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A smiling elderly man in a cardigan holds a cone while a brindle Shih Tzu licks the ice cream. 2 / 36

Otis Held His Ice Cream Cone and Pepper Made Her Move

AI imageshih tzuice creamsummer

Otis is holding a waffle cone with a soft swirl of vanilla, and Pepper has stretched up on her hind legs to take a very polite lick. His grin is wide, and his eyes are crinkled with amusement. Behind them is a cozy room with a table piled with plates and books, a basket of blankets, and a window letting in the bright heat of the day. A small tin of cookies and a stack of folded towels are on the table behind them, which makes the whole room feel lived in and kind.

Ice cream is a classic summer treat, but it is better as a human indulgence than a dog snack. Many dogs have trouble digesting dairy, and sugary or flavored treats can upset a stomach or contribute to weight gain, which matters for small breeds like the Shih Tzu. Keep anything with chocolate or the sweetener xylitol far out of reach, since both are dangerous to dogs. If you want to cool your dog down on a hot day, fresh water, a shady spot, and a frozen dog-safe chew are better choices, and your vet can recommend good ones.

A single lick will not hurt anyone, and Pepper certainly acts like it was worth the wait. Otis keeps most of the cone for himself, though he looks like he enjoys the show as much as the dessert. Hot weather has seldom looked this sweet.

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