A Scruffy Rescue Puppy Sat Among the Presents Like the Best Gift of All
A scruffy brown-and-grey puppy sits right in the middle of a ring of gifts wrapped in brown paper, twine and sprigs of eucalyptus. His ears are a little uneven, his whiskers are wild, and his dark eyes look up with a hopeful, thoughtful expression. Above him, a tree with wooden ornaments, ribbon and soft white lights glows in the morning sun, and a stuffed bunny and a pair of slippers sit nearby.
Mixed-breed puppies are a delightful surprise, since no one is quite sure what they will grow up to look like. They often have the best of several breeds, and many are smart, affectionate and eager to bond with their new families. A rescue puppy may need time to settle in, so patience, routine and gentle introductions to new things make a big difference.
Presents under a tree can be tempting to a puppy. Wrapping paper, ribbon and twine may be chewed and swallowed, and some gifts contain food, candy or batteries that are dangerous for dogs. Place presents out of reach until the big day, or use a pet gate around the tree. Offer him his own toy or chew to keep him busy, and call your vet if he gets into something.
For now, he sits among the gifts, a cheerful little package himself. Whatever is inside those boxes, the best present of the year is surely the one sitting in the middle.
