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A smiling elderly man in a green cardigan holds the camera out in a selfie with a brindle Shih Tzu on his lap on a porch. 21 / 36

Otis Held the Camera Out and Pepper Gave It Her Best Stare

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Otis stretches his arm out toward the camera with the biggest grin of the day, his cable-knit cardigan filling the frame. Pepper sits on his lap, looking directly at the lens with a slightly baffled expression and a few stray hairs standing straight up. Behind them, the porch is crowded with baskets, boots, a thermos, and a plaid blanket, all of it warmly cluttered. A thermos sits at the edge of the shot, and one of Pepper's ears is folded over in a very endearing way.

Dogs don't understand cameras, but they often pick up on the mood of the person holding one. A calm, cheerful voice and a treat can help a dog stay still for a moment, and short sessions are best so she doesn't get fussy. Shih Tzus have dark, shiny eyes that can be hard to photograph, so a bit of natural light helps. Keep the flash off, since bright flashes can bother some pets, and take a break if she seems tired. Having a few pictures of the two of you together is a lovely way to remember an ordinary day.

Otis looks delighted, and Pepper looks like she would prefer to be napping. Together they make a perfect pair for a keepsake picture. The porch has plenty of stories, and this is one more. Not every picture needs to be perfect to be a favorite.

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An elderly man in a green cardigan holds a Shih Tzu up to an open window to watch snow falling outside.Otis Held Pepper Up to the Window and the Snow Did the RestAn elderly man in glasses fills in a crossword at the kitchen table while a Shih Tzu rests her paws on the edge.Otis Went for the Crossword and Pepper Went for the TableAn elderly man in a knit cardigan waters flowers from a metal can while a Shih Tzu sits beside the stream.Otis Watered the Flowers and Pepper Watched the Stream CloselyAn elderly man in glasses holds seed by a bird feeder with sparrows while a Shih Tzu sits still beside him.Otis Filled the Bird Feeder and Pepper Froze Like a Statue