Spots on the Dalmatian, Yellow Fluff in His Paws, and Everyone Fast Asleep
His eyes are closed, his head rests on the rug and his huge black-spotted paws are folded like two arms around a bundle of ducklings. The Dalmatian lies on his side, and in the space between his legs six yellow ducklings are sleeping or nearly asleep, some with their heads tucked into their fluff and some with eyes half open. Slippers and scattered laundry sit in the background.
Dalmatians are athletic, spotted dogs that were bred to run alongside carriages, which is why they have so much stamina. Puppies are actually born white and develop their spots as they grow. They need a lot of daily exercise and can be strong-willed, so training and companionship are important. Some Dalmatians are prone to hearing problems, so it helps to have a vet check it. Ducklings, meanwhile, sleep in a pile for warmth and comfort, and a calm dog like this one makes a safe-looking pillow. Even so, any dog and ducklings should be supervised, since a stretch or roll could hurt them.
The Dalmatian looks like a very large, very spotty quilt. His breathing is slow, and each time he exhales, a few ducklings rise and fall with it. It is a tender kind of trust, the sort that does not need words. The room is quiet, the rug is warm, and the whole bundle seems perfectly content to stay exactly as it is until somebody needs a snack.
