The Schnauzer Fell Asleep by the Stove, and Six Kittens Joined Him
On a cream knit blanket in front of a black cast-iron wood stove, a Miniature Schnauzer has dozed off with his bearded chin resting on the floor. Pressed against his side, six tiny kittens, ginger, white, calico, gray tabby and black, are asleep in a heap of fur. Stacked logs, a wicker basket and a pale brick wall fill the corner behind them, and the wooden floor glows in the warm light. The scene is as quiet as a winter evening can be.
Winter evenings by the stove are a classic setting for pets, but safety is key. A wood stove should always have a sturdy guard if animals are nearby, because the metal can get hot enough to burn. Keep blankets a safe distance from the stove, and check regularly that the pets are not too close. Miniature Schnauzers are small, sturdy dogs with a wiry coat, and they are usually loyal and alert. Kittens need warmth, but they also need a safe temperature, so a gentle heat source like a heated pet pad designed for young animals can help. Talk to your vet about caring for a litter.
The Schnauzer looks like a dignified old watchman who has finally nodded off. The kittens are warm, the room is quiet, and the stove glows like a small sun. It is a calm scene worth settling into.
