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A salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer sits beside stacked firewood, a basket and a cluster of pumpkins by a back door. 5 / 22

Otis Guarded the Woodpile Like It Was His Full-Time Job

AI imageminiature schnauzerthanksgivingback porch

Just inside the back entry, a stack of split firewood leans against the wall, and a tidy cluster of pumpkins and a little green squash sits beside it. A salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer named Otis has parked himself right between them, ears folded, beard neat, gazing off to the side as though something interesting just happened in the yard. A pair of worn leather boots, a woven basket and a plaid throw complete the cozy scene.

Miniature Schnauzers are sturdy little dogs that were bred to watch over farms and keep an eye out for visitors, so a post near the door suits them. Their wiry coat needs regular brushing and occasional trimming to stay comfortable, and a thick beard can collect bits of food and water, so wiping it after meals is a nice habit. Around holiday decorations, remember that pumpkins and gourds meant for display can be moldy or sprayed with preservatives, and dogs should not chew on them. Firewood can also carry splinters, so a gentle check of those paws is never a bad idea.

Otis seems to take his job very seriously. Whether he is guarding the logs for the evening fire or just enjoying the smell of fall, he looks like the sort of dog who knows exactly where everything belongs. Come dinner time, he will be the first to notice who is coming up the steps.

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