A Giant White Fluff Dressed as a Pumpkin and Grinned at the Door

A big white fluff of a dog sits on the doorstep wearing a puffy orange pumpkin costume, topped with a green stem and leaf on his head. His coat is thick as a snowdrift, his dark nose is slightly pink in the middle, and his mouth is open in the soft, curved smile the breed is known for. Around him are scattered shoes, pine cones, and bright autumn leaves, and a dark mat sits on the stoop. Behind him, the window reflects the colors of the season. Let's call him Cloud, the fluffiest pumpkin in town.

The Samoyed's smile is famous. The corners of the mouth turn up naturally, which helps keep the drool from freezing in the cold, and the dogs are known for being cheerful and friendly. They were bred in Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds, so they have energy, a thick double coat, and a love of company. They shed heavily, especially seasonally, and need frequent brushing. Heat can be hard on them, so keep them cool, with shade and water on mild days.

For a thick-coated dog, any costume can be warm, so keep the dress-up brief and skip it entirely on mild days. Check that the outfit doesn't squeeze his chest or restrict the legs, and watch for panting or restlessness, which are signs it's time to take it off. A hat with a stem is easy to chew, so keep an eye on it. A quick photo and a treat is plenty, and a good brushing afterward helps to untangle any fluff that got squashed.

Cloud sits on the stoop looking pleased with himself. A fluffy pumpkin with a smile is a hard thing to resist.