A large long-haired Bernese Mountain dog – owned by Nick Ryan of Ryan’s Café at the Freyberg Pool – sat outside the pool for many years. He became part of the landscape of Oriental Bay. So after he died three years ago, aged nearly 11, it left a big gap.

Now locals have been delighted to find that void filled by Bernie Two, still a puppy. His official name is El Bernardo. Ryan plans to take him on a trip to Europe, and the itinerary will include a visit to Bern in Switzerland where the breed originated.

Bernese Mountain dogs were bred by crossing mastiffs and guard-type breeds. They were brought to Switzerland by the Romans 2000 years ago to be watchdogs, herd cattle, pull carts and be companions. To judge from the talks and pats he gets from passersby, he is highly suited to the latter.

— Judith Doyle, Bay View Online newsletter, July 2020