A Small White Puppy Disappeared Into a Pile of Autumn Leaves
The leaves are so deep that the little white puppy almost disappears in them. A fluffy Maltese puppy sits in a thick drift of gold, brown, and red autumn leaves, looking up with dark button eyes and a small tilted head. Leaning in from the right, Pepper the shaggy brown pony lowers his soft nose toward the puppy for a careful sniff.
The living room behind them is warmly cluttered: a couch with a plaid blanket, a woven basket, a pair of boots, and a plant on a table. The leaves cover nearly every inch of the floor. The two of them seem to have the whole season to themselves, and the puppy's white coat stands out like a snowball among the colors.
Maltese puppies are small, fluffy, and sweet, but they are also delicate and need gentle handling. Their silky coats tangle easily, and leaves and burrs can get stuck, so brush after outdoor play. Piles of leaves are fun but may hide hazards such as damp mold, sharp sticks, or things a puppy should not eat, so supervise play. Ponies can be startled by small animals darting around their feet, so a quiet, careful greeting is best. Ask your vet for tips on introducing a small puppy to a larger animal.
The leaves crunch softly and the sniff is polite. Autumn is made for the careful hellos of new friends.
