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Smiling older Black woman wrapped in a green patchwork quilt sits by a lit fireplace with a white Bichon Frise beside her. 15 / 37

The Fire Was Crackling, the Quilt Was Warm, and Cotton Had the Happiest Face in the Room

AI imagebichon frisefireplacewinter evening

A wood fire is crackling in the stone hearth, and the living room is wrapped in a cozy glow. Grandma Loretta has pulled a sage-green patchwork quilt around her shoulders and settled onto the couch, smiling down at Cotton with pure fondness. The little Bichon sits snugly at her side on the cushion, his white curls fluffed up and his mouth open in a happy, relaxed grin as he looks back at her. Houseplants crowd the windowsill, a jug and a folded blue blanket sit on the mantel, and a basket of kindling waits by the fire.

Cozy evenings by the fire are a favorite for many dogs, but fireplaces need a few precautions. Always use a sturdy screen to keep sparks and embers from reaching curious noses and fluffy coats, and never leave a fire burning unattended with pets in the room. Small dogs like Bichons can get overheated if they curl up too close for too long, so make sure they can move away from the warmth easily. Keep matches, lighters and fire starters out of reach, and store ashes in a metal container until they're fully cold. A soft blanket or dog bed placed a safe distance from the hearth gives them the cozy spot they crave.

Quilt, fire and a happy little dog by her side; Loretta has everything she needs for a perfect winter evening. Cotton certainly seems to think so, too.

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