The Shih Tzu Hopped Into the Old Cart. The Ducklings Took the Back Row.
Perched on the end of a worn green cart, a tan and white Shih Tzu looks out at the world with her hair swept to one side and a hint of surprise in her dark eyes. Along the rim of the cart beside her, six yellow ducklings sit in a neat diagonal, each one nearly the size of her paw. The yard behind them is a jumble of old boards and flowerpots, glowing in warm late sun.
Shih Tzus were bred as companions, so they tend to be friendly, affectionate, and happy to ride along wherever their people go. Their long, silky coat needs frequent brushing and regular trims, and the hair around the eyes should be kept tidy so it doesn't irritate them. Ducklings, for their part, grow astonishingly fast, and a spot that fits six this week may be too small a few weeks later. Rough metal edges should always be padded or checked.
The Shih Tzu's calm face makes the scene feel like a tiny bus stop, with the ducklings waiting patiently and the dog serving as a very fluffy driver who has not yet decided where to go.
Whichever direction the cart might roll, the passengers seem content to stay put. The light is warm, the company is soft, and the ride, however long it lasts, is going to be a gentle one.






