A Blue-Eyed Husky Kept Watch Over Kittens Beside a Frosty Window

Frost patterns bloom across the window glass while a black-and-white Siberian Husky lies inside, his pale blue eyes watching us and his chin lowered to a litter of kittens. They are curled in a soft blanket, calico, ginger, gray and black, huddled together in a warm heap. A wicker basket of laundry, a pair of slippers and a plant sit close. The room is quiet except for the tiny breaths of the kittens, and a warm light fills the corner.

We could call the Husky Aspen. His thick coat was made for the snow outside, but he has chosen a spot indoors to protect his new friends. His head tilts toward them and he stays very still. Outside the frost keeps growing.

Siberian Huskies were bred to run in the cold, with thick double coats and plenty of stamina. They are friendly, energetic and talkative dogs, and they need a lot of exercise and company. Because Huskies have a strong prey drive, careful introductions to small animals are important, and kittens should never be left alone with them. In winter, kittens need warmth and shelter, so keep nests away from cold windows and drafts. A soft blanket and a quiet corner help them stay cozy, and your vet can advise on feeding and health.

Aspen and the kittens look as though winter has only made them closer. Outside it is cold, but in here it is anything but.