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A sable German Shepherd rests on a wooden floor while a small brown rabbit perches on his back in the sunlight. 31 / 35

The Shepherd Stayed Perfectly Still While a Tiny Climber Reached the Top

AI imagegerman shepherdrabbitliving room

The big German Shepherd has stretched out on the floor in a patch of sun, his chin lowered to the boards and his dark, thoughtful eyes looking sideways. High on his back, balanced like a tiny explorer on a mountain, is Clover, the little brown rabbit. Her ears are tilted and her paws grip his thick fur. A sofa and a plaid blanket sit in the background, and warm light pours in through the window.

German Shepherds are known for intelligence, loyalty and a strong desire to work, so many are very trainable and responsive. They also tend to be calm with those they trust, which is clear here. Their double coat sheds a lot, so regular brushing is part of owning one. A Shepherd lying still for a small animal usually reflects good training and a gentle nature. Even so, a rabbit's spine and legs are fragile, so it is safest if she stays close to the floor and is never lifted or dropped. Check with your vet for any questions about safe play between large dogs and small pets.

There is real dignity in the dog's patience. He does not twitch, sigh or move a paw, as though aware of the cargo on his back. Clover surveys the room from her high ground like a lookout on a ridge. It is a sweet, slow-motion adventure, and the Shepherd seems perfectly content to be a mountain for as long as she wants one.

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