Browse ›
An older woman in a floral apron and gray cardigan dozes on a wooden porch swing with a brindle Shih Tzu asleep on her lap. 3 / 28

Abuela Rosa Sat Down on the Porch Swing for a Minute. Chispa Had Other Plans.

AI imageshih tzuporch swingnap

The chains of the old wooden porch swing creak softly, keeping time with Abuela Rosa's slow breathing. She has dozed off with her chin tipped down, a gray cardigan pulled over her floral apron and green plaid shirt, her silver hair loosened from its bun. Chispa lies draped across her lap like a warm, furry blanket, brindle coat glowing in the evening light, eyes squeezed shut and nose tucked against Rosa's arm. The porch around them is lined with a potted rosemary, a green watering can, and a row of plants catching the last golden rays, while a porch light glows overhead.

Shih Tzus were originally bred as companion dogs, and that history shows. They tend to be affectionate and devoted, and many of them are happiest curled up on or beside their favorite person. Their relatively moderate exercise needs make them a popular choice for older adults, though they still enjoy daily walks and play. Because of their short muzzles, Shih Tzus can be sensitive to heat, so shady, breezy spots like a covered porch are ideal on warm evenings. They may also snore a little in their sleep, which many owners find endearing. If breathing seems labored or noisy while awake, talk to your vet.

Dinner can wait a few more minutes. The swing is rocking, the evening is warm, and the two of them have found the most comfortable spot in the whole neighborhood.

More from this collection

All 28 →
An older woman in a floral apron sits on a wooden dock with her feet in the water while a brindle Shih Tzu sits in front.Abuela Rosa Dipped Her Toes in the Pond. Chispa Stole the Whole Picture.An older woman in a floral apron carries a fluffy brindle Shih Tzu in her arms beside wooden porch steps.Chispa Made It All the Way Home. The Porch Steps Were Another Story.
An older woman in a floral apron eats breakfast on a sunny patio while two brindle Shih Tzus watch her plate closely.Abuela Rosa Sat Down to Breakfast on the Patio. Chispa Brought Backup.An older woman in a floral apron holds a blue bowl of popcorn on the couch as a brindle Shih Tzu sniffs at it.Abuela Rosa Made Popcorn for Movie Night. The Bowl Didn't Stay Private.A beaming older woman in a floral apron hugs a brindle Shih Tzu close for a selfie on a porch lit by string lights.Abuela Rosa Held Up the Phone for a Selfie. Chispa Brought Her Best Smile.An older woman in a floral apron naps in a rope hammock in a shady yard with a brindle Shih Tzu sleeping against her.Abuela Rosa Climbed Into the Hammock for a Quick Rest. Chispa Joined In.