A Schnauzer Puppy Slept Soundly Below Three Hanging Stockings
Fast asleep on a rug, a salt-and-pepper Miniature Schnauzer puppy rests his chin on the floor and lets his whiskers droop. Behind him, three knit stockings, one red, one cream, and one green, hang from a wooden mantel decorated with greenery and orange slices. A lamp glows softly, a teddy bear sits on the hearth, and the whole room is warm and peaceful. A set of reading glasses and a book rest on the hearth, which hints at a quiet family evening just before.
Miniature Schnauzers are small, sturdy dogs with wiry coats and bushy eyebrows. They are smart, lively, and often act as little watchdogs, so they bark at new things. Their coats need regular brushing and grooming, and they enjoy training and games. A puppy needs a lot of sleep, so a quiet corner is a gift.
If you hang stockings, keep them out of a puppy's reach, since he may pull them down and chew on anything inside. Candy, chocolate, and small toys can be hazards. A fireplace should have a screen, and a sleeping puppy should be kept at a safe distance from heat and sparks.
With the stockings hung and the room still, he sleeps deeply, and the only thing missing is a small, sleepy snore. There is a very particular kind of peace in a house where a puppy sleeps by the stockings, and this scene captures it well.
