Grandma June Pulled Up a Quilt by the Fire. Domino Decided He Was a Lap Dog Now.
The fire is crackling, the quilt is pulled up high, and Domino has decided he is a lap dog after all. Grandma June sits snug in an armchair near the brick fireplace, her cable-knit cardigan buttoned to the chin and a faded patchwork quilt in blues and tans spread across her knees. The harlequin Great Dane has climbed halfway up, front legs stretched across the quilt, his huge spotted head resting near her hand. Grandma June looks down at him with a warm, amused smile. A mug of tea, a pair of slippers, and a few scattered papers sit on the little table beside the hearth.
Big dogs often love curling up near a fire just as much as their people do, but a little safety planning helps. A sturdy fireplace screen keeps sparks and embers from reaching fur, and dogs should never be left alone in a room with an open flame. Some dogs like to lie very close to the heat, so keep an eye out for panting or a coat that feels hot to the touch, and encourage them to move back. Ashes, matches, and fire-starting materials should be stored out of reach, since curious noses may investigate. And as cozy as it is to share a lap, a Great Dane's weight can be a lot for older knees and hips. A dog bed placed at a safe distance from the fire lets the big dog stay close and comfortable.
On a chilly night, though, it is hard to argue with a warm quilt, a crackling fire, and a gentle giant who simply wants to be as close as possible.
