The Dalmatian Hung Over the Garden Bed. Someone Small Hopped Up Beside Him.

The Dalmatian has parked his big spotted head right at the edge of a weathered wooden garden bed, and he is not alone. A small brown rabbit, whom we will call Clover, has hopped up to the same board and is peering over it with one ear tilted back. Their noses are only a few inches apart. Behind them the garden is in its early-spring mess: tiny lettuce leaves, damp soil, a blue watering can and a few clay pots leaning against the fence.

Dalmatians are athletic, clever dogs that were bred to run long distances, so a calm moment like this usually means someone has already given him a good walk. A tired dog is often a gentle one. Rabbits, on the other hand, are prey animals, which means sudden movement can frighten them even when the dog means well. If you ever want a dog and a rabbit to share space, let them meet slowly, keep the dog on a leash at first, and always give the rabbit a safe spot to retreat to. Never leave them alone together until you are sure of their body language, and talk to your vet if you have questions.

Here the two seem to have settled on a truce. The dog looks thoughtful, brows slightly raised, as if he is wondering why anyone would plant lettuce this small. Clover looks like she is deciding whether the spotted giant is a friend or just very large scenery. Either way, the garden bed makes a pretty good meeting table. Some friendships start over a fence, and this one seems to be starting over a few green sprouts.