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A gold and white Shih Tzu puppy pulls at a red ribbon on a wrapped gift on a sunny wooden floor. 19 / 21

A Shih Tzu Puppy Took on a Red Ribbon and Refused to Let Go

AI imageshih tzuchristmasribbon

One paw is firmly on the ribbon, and a gold-and-white Shih Tzu puppy tugs at it with a mouth full of red satin. Her coat is fluffy, her ears are long, and her eyes are mostly hidden behind a soft fringe. The present she is working on is wrapped in brown paper, and bright sun makes the floorboards glow. Behind her is a sofa with a gray blanket, a plant, and some shoes by the door.

Ribbon is a favorite puppy toy, but it can be risky. If a puppy swallows a piece, it can cause a serious blockage, so supervise gift opening, and trade the ribbon for a safe toy when you can. Shih Tzus are small, friendly dogs that love people and play, and they were bred to be companions. Their long coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats, and the hair around their eyes may need trimming. Check with your vet or groomer about how to keep a long coat comfortable.

She looks determined and thrilled. The ribbon is her opponent, and the present is her prize. A little wrestling match on a sunny floor is the best entertainment for a puppy, and she plays with her whole heart, ears flopping. Pieces of the paper have already come loose, and the ribbon is stretched taut between her teeth and the box.

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