The Chocolate Poodle Became a Warm Shelter for Five Kittens
Fresh snow has dusted the yard, and the chocolate-brown Poodle lies in it with her curly coat looking like a warm wool blanket. Her gentle brown eyes look down at the five kittens that have burrowed into her chest, ginger, gray tabby, black and calico, all with their eyes closed and their paws tucked in. A garden hose, a pair of work boots and a pile of dry leaves lie behind them on the frosty ground, and a door stands open to a snowy porch. The Poodle holds still, like a warm, living hearth.
Poodles are intelligent, active dogs with a curly coat that sheds very little but needs regular grooming. They come in several sizes and are often gentle and eager to please. Kittens, however, are not built for snow. Very young kittens cannot hold their body heat well, so outdoor time in cold weather can be dangerous, and they should be kept in a warm, dry place. A picture like this is best enjoyed from a distance. If you ever find kittens in the cold, bring them inside and talk to a vet about warming and feeding them safely.
The Poodle's gentle face makes it easy to imagine how safe those kittens feel. She is a warm, curly shelter against a cold day, and the snow can wait.
