One Steel Bowl, One Thirsty Beagle, and a Very Pink Neighbor

Thirst has brought two friends to the same steel bowl. A lemon and white Beagle bends over the water with his long ears hanging down, tongue just touching the surface and sending out little ripples. Right beside him, a pink piglet dips her snout in, whiskers wet and eyes half closed. The hallway behind them is cozy and a bit cluttered, with a sofa, a basket of blankets, and a pair of slippers on the floor.

Fresh water matters for every animal, and sharing a bowl is a good sign that the two get along well. Still, it is wise to give pets their own bowls when possible, and to wash them daily, since shared bowls can spread germs. Beagles are enthusiastic drinkers and eaters, so keep an eye on their water and meals. Pigs need plenty of clean water, too, and a young pig can easily knock a lightweight bowl over, so a heavy steel or ceramic one is a good choice. If you notice either animal drinking far more or far less than usual, mention it to your vet.

Let's call the piglet Pearl. She has taken to copying the Beagle in everything, and drinking is no exception. He slurps, she slurps. He pauses, she pauses. It is a tiny thing, two animals sharing water on an ordinary afternoon, but it speaks volumes about how comfortable they have grown with each other.