama's father up the slope. The men followed. "Help!"
Bernard, was ahead. Sebastian's blue eyes rolled around and he purred happily. They heard a weak voice. Lying on the snow was a man. He was hurt.
We were elated that we had chosen such a calm holiday spot.
The Saint, Bernard had sensed someone was in danger and found him covered
The logs in the fireplace crackled merrily. Sitting around in the evening we in snow.
marvelled at the place. Tangle was snuggled up on the rug, his white fur
glistening in the glow from the fireplace. Sebastian and Lama were playing. Bringing the hiker home, the whole town rejoiced at our St Bernard's feat. He
His fluffy white fur, reddish colour points on his face, snub nose and striking had lived up to his reputation as a rescue dog in the snowy mountains.
blue eyes were irresistible. Affectionate and docile, he loved being pampered. Everybody petted him and thanked us for our fortuitous visit. Quite the hero,
Our son Lama was inseparable from his two pets. the rest of the holiday passed joyously for Lama and his pets.
Next day, we went on a short hike. Discovering cattle barns and exploring by
foot, we picnicked on the mountainside.

Later we met some locals. Friendly and hospitable, they invited us over.
Sebastian and Tangle were the stars, since few tourists came with pets. Of
course, St Bernard dogs were the pride of the nation. Lama's pets were gentle
and playful and won their hearts immediately. However they warned us to stay ~ Nandita De Nee Chatterjee ~
in the next day. The weather was turning and this was an avalanche-prone
zone.

The third day we enjoyed the farmstay. Lama raced around in joy, playing all

90 | Dr. K.C. Sethi & Sunita Sethi Never Cease to Amaze | 91