A Scruffy Puppy Showed a Curious Pony His Cardboard Box

A scruffy brown-and-white puppy sits in a cardboard box with his floppy ears out to the sides and his whiskery face lifted. A shaggy pony leans over the edge of the box, her nose almost touching his, and her long forelock falls across her eyes. Shoes, a sofa and a stray sock fill the cluttered room behind. A crumpled blanket in the box shows the puppy has made himself at home.

We might call the pony Clover and the puppy Scout. The box is far too small for Clover, yet she seems to be giving it a very serious inspection, as if she, too, were thinking of climbing in.

Mixed-breed puppies, often called mutts, come in a wide variety of shapes and personalities, and many shelters have wonderful ones waiting for homes. Because the mix is not known, a vet check and a good training class are helpful for any new rescue. Puppies love boxes because they are cozy, but cardboard can also be chewed and swallowed, so offer chew toys and supervise. Ponies are curious animals and may investigate anything new with their lips and noses. Keep animals safe by clearing the floor of clutter, and make sure small things like socks and strings cannot be eaten.

Scout looks proud of his box, and Clover seems willing to share the credit. It is a quiet little victory for the box.