Snow Covered the Farmyard, and a Schnauzer Became a Living Blanket
Snow covers the farmyard, a soft haze hangs over the old wooden barns, and in the middle of it all a black and silver Miniature Schnauzer has made itself into a living blanket. Its scruffy beard rests gently over the head of a tan baby goat, who is curled up tight with its eyes closed and its legs folded underneath. Bits of snow cling to the Schnauzer's wiry coat and feathered legs, and a few stalks of dry grass poke up through the white ground. The dog looks calm and watchful, like it has taken this guard duty very seriously.
Young goats are vulnerable to cold, especially newborns, because they have less body fat and lose heat quickly. On a farm, kids are kept warm with dry bedding, draft-free shelter, heat lamps used carefully, or even little goat coats. Snuggling with a mother goat or herd mates is their natural way of staying cozy. Miniature Schnauzers have a double coat, with a wiry outer layer and a softer undercoat, which offers some protection, but small dogs still feel the chill. Keep winter outings short, dry off snowy paws and fur afterward, and talk to your vet if either animal seems weak or shivery.
Outside, the snow keeps falling. Down here, though, one little goat is sleeping soundly under the watch of a very devoted, very whiskery friend.
