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Older Black woman with short silver hair holds birdseed over a tray feeder of sparrows as a white Bichon Frise sits nearby. 1 / 37

Grandma Loretta Was Feeding the Sparrows. Cotton Had to Show Some Serious Restraint.

AI imagebichon frisebird feederbackyard

Out in the backyard, a wooden tray feeder hangs from its iron hook, crowded with little brown sparrows pecking at the seed. Grandma Loretta, her short silver hair catching the light and her glasses perched on her nose, cups another handful of birdseed in her palm, smiling softly as she lets it trickle onto the tray. Just beside her, Cotton, her fluffy white Bichon Frise, sits in the grass with his blue collar on, perfectly still and looking straight ahead with round dark eyes. Fallen autumn leaves dot the lawn, and a garden hose and clay pots line the weathered fence.

Bichon Frises are cheerful, affectionate little dogs bred as companions, and many are gentle enough to sit calmly around backyard birds once they've learned the routine. Still, it's always wise to supervise any dog near wildlife. Birdseed itself isn't usually toxic to dogs, but eating a lot of it can upset their stomachs, and moldy seed that has fallen and gotten damp can be harmful. Sweeping up spilled seed regularly keeps the yard tidy and discourages unwanted visitors like rodents. One breed trait is worth knowing for outdoor time: a Bichon's white curly coat picks up leaves and burrs easily, so a quick brush afterward helps.

Cotton seems content to let the sparrows enjoy their breakfast in peace. On a crisp morning in the garden, Loretta has the birds, the sunshine and her best little buddy right at her side.

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