Otis and Pepper Sat Out the Rain on the Covered Porch

Rain falls past the porch roof in soft gray streaks, and Otis sits quietly with his cream cardigan and his thoughts, looking out across the wet yard. Pepper sits by his knee, her little face turned in the same direction, her paws on the old boards. Potted plants, a watering can, and a pair of folded chairs sit in the corner, and the whole porch smells, you could imagine, of rain and wet leaves. A gray sky stretches over the trees at the end of the yard, and drops bounce off the porch rail in a steady patter.

Rainy days can be tricky for dogs, since some enjoy the splash and some prefer to stay dry. A covered porch is a good compromise, as it lets her watch and listen without getting soaked. Thunder and heavy rain can make nervous dogs uneasy, so a cozy spot and a calm voice help, and a vet can advise if the nerves are severe. When she does get wet, dry her thoroughly, especially a Shih Tzu's long coat, to keep her comfortable.

Neither of them says a word, because they don't need to. The rain keeps its steady rhythm and the porch keeps them dry. Sometimes the best plan for a wet day is simply to watch it fall together. There are worse places to wait for the clouds to clear.