Otis Dipped His Feet in the Lake and Pepper Stayed Close
Otis sits at the end of an old wooden dock with his bare feet in the cool water, a warm smile on his face and his cardigan pushed open. Pepper sits tight against his side, her face upturned with the calm look of a dog who likes where she is. The sunlight across the pond is golden, the trees are full, and the planks beneath them are worn smooth. A dock rail runs behind them, and the far bank is dotted with garden beds and low trees.
Shih Tzus are not natural swimmers, because their short legs and heavy coats make water tiring, so it is smart to keep them beside you near a lake or pond. A harness or a life jacket for dogs gives an extra margin of safety, and a dock edge deserves a close eye. After any time near water, rinse her coat and dry it well, since long hair can stay damp and cause skin trouble. A vet can give advice on water safety for your dog's size and age. A calm dog also needs a few breaks from the sun, so a shady corner is helpful.
Otis seems to be enjoying the cool water more than anything, and Pepper is enjoying Otis. Nothing is going on except the ripples and the sunshine. That is exactly the point of a day like this. Time moves slowly here, and that suits them.
