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A smiling older woman in a floral apron sits in a rocking chair while a brindle Shih Tzu sleeps on a knitted cushion below. 24 / 28

Abuela Rosa Rocked Slowly. Chispa Slept Right Beneath the Chair.

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The lamp is lit, the evening is quiet, and Abuela Rosa has settled into her wooden rocking chair with her hands folded in her lap. She is looking down with a soft, tired smile at Chispa, who has fallen asleep right at her feet on a thick cream cushion. The brindle Shih Tzu is curled up with her chin on her paws, one ear flopped forward. The room around them is full of life: a table covered with yarn and books, a laundry basket piled with blankets, a green plant by the window, and a pair of slippers waiting by the rug.

Dogs often fall asleep at their person's feet, and there are good reasons. The spot lets them keep track of you while feeling secure, and a small dog likes a warm, soft place to rest. Give your dog her own cushion or bed in the rooms where you spend time, so she has an option that does not involve getting underfoot. Rocking chairs deserve a little care, though. A dog sleeping beneath a rocker can have a tail or paw caught if the chair moves, so rock gently, glance down first, and teach your dog a cue like move or bed. Senior pet owners often enjoy a calm, regular routine with a small dog like this.

The clock on the wall might say it is late, but Rosa is in no hurry. The chair creaks, the dog sighs, and the whole house settles down together for the night.

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A smiling older woman washes a dusty car with a sponge as a wet brindle Shih Tzu hops on hind legs beside a spraying hose.Abuela Rosa Turned on the Hose. Chispa Took It as an Invitation.An older woman in a floral apron drinks from a tan mug on a doorstep while a brindle Shih Tzu looks up in the foreground.Abuela Rosa Took Her First Sip of Coffee. Chispa Had Questions.
An older woman in a green cardigan plays an old upright piano while a brindle Shih Tzu sits upright on the bench beside her.Abuela Rosa Started Playing the Old Piano. Chispa Had Reserved Seating.An older woman in a floral apron scatters grain for chickens in a backyard while a brindle Shih Tzu walks beside her.Abuela Rosa Scattered the Chicken Feed. Chispa Followed Right Along.A smiling older woman in a floral apron and glasses washes a brindle Shih Tzu in a sudsy metal tub in the backyard.Abuela Rosa Filled the Old Washtub With Bubbles. Chispa Knew What That Meant.An older woman in glasses and a floral apron sits on a covered porch beside a brindle Shih Tzu as heavy rain falls.The Storm Rolled In Over the Yard. Abuela Rosa Had the Best Seat on the Porch.