A Blue Merle Puppy Fell Asleep Beside the Porch Scarecrow
On the weathered boards of a porch, a blue merle puppy is sound asleep, his speckled grey coat and white paws curled neatly and his face tucked down. Next to him, a straw scarecrow in a plaid shirt and a small jack-o'-lantern keep watch. A pot of mums sits by the window, and the autumn sun is warm on the wood. The scarecrow's painted face smiles down at him, and a drift of leaves has collected by the porch rail.
Merle is a coat pattern seen in several herding breeds, including Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. These dogs are smart and active, and they need daily exercise and mental games. Puppies sleep a lot, often up to eighteen hours a day, since their bodies are growing quickly.
A puppy's nap is important, so it helps to give him a quiet, safe place to rest, even on a busy holiday. A porch is lovely on a mild day, but he should not be left outside alone, and shade, water, and a warm blanket make a difference. If the weather is chilly, it is time for indoors.
We can call him Dusty. The scarecrow is doing a fine job of standing guard, and the puppy is doing an even finer job of dreaming. Between the straw guard and the sleeping puppy, the porch is the most peaceful place on the street today.
