A Shih Tzu and a Piglet Met Nose to Nose in the Fall Leaves

A pile of crunchy maple leaves covers the ground in shades of orange, gold, and brown, and in the middle of it, a gold and white Shih Tzu faces a small pink piglet. Their noses are almost touching, and both look at each other with wide, curious eyes. The Shih Tzu's silky ears fall around her face like a little cape. A woven basket and a pair of old books sit at the edge of the pile, and a soft light spills across the leaves.

Autumn leaves are a favorite playground for many dogs, since they crunch, rustle, and smell wonderfully interesting. They can hide hazards, though, such as sharp sticks, mushrooms, or moldy debris, so it helps to watch what a pup sniffs or snacks on. Shih Tzus were bred as companions, so they are usually happy to meet new friends of any size, but a small dog should still be supervised around unfamiliar animals. A quick check of the coat for burrs afterward is a good habit, and your vet can answer questions about keeping a long-haired dog comfortable in the fall.

Penny seems to be considering whether the Shih Tzu is a friend or a very fluffy leaf pile. The dog looks equally curious. In a crunchy bed of gold, two new friends are getting acquainted. The leaves crunch softly beneath them.