The Havanese Moved Over to Make Room in the Box

A black and white Havanese with a silky, flowing coat rests his chin beside an open cardboard box. Inside, five yellow ducklings are perched in a diagonal line, their little heads all pointing the same way. Warm sunlight pours through the window and across the wooden floor, glowing on the dog's fur and the ducklings' down. A houseplant, a laundry basket and a pair of slippers sit in the background, adding a cozy clutter to the afternoon.

Havanese dogs are small, friendly companions known for their long silky coats and sociable personalities. They are playful, affectionate and usually eager to be around their people, which makes them popular family dogs. Their long hair needs regular brushing to stay tangle-free. A box can serve as a temporary place for ducklings to rest, but it should be tall enough that they cannot jump out, and the bottom should be lined with a non-slip surface, since slick cardboard can be hard on little legs. A heat source is also needed, so talk to your vet about safe setups for young birds.

The dog looks quietly proud of his small group, keeping them close and calm. If a box can hold a whole family, this one certainly does, with room left over for gentle company. Gentle company can make even a plain box feel like a palace.