A Shih Tzu Puppy and a Pony Had to Share One Little Water Bowl

The metal water bowl is far too small for two, but nobody has told that to the Shih Tzu puppy and the shaggy brown pony. He laps from one side with his whiskers dripping, and she sips from the other, her big nose nearly filling the bowl. The floor is wooden, a laundry basket sits in the corner and a bit of daylight spills in from a window. It is the quietest kind of friendship, built on sharing something very small.

Fresh water is one of the most important things for any pet. Dogs usually need to drink throughout the day, and the bowl should be cleaned regularly to prevent germs from building up. Shih Tzus have long facial hair, which can get wet and dirty from drinking, so many owners keep the face trimmed or wipe it after meals. Ponies can drink a lot more than a dog, and their water needs to stay clean and unfrozen. Sharing a bowl is generally fine for healthy animals, but if one is ill, separate bowls are safer. If you notice that your pet is drinking much more or less than usual, talk to your vet, since changes can signal a health problem. Good habits begin with an always-full bowl.

There is plenty of water to go around, and a lot of patience too. A small bowl is no obstacle to two good friends.