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An elderly woman in a floral apron knits while a brindle Shih Tzu sits wrapped in loose cream yarn at her feet. 17 / 28

Abuela Rosa Dropped One Ball of Yarn. Chispa Took It From There.

AI imageshih tzuknittingabuela

The knitting needles are clicking along nicely, and Abuela Rosa has her eyes fixed on a small cream square taking shape in her hands. Her gray hair is pulled back, her glasses are perched low, and her floral apron is covered in loose strands. That is because Chispa has found the yarn. The brindle Shih Tzu sits right at her knee, looking up at the camera with big dark eyes while a mess of cream threads loops over her paws and across her back. Behind them, a basket of yarn balls waits by the kitchen, a mug sits on the coffee table, and the living room looks pleasantly lived in.

Yarn is a classic temptation for pets, and it is worth knowing why it needs a little care. Dogs and cats are drawn to the dangling movement, but string can wrap around legs or, if swallowed, cause a serious blockage inside the gut. A good habit is to keep yarn in a closed basket or a bag while you work, pull out only what you need, and gently untangle your pet right away if they get wound up. If you ever suspect your pet has swallowed string, call your vet promptly rather than pulling on any end you can see. Shih Tzus, with their long, silky coats, can also pick up fibers and knots easily, so a quick brush afterward helps.

Rosa does not seem upset. She knows the sweater can wait a few minutes, and Chispa looks quite proud of her new cream-colored shawl. One day the blanket will be finished, but this moment, with a very patient little dog wearing half of it, may be the part everyone remembers.

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A smiling older woman in a plaid shirt and floral apron sits on a truck tailgate scratching a brindle Shih Tzu at dusk.Abuela Rosa Sat Down on the Old Truck's Tailgate at SunsetAn older woman in a floral apron paints at an easel in a backyard while a brindle Shih Tzu sleeps on the grass nearby.Abuela Rosa Set Up Her Easel in the Yard. Chispa Chose Her Seat.An older woman in a floral apron holds a damp brindle Shih Tzu wrapped in a cream knit blanket by a door with a wet umbrella.The Rain Won That Walk. Abuela Rosa Had a Plan for Chispa.An older woman in a green shirt and floral apron reads a newspaper while a brindle Shih Tzu sleeps curled on her lap.Abuela Rosa Only Wanted to Read the Paper. Chispa Had Other Plans.