A Bichon Puppy Got the Best View in the House Beside the Tree Star

A man in a soft grey sweatshirt smiles up as he lifts a fluffy white Bichon Frise puppy toward the golden star at the top of a Christmas tree. The puppy dangles in his hands with his paws in the air, his dark eyes looking calmly ahead and his curls glowing in the warm light. Wooden ornaments, golden baubles and tiny lights decorate the branches, while framed photos and cushions fill the room behind.

Bichon Frises are small, cheerful companions with soft curly coats and a happy, social temperament. They enjoy attention, adapt well to family life and are often quite playful. Their coat needs regular brushing and grooming, and puppies do best with gentle handling and early training so that they feel safe being picked up.

When lifting a small puppy, support his chest and hindquarters so his body is secure and he is not dangling by his front legs. Hold him close and keep him low enough that a wriggle won't lead to a long fall. Short, calm lifts help puppies learn to feel safe in your hands. For a tree-trimming moment like this, keep ornaments and lights out of reach, since puppies may chew them.

The star is just above his nose, and the whole tree is within sight. He may not know what the star is for, but he looks glad to be a part of it.