A Droopy-Eared Basset Hound Napped in the Hay Beside Sleeping Kittens
A lemon-and-white Basset Hound lies in a bed of straw, his long ears spilling over and his droopy eyes nearly closed. Beside his paws are kittens, gray, ginger, calico and black-and-white, curled together and asleep. A blue basket and a doorway with a light-colored wall sit in the background. The hay is a little ruffled where each of them has turned and settled.
We can call the Basset Waldo. His wrinkly face looks serious even in sleep, and his big paw rests lightly on a kitten, as if he were holding a favorite toy. The straw rustles gently as they breathe. It is the very picture of peace.
Basset Hounds are calm, gentle dogs that are known for their droopy faces and long, velvety ears. They need their ears cleaned regularly, since moisture can lead to infections, and they gain weight easily, so keep an eye on portions and exercise. Straw makes a warm, springy bed, but it can be dusty, so keep it dry and clean. Kittens should always have a place to retreat from a large dog, and a dog's paw can be heavy, so supervise carefully. Ask your vet for tips on keeping a dog and kittens healthy together.
Waldo and the kittens are all in the middle of a long, peaceful nap. Nobody has a thing to do.
