The Puppy Was Told to Wait by the Door. He Took the Job Seriously.

A fluffy cream puppy sits squarely on the doormat, tiny chest puffed out, as if he has been appointed official greeter of the house. Behind him, a dark green door wears a wreath of pine, pinecones, red berries, and a soft tan ribbon. Winter sun lands on his wavy coat and turns the tips of his ears a toasty gold, and a small potted evergreen waits patiently in the corner.

Let's call him Biscuit. His dark eyes are fixed on whoever is about to come up the walk, and his head is tilted just slightly, the way puppies do when they are listening for footsteps. A few dry leaves have blown onto the mat, but he has not moved a whisker.

Havanese are a small, sturdy breed known for being cheerful and people-oriented, and they tend to want to be wherever the family is. That makes a porch post a surprisingly natural spot for one. They also have a long, silky coat that needs regular brushing, since tangles form quickly, especially behind the ears. If your puppy waits outside in cold weather, keep visits short, because small dogs lose warmth faster than larger ones. Wreaths deserve a little caution too: berries, pinecones, and ribbon can upset a tummy if a curious puppy chews them, so hang decorations out of reach.

For now, Biscuit has everything he needs: a warm patch of sunshine, a festive door, and the certainty that somebody wonderful is just about to open it.