Browse ›
An older woman in a floral apron smiles down at a brindle Shih Tzu on a leash beside a bench of vegetables and pots. 11 / 28

Abuela Rosa Went Out for Tomatoes and Squash. Chispa Stole the Show.

AI imageshih tzugarden produceleash walk

Late afternoon sun warms a long wooden bench lined with the day's harvest: a basket of tomatoes and avocados, squash and greens, and pots of young herbs. Abuela Rosa, curly gray hair framing her face and a blue floral apron tied over her gray tee, holds Chispa's leash loosely in one hand as she smiles down at her. The brindle Shih Tzu stands in the foreground with her mouth open in a happy pant, tongue just showing, ears flopped and eyes bright. Garden tools lean against the weathered fence behind them, and a green bucket waits on the path, as if the two of them have just finished browsing the produce together.

Shih Tzus may be small, but they still need daily walks to stay healthy and content. Short, regular outings provide exercise, mental stimulation from new sights and smells, and a good routine for both dog and owner. Many people find a harness more comfortable than a collar for small, short-muzzled breeds, since it puts less pressure on the neck and throat. Around gardens and produce, watch what your dog sniffs and nibbles. Grapes, onions, garlic, and some plants and fertilizers can be harmful to dogs, and fallen fruit can attract insects. Keeping walks steady and supervised makes them safe and fun.

Rosa will head home with a full basket and a happy dog trotting at her side. Chispa, as usual, will be convinced that the entire outing was arranged just for her.

More from this collection

All 28 →
An older woman in a floral apron smiles at a brindle Shih Tzu at a lace-covered table with tea, cookies, and lemon.Abuela Rosa Set Out Tea and Butter Cookies. Her Guest Arrived Right on Time.An older woman in glasses and a floral apron sorts black-and-white family photos as a brindle Shih Tzu rests its chin nearby.Abuela Rosa Spread Out Decades of Old Family Photos. Chispa Leaned In Close.
An older woman in glasses and a floral apron hand-stitches a patchwork quilt as a brindle Shih Tzu sleeps on the fabric.Abuela Rosa Was Hand-Stitching a New Quilt. Chispa Already Claimed It.An older woman in glasses and a floral apron reads a paperback on a couch while a brindle Shih Tzu gazes up at her.Abuela Rosa Opened Her Favorite Paperback. Her Audience Sat Right Up.A smiling older woman pins white sheets on a backyard clothesline as a brindle Shih Tzu leaps through a hanging sheet.Abuela Rosa Pinned Up the Fresh White Sheets. Chispa Saw a Game.An elderly woman in a floral apron knits while a brindle Shih Tzu sits wrapped in loose cream yarn at her feet.Abuela Rosa Dropped One Ball of Yarn. Chispa Took It From There.