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A black tricolor Australian Shepherd lies on a window seat beside a line of six yellow ducklings on the sill. 19 / 22

Six Ducklings Lined Up on the Windowsill Next to an Aussie

AI imageaustralian shepherdducklingssunny windowsill

Sunlight spills in through a sheer curtain, and on the wide wooden sill a line of six yellow ducklings basks in the glow. Next to them lies an Australian Shepherd with a glossy black, white and copper coat, his front paws crossed over the edge of the cushion. His amber eyes are focused on something beyond the frame and his ears are relaxed. A plant, a plaid blanket and a few jars sit in the corner, giving the room a quiet, homey look.

Australian Shepherds are smart, hardworking herding dogs, and they love having a job to do. A watchful Aussie may seem to be standing guard, but herding instincts can lead to nudging or nipping at small animals, so supervision is vital. Ducklings need warmth, but a sunny windowsill is not a safe place to keep them for long, because glass can heat up quickly and they can fall. A proper brooder with controlled temperature is best. Provide your dog with mental exercise like puzzle toys and training to keep that busy mind happy, and ask your vet about safe ways to introduce a herding breed to birds.

This Aussie looks like a thoughtful lookout, with his charges lined up beside him in the sun. For the moment, both dog and ducklings seem satisfied to watch the world together.

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