Browse ›
A laughing silver-haired woman holds a tennis ball up high as a gold and white Shih Tzu jumps up on its hind legs. 7 / 38

Grandma Held the Tennis Ball Up High and Teddy Decided to Go for It

AI imageshih tzufetchbackyard play

Up goes the bright yellow tennis ball, held high in Dottie's outstretched hand, and up goes Teddy right after it. The little Shih Tzu has sprung onto his hind legs with his front paws in the air, mouth open in a joyful grin and eyes locked on the prize. Dottie is laughing, her silver hair pinned up in a loose bun and her cream cardigan swinging as she teases him with one more second of suspense. The backyard behind them is wonderfully messy, with a blue watering can, plastic toys, garden pots, a pile of shoes, and laundry draped over a chair.

Shih Tzus are not famous for fetch the way retrievers are, but many of them love a good game of chase and toss, especially in short bursts. Play is a great way for these small dogs to get exercise and mental stimulation, and they often have more energy than people expect. A few tips help keep it safe. Choose a ball that is the right size, since a ball that is too small can be a choking hazard. Keep jumping moderate, because repeated high leaps can be hard on small joints and backs, particularly in older dogs. Short sessions in the shade are best, because short-nosed breeds can overheat quickly during active play. Plenty of water nearby is always a good idea.

Teddy clearly takes this game very seriously, and Dottie clearly loves every second of it. A tennis ball, a big yard, and a happy dog is all it takes to make an afternoon.

More from this collection

All 38 →
A silver-haired woman in glasses pours water from a metal watering can onto flowers next to a gold and white Shih Tzu.Dottie Tipped the Watering Can Over the Petunias. Teddy Was Standing Right There.A silver-haired woman in a cardigan sleeps in a brown recliner while a gold and white Shih Tzu lies awake across her arm.Grandma Dozed Off Mid-Knitting. Teddy Made Sure Nobody Disturbed Her.
A gold and white Shih Tzu sits close in front while a smiling silver-haired woman rests under a plaid quilt by a fireplace.Dottie Got Cozy Under Her Quilt by the Fire. Teddy Had Different Priorities.A smiling silver-haired woman at a patio table with avocado toast, eggs, and coffee as a Shih Tzu sniffs close.Dottie Made Avocado Toast for Breakfast. Teddy Pulled Up Uninvited.A silver-haired woman in a cardigan tucks a soft knitted blanket around a gold and white Shih Tzu lying in a round dog bed.Grandma Had One Last Job Before Bedtime, and Teddy Was Waiting for ItA silver-haired woman in a cardigan spreads old black-and-white photos on a table while a Shih Tzu rests its chin nearby.Dottie Pulled Out the Box of Old Family Photos. Teddy Wanted to See Too.