Bean Put On His Elf Hat and Reported for Duty

With a little green elf hat balanced on top of his fluffy head, the scruffy black and white puppy gazes off into the distance with wide, serious eyes. The collar of his elf costume has a gold bell and red trim, and his whiskers stick out in every direction. Behind him, a sofa is covered with blankets and toys, a box of tissue paper sits on the floor, and a green plaid blanket peeks out from the side.

Mixed-breed rescue puppies are often a delightful surprise package. They can have unpredictable looks and personalities, but many are friendly, adaptable, and eager to bond with their new families. A first Christmas is a big adventure, with new smells, noises, and decorations, so it helps to keep routines steady, offer a quiet bed to retreat to, and reward calm behavior.

If your puppy wears a costume, choose something soft and loose that doesn't cover his eyes or restrict his breathing. Bells can be a choking hazard if they come loose, so check that they're sewn on tightly. Keep dress-up sessions brief, offer treats, and take the outfit off if your puppy seems stressed. Your vet can answer questions about how to keep a young dog comfortable and safe during the holidays.

We'll call him Bean. He's still figuring out what an elf is, but he's quite sure it's a very important job.