Grandpa Wrapped Up in His Warmest Quilt. A Tiny Guest Found Her Way Inside.
When the evening turns cold, Earl knows exactly where to go. He has wrapped himself in a big cream plaid quilt and settled into his armchair beside the stone fireplace, where a low fire glows over a bed of embers. Peanut sits in the cozy nest of quilt on his lap, small and upright, her silky blue and tan fur catching the warm light. Earl looks down at her with a gentle smile. Knitting needles and yarn sit in a basket by the window, and a mug and a couple of pinecones rest on the mantel.
Small dogs like Yorkies lose body heat faster than larger breeds, partly because of their size and partly because their fine single coat lacks a dense undercoat. That is why so many of them gravitate toward laps, blankets, and sunny spots. Fireplaces are lovely, but they require a little caution around pets. A sturdy screen helps keep sparks and embers away from fur and paws, and a dog should never be left alone near an open flame. Ash and partly burned wood can also be tempting to sniff or chew, so the hearth is best kept clean. A soft blanket at a safe distance gives a small dog warmth without the risk.
Peanut has clearly found the best seat in the house, and Earl isn't about to move. The fire crackles, the quilt is warm, and for this pair, a chilly night has never felt so comfortable.
