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A gold and white Shih Tzu with wide eyes holds a badly chewed blue slipper in its mouth in a small entryway. 16 / 31

A Shih Tzu Froze With a Badly Chewed Slipper in His Mouth

AI imageshih tzuchewed slippercaught in the act

Frozen with a ragged slipper in his mouth, a gold and white Shih Tzu stares up with eyes as wide as saucers. The slipper is blue, frayed at the edges, and trailing a few torn threads, and he holds it gently as if it might break. His fluffy cream face is topped with a tuft of white, and his tiny black nose is just visible above the evidence.

Behind him, a woven basket overflows with laundry, a bag leans against the wall, a gray slipper sits nearby, and a potted plant fills the corner of the room. The wood-look floor is cool and calm. We'll call him Pip. He knows he's been caught, and he has decided to stay perfectly still in case that helps.

Chewing is natural for dogs, and slippers are the perfect target: soft, smelling strongly of their person, and just the right size. Puppies chew while teething, and adult dogs chew from boredom, anxiety, or habit. The danger comes when pieces are swallowed, since fabric and rubber can cause blockages that need veterinary attention. Keep shoes and slippers in a closet or on a high shelf, and offer an appealing alternative, such as a chew toy. Shih Tzus are affectionate companion dogs with long, flowing coats, and they like to be near their people. Daily play and a bit of company can go a long way toward preventing naughty habits. If he swallowed fabric, call your vet.

Pip holds his prize, wide-eyed and still, and trusts that his charm will do the rest.

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