Grandpa Went Out to Pick the Best Pumpkin in the Patch. He Was Already Holding It.
Pumpkins of every size are scattered across the tangled vines, and the porch light glows warm against the pale siding of the house. Grandpa Earl stands in the middle of his backyard patch, wearing a canvas jacket over his plaid shirt and suspenders, and he's holding Peaches close against his chest. She sits curled in the crook of his arm, ears tall and green eyes wide, peering straight ahead with a slightly startled look. Earl grins down at her with obvious pride. A few small green pumpkins, a watering can, and a pair of boots on the porch steps round out the cozy autumn evening.
Fall is a lovely season to share with pets, but chilly evenings matter for a hairless cat. A Sphynx can lose body heat quickly, so being held close or wearing a soft sweater makes outdoor time more comfortable. Around pumpkin patches and fall decorations, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Plain pumpkin isn't toxic, but rotting or carved pumpkins can grow mold and shouldn't be nibbled. Candles in jack-o'-lanterns pose a burn risk to curious noses and whiskers. Decorative corn, gourds, and seasonal plants may cause stomach upset if chewed. And as Halloween approaches, keep candy, especially chocolate and sugar-free sweets, safely out of reach.
Earl may be looking for the perfect pumpkin, but it's pretty clear he already found the best thing in the patch. Peaches just happens to be the one that doesn't need carving.






