A Shih Tzu Puppy Sat Down Next to the Pumpkin at Dusk
Dusk has settled outside the glass door, and inside the hallway a lit jack-o'-lantern throws a warm orange glow across the floor. Beside it sits a black and white Shih Tzu puppy with a scruffy little face, looking off to one side with quiet curiosity. A plaid blanket in a basket, a jacket on a hook and a houseplant on the shelf give the entryway a cozy, lived-in look.
A glowing pumpkin is a lovely part of Halloween, and the safest way to light one around a pet is with a battery-powered LED candle. Real flames can be knocked over by a wagging tail or a curious paw, and a puppy might get burned or start a fire. Keep any decorations with cords, batteries or small parts out of chewing range, and place lit pumpkins on a surface the dog can't tip over.
Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs, and that is exactly how most of them behave. They are generally affectionate, friendly and happy to follow their people from room to room. Their long, silky coat needs frequent brushing to stay tangle-free, and many owners keep it trimmed in a puppy cut. Short walks and gentle play are usually plenty of exercise for this small breed.
Tonight the puppy seems perfectly content to sit by the glow. It's a quiet, warm moment before the doorbell starts ringing.
