Frost Covered the Window and Two Friends Stayed Warm Inside

Frost has drawn lacy white ferns across the glass, and two friends sit close to watch the winter outside. A blue merle Australian Shepherd with a freckled gray and black coat gazes toward the window, his copper-colored eyebrows adding a touch of warmth. Next to him on a chunky knit blanket, a small brown bunny named Clover sits tall, her ears alert and her attention fixed on the frozen scene.

A lamp glows on the right, casting an amber light on the sill, and a gray throw hangs over a shelf. Beyond the glass, bare branches and snow fade into the blue dusk. It is the kind of cozy room that makes you glad to be indoors.

Australian Shepherds have double coats that can handle cold weather, but they still enjoy a warm place to curl up after being outside. They are active and smart, so winter days spent indoors can leave them restless. Puzzle toys, short training sessions, and indoor games can help burn off energy. Rabbits generally tolerate cold better than heat, but they should be kept out of drafts and given dry, warm bedding in winter. If your pets spend time outside, check their paws for ice or salt, which can irritate skin. Your vet can help you prepare for the colder months.

The cold can stay on the other side of the glass. In here, a soft blanket and a good friend are all the winter you need.