A Yellow Lab Puppy Hugs a Sleeping Pony Between His Big Paws

A yellow Labrador puppy has stretched out on a soft green blanket with his eyes shut and his head resting on his paws. Right between those big paws, a small dark pony has nestled in with his head tucked low and his shaggy forelock draped across his face. The puppy's paws look like a pair of heavy, warm hugging arms. A tote bag, a clog and a basket of yarn sit in the background, which makes it feel like a cozy corner of a mudroom.

Labrador puppies sleep a lot, often up to eighteen to twenty hours a day when they are very young, because growing takes a lot of energy. A regular schedule, a quiet resting place and a safe bed all help. Labs are also known for their love of people and their sense of fun, so it's no surprise that they love snuggling up. Ponies lie down for short rests as well, though they sleep for much shorter spells than dogs do, since they're prey animals by nature. A comfortable and safe place to rest is important for both of them.

The two of them look completely tucked in. The puppy's big paws work as a blanket, the pony's face is totally relaxed, and the corner of the room is hushed. If you listened closely, you could almost hear them breathing together.