A Rottweiler Puppy Sits Quietly Among Rose Petals and Broken Porcelain

With big dark eyes and a tilted head, a black and tan Rottweiler puppy sits among scattered pink rose petals and pieces of a broken porcelain pitcher. The blue-and-white fragments lie across the wooden floor, and a few roses lie where they fell, their stems bent and their petals loose. The puppy's glossy coat shines, his tan eyebrows lift in worry, and his paws sit neatly together.

Behind him, a wicker basket holds blankets, a stuffed gray bunny lies against the wall, and a plant stands near a window. Soft daylight warms the floor. We'll call him Brutus, a big name for a very small puppy. He looks as if he is trying to be as sweet as possible and hoping the roses will forgive him.

Rottweiler puppies are sturdy, clumsy, and endlessly curious, and they grow up to be strong, loyal dogs. Early training and socialization are very important for the breed, as is plenty of gentle exercise. Broken ceramic is a real hazard, since sharp pieces can cut paws and mouths, so keep him away from the area until the floor is swept and vacuumed. Roses are generally less harmful than some other flowers, though thorns can scratch, and many bouquets contain other flowers that can be toxic, such as lilies. If he chewed flowers or ceramic, call your vet. Puppy-proofing means placing vases high and offering him plenty of chew toys in their place.

Brutus sits quietly in the petals, a sweet-faced puppy who very much hopes that nobody is mad.