A Boston Terrier and Six Kittens Studied the Hens Through the Fence

A black-and-white Boston Terrier sits tall beside a wire fence, his large ears pointing up and his dark eyes watching the other side. Squeezed next to him are six tiny kittens, in ginger, cream, gray and black-and-white, all peering through the wire as well. Beyond the fence, a red hen strolls past and a white one pecks at the ground, with a coop in the background. The wire casts tiny diamond shadows across their faces.

We can call the Boston Terrier Waffles. He looks like a tiny gentleman on guard, and the kittens look like a small audience. Not one of them seems to blink. Their tails twitch in unison.

Boston Terriers are friendly, lively dogs that are often called the American Gentleman because of their tuxedo-like coat and polite manner. They are affectionate and love company, and they need moderate exercise. Short noses make them sensitive to heat, so keep them cool. If you have chickens, keep fences secure and supervise the kittens and the dog around the birds, because even friendly cats and dogs may chase or injure poultry. Wash hands after handling birds, and ask your vet about parasite prevention for pets that spend time around a coop.

Waffles and the kittens are enjoying a very good show, and the hens have no idea. Perhaps one day the hens will take a bow.