In October, the monks of the St. Bernard Hospice in southern Switzerland, who have raised the dogs since the mid-17th century, said that they could no longer afford to care for them.

Fears for the future of what has become a Swiss national symbol ensued.

Yesterday, a group of Swiss bankers and animal lovers announced the establishment of the Barry Foundation to continue breeding the dogs.

Barry was the name of a famous rescue dog born in 1800 who saved 41 lives.

It is estimated that the dogs have saved over 2,000 travelers and avalanche victims over the centuries.

The foundation will also establish a St. Bernard museum, set to open in the town of Martigny in 2006.

Six St. Bernards will be at their posts outside the museum, ready for emergency search-and-rescue operations, every day of the year.

Woof.