Gray Sat Quietly While the Family Tore Into the Presents

In the foreground, the silver Weimaraner sits still and watches, his amber eyes thoughtful and his ears drooping. Just behind him, a bearded man, a woman, and a boy in a green plaid shirt tear into gifts with torn wrapping paper scattered over the rug. A tree glows by the window, stockings hang from the mantel, and plates of cookies wait on the coffee table. A candle glows on the mantel, and a mug sits on a side table next to a lamp, making the room feel extra snug.

Weimaraners are devoted, athletic dogs who like to be part of everything their family does. They're sometimes called velcro dogs, and a morning like this is exactly when they want to be close by. Their energy is high, so a good walk or play session before the gift opening can help them stay calm during the excitement, and a toy or a chew of their own lets them participate.

Wrapping paper and ribbon are the main hazards on a morning like this. A dog can swallow tape, ribbon, or small gift parts, and some presents, like batteries or food, can be dangerous too. Picking up scraps as you go and keeping new items away from the dog is a good plan. A good chew in his own spot can keep him happily busy while the gift wrapping flies.

We'll call him Gray. He's patiently waiting for his turn, and he's quite sure something in the pile has his name on it.