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A red wire-haired Dachshund sleeps on a striped rug beside a row of yellow ducklings. 4 / 36

The Dachshund Fell Asleep, and the Ducklings Lined Up Next to His Nose

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On a striped cotton rug by the weathered porch, a red Dachshund has fallen into a deep sleep, his long nose resting on the weave and his ears draped like velvet curtains. Right beside him, a short line of fuzzy yellow ducklings sits tucked up in a row, each bill pointed toward the front. A metal watering can and a gray wooden wall make a rustic backdrop.

Dachshunds were bred in Germany to follow badgers into burrows, and that tunneling instinct explains why they love burrowing into blankets and cozy spots. Their long backs are delicate, so jumping off high furniture or going up and down stairs a lot can strain their spine. A supportive bed and a ramp can help. Ducklings, too, love a warm huddle, and they can chill quickly if separated from their group. Whenever a dog and baby birds share space, keep it brief, gentle and supervised. Your vet can give personal advice about keeping a long-backed dog healthy.

There is something endearing in the dog's sleep. He looks like an old uncle who has dozed off on a porch swing, while the ducklings behave like very small, very well-mannered nieces. No one is peeping or tugging. Everyone is warm, the rug is soft, and the afternoon moves slowly past. If a Dachshund can look like a patient guardian, this is the picture.

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