MARTIGNY, Switzerland, Sept 26 (Reuters) - St. Bernard dogs, one of Switzerland's national symbols that were internationally renowned for helping in alpine rescues, are now saving people in other ways. "The dogs work in hospitals, in nursing homes with senior citizens. They are descendants of Barry I, a St. Bernard credited with saving the lives of more than 40 people on the Great St. Bernard Pass in the early 19th century. "They have a great sense of smell," said Anne Hölzer, in charge of training at Barry Foundation. "It's a very strong symbol of Switzerland," Zollinger said.

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Persons: Bernard dogs, Bernard, Andrea Zollinger, Zollinger, Roxy van de Burggravehoeve, Barry, Denis Balibouse, Barry Foundation's, Roxy, Barry I, Napoleon, Anne Hölzer, Gabrielle Tétrault, Farber, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Barry Foundation, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Switzerland, Swiss, Martigny, Italy, France, Bernard