The Little Elf Hat Stayed On Longer Than Anyone Expected
Nobody told the little Bichon that elves are supposed to be busy. He sits perfectly still instead, round dark eyes fixed on the room, a green felt hat with a white pom-pom perched on his cloud of white curls. A scalloped red collar frames his chin, and the whole outfit looks like it was made for exactly his size. Behind him a Christmas tree glows by the window, a plaid blanket is heaped on the sofa, and a few toys lie where they were dropped.
Bichon Frises are small, cheerful dogs known for a friendly, people-loving nature, and their curly white coats take real upkeep. Regular brushing keeps the curls from matting, and many owners schedule professional grooming every few weeks. If you dress a puppy up for the holidays, keep it brief and watch for signs of discomfort, such as freezing, pawing at the costume or tucking the tail. Make sure nothing covers the eyes or restricts movement, and skip costumes with small dangling pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed. A few treats and some praise help a young dog link new clothing with good things.
This elf seems to be taking the job seriously, or at least the posing part of it. Whether the hat stays on for another minute or five, the sweet, steady stare says he has already won over everyone in the house, and the cookies on the coffee table are probably safe for now.
