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A gold and white Shih Tzu curls around a sleeping brown tabby Norwegian Forest Cat on a snowy lawn. 25 / 31

A Little Shih Tzu Became a Warm Blanket for a Cat in the Snow

AI imageshih tzunorwegian forest catsnow

Snow dusts the grass, and a gold-and-white Shih Tzu has curled his silky body around a sleepy brown tabby Norwegian Forest Cat. The cat's eyes are shut and her face is tucked against his chest, while the dog looks straight ahead with a soft, protective expression. A wooden fence and a glowing porch light sit in the background, and tiny flakes cling to their fur. It is a hushed, snowy evening, and the only sound seems to be the snow settling on the fence.

We might call them Biscuit and Cedar. Cedar's thick winter coat keeps her fine, but she seems very happy to have a furry hot water bottle to lean on.

Winter outings need some planning. Small dogs like Shih Tzus chill quickly because they are close to the ground and have little body fat, so a sweater and short walks are sensible, and their long coats should be kept clean of ice balls between the toes. Norwegian Forest Cats were bred for cold Scandinavian winters with a waterproof double coat, yet even they should come inside when temperatures drop. Wipe paws after snow to remove salt and de-icing chemicals, which can irritate skin and are harmful if licked. Provide fresh water since cold air is dry, and watch for shivering as a sign it is time to go in.

Biscuit and Cedar are a good reminder that warmth is better when shared.

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