Otis Brought Crumbs to the Pond and Pepper Brought Questions

The mallards have paddled right up to the bank, and Otis crouches at the edge with a few crumbs resting on his open palm. Pepper, his brindle Shih Tzu, sits close at his side with her little bearded face turned toward the water and her ears slightly lifted. Ripples spread around the ducks, a fence and a few shrubs sit in the background, and Otis wears the easy smile of someone who has done this a hundred times and still enjoys it.

Shih Tzus are small, sturdy companions bred to be lap dogs, and most of them are friendly, curious, and happy to go along on a gentle outing. A pond is a nice place for a stroll, but it helps to keep a dog on a leash near wildlife, because even a very small dog may bark at or chase ducks. Water can also hide germs, so it is wise to offer fresh drinking water and wipe off muddy paws afterward. Ducks do best with natural foods, so small amounts of oats or peas make better treats than bread.

Pepper doesn't seem to want to chase anything. She just watches, and the ducks watch her right back. It looks like the sort of peaceful trade that works out for everyone, and the afternoon moves along at a pace a Shih Tzu would call perfect.