The Lowest Ornament on the Tree Didn't Stay There Long Once Pickle Arrived
Up on its hind legs with its front paws on a branch, a dapple Dachshund puppy has caught a shiny red ornament in its mouth. Its coat is a mottled blend of gray, black, and tan, and its long ears swing as it leans in. Pine needles brush its nose, and afternoon sun pours in through the window, lighting up pinecones and more red balls. Behind the puppy, a gray armchair with a green blanket and a basket of throws sit in a tidy room.
Dachshunds are curious, determined, and surprisingly athletic for a dog with such short legs. Standing up on hind legs puts a strain on that long back, so try to discourage a puppy from making a habit of it, and consider a tree gate or a small fence. Glass ornaments can shatter into sharp pieces and small ornaments can be swallowed, so keep the lowest branches free of fragile decorations. A few shatterproof balls and a toy to trade are a happy compromise, and your vet can advise you if a pup swallows anything.
Our little ornament hunter, perhaps named Pickle, is clearly very proud of the catch. His eyes are bright and his paws are firm on the branch. The tree has weathered worse, and the room is full of cheerful light. Sometimes a puppy simply cannot walk past something that shiny, and who can blame him?
