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A smiling older man in a brown sweater vest carries a cream Chihuahua in his arms up wooden porch steps after a walk. 23 / 25

Peanut Made It All the Way Around the Block. The Porch Steps Were Another Story.

AI imagechihuahuadog walkporch steps

The walk is over, and somebody's little legs have officially retired for the day. Henry is carrying Peanut up the wooden porch steps, cradling her against his brown sweater vest with one hand under her chest and the other supporting her back end. He is grinning down at her with obvious tenderness. Peanut has gone soft and heavy in his arms, eyes half closed and paws dangling, looking thoroughly pleased to be chauffeured. Sneakers sit on the step, a garden hose is coiled in the grass, and a watering can and tools wait by the yard.

Carrying a small dog is sometimes necessary, and doing it correctly protects their back and joints. Support both ends of the body, one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters, rather than lifting by the front legs or under the armpits alone. Keep the dog close to your body so they feel secure. Chihuahuas can tire on longer walks, especially in heat or cold, so it is fine to adjust the distance to suit them. If your dog is suddenly reluctant to walk or seems sore, talk to your vet. And for older owners, take steps slowly and keep a hand free for the railing when possible.

Peanut walked the whole neighborhood, and now she gets a ride home in the best seat available. Henry does not seem to mind the extra weight at all. Some passengers are worth carrying every single time.

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