A Tiny Pug Cowboy Keeps Watch on the Porch at Dusk
A fawn Pug in a brown cowboy hat, a tiny denim vest and a red plaid bandana sits on the porch at dusk, looking sideways with big, round eyes. A jack-o'-lantern glows beside him and a lantern lights the wall above, while leaves dot the deck and the backyard fades into evening blue. He looks ready to ride into town, or at least to the edge of the porch.
Pugs are charming, sociable little dogs known for their wrinkled faces and clownish expressions. They usually adore people and attention, and many are happy to ham it up in costume. Because of their short noses, they can have trouble in warm weather or with heavy exercise, so shorter walks and shade are a good idea.
For a costume like this, make sure the hat has a secure but loose chin strap, or skip the strap and use it just for a quick photo. Check that the vest does not rub or restrict breathing, and look out for signs of overheating such as noisy panting. Jack-o'-lanterns lit with real candles can be a hazard to a curious dog's whiskers and fur, so use a battery light instead.
The hat is a little too big and the stare is a little too serious, and the result is perfect. Any outlaw in town would think twice about crossing this Pug.
