The Boston Terrier Puppy Wore Himself Out on a Pile of Wrapping Paper

After the big unwrapping, there is one tired customer. A brindle and white puppy has laid his round head on a heap of crumpled green wrapping paper, eyes closed, wrinkled chin squished against a snowflake print. His small paws are tucked beneath him, and his stripey coat blends with the shadows of the evening room.

Behind him, a side table is cluttered with books, mugs, and a lamp, a couch is draped with a gray blanket, and pinecones and green garland lie scattered along the floor. The scene is dim and cozy, the way a living room looks when the day's excitement is over. We'll call him Bean. He is out for the count.

Puppies can fall asleep almost anywhere, especially after a lot of activity, and a pile of soft paper can be surprisingly comfortable. It is still smart to clear the area while he rests. Wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, and bows can cause stomach upset or a blockage if swallowed, so as soon as he wakes up, scoop the scraps into a bag. Boston Terriers are friendly, adaptable little dogs, and young ones can wear themselves out quickly. They do best with short bursts of play and plenty of rest. Their short noses also mean they can overheat, so make sure he has a cool place to nap. If you see signs of trouble breathing, call your vet right away.

Bean snoozes through the rustling and the clean-up. Presents are fun, but a nap on the paper may be the best gift of all.