The Kids' Table Got a Very Serious New Guest With Brown Eyebrows

He has been given a chair, and he is sitting in it like a true gentleman. A black and tan Rottweiler puppy perches on a wooden chair with a blue cushion, his front paws side by side and his brown eyebrows raised. The kids' table in front of him is a happy mess of crayons, paper turkeys, a glass of water, small pumpkins and a book, and behind him a window lets in the glow of late afternoon.

Rottweilers are strong, loyal and affectionate with their families, and they often grow into steady, protective dogs. They are also powerful, so puppies need early, kind training and plenty of socialization with children, other animals and new places. Children and dogs should always be supervised together, and kids can learn to be gentle, avoid pulling ears or tails and give a dog space when he is eating or resting. A puppy on a chair is fine for a photo, but a fall can hurt a growing dog, so keep jumping from furniture to a minimum. Ask your vet about how to protect developing joints in large breeds.

For now, he has the best seat at the children's table, and everyone is happy to share it. The turkey is on its way, the paper decorations are drying and the most well-mannered guest is already waiting.