A Tiny Chihuahua in a Santa Hat Claimed the Spot by the Fire
The fire is crackling, the stockings are hanging, and a small fawn Chihuahua wearing a red Santa hat sits right in the middle of the rug. The hat's white fur trim sits just above big, dark, soulful eyes, and the ears stick out to the sides. Behind the dog, the brick fireplace glows with real flames, and a mantel is draped in evergreen, pinecones, and cream stockings. A gift wrapped in brown paper, a plush toy, a mug, and a pair of slippers share the room.
Chihuahuas are tiny, feel the cold easily, and love warmth, so a spot near the fireplace is exactly where they want to be. Still, a lit fireplace calls for caution: a screen or guard keeps sparks and curious noses away, and dogs should never be left alone near an open flame. Small dogs can also overheat or get too close to heat without noticing, so keep their beds a safe distance away. Hats should fit gently and come off quickly. If the dog shakes, paws at it, or freezes, remove it. Check with your vet about the best way to keep a small dog comfortable in winter.
We could call this little elf Pepper. She looks like the star of the living room, even though she is probably smaller than the nearest slipper. The fire pops, the hat stays put, and she seems utterly satisfied, an extremely small holiday icon.
