Someone Built a Hay Maze for Halloween. Entry Needs the Dalmatian's Approval.

Stacks of golden hay bales have been arranged into a homemade Halloween maze, and standing guard at the entrance is a very official-looking Dalmatian. The spotted dog sits upright in a black collar, head turned with a calm, appraising look, as if deciding whether each visitor has earned the right to enter. Fake cobwebs stretch between the bales, a grinning jack-o'-lantern sits on the steps beside a pot of mums, small pumpkins tuck into the corners, and a pair of boots and a pile of jackets wait by the porch. A warm sunset glow falls over the whole scene.

Dalmatians are lively, athletic dogs with a long history of working alongside horses and carriages, and they still have plenty of stamina today. They do best with active families who can provide daily exercise and consistent training. Halloween setups like hay mazes can be fun for the whole family, but they come with a few pet considerations. Fake cobwebs can tangle around legs or be swallowed, and loose straw may irritate eyes and noses. Candles inside jack-o'-lanterns can burn a curious nose or knock over easily, so battery-powered lights are the safer choice. Keep dogs leashed or supervised during busy neighborhood events.

With this sharp-eyed attendant on duty, nobody is getting lost in the maze tonight. The real question is whether the guard can be bribed with a dog biscuit.