A Brindle Shih Tzu Froze Mid-Chew Beside an Old Leather Chair

The leather chair has seen better days, and the little dog next to it knows exactly why. A brindle Shih Tzu sits beside the armrest with a ragged strip of leather caught in his whiskers, his dark eyes wide and his tiny nose scrunched. The brown leather is scratched, peeling, and pulled into curls where he has been working, while a few dried flakes sit on the floor near his paws.

Behind him, a gray knitted blanket peeks from the chair, a pair of slippers rests on a rug, and the pale wall is lit by soft window light. We'll call him Gus. His fluffy beard and expressive eyebrows give him the look of an old gentleman who has just been caught in the middle of an argument with a chair.

Shih Tzus were bred to be companions, and they usually thrive on closeness and attention. Chewing and scratching furniture is often a sign of boredom, teething, or a lack of exercise, so short walks, play sessions, and interactive toys can help. Leather itself isn't harmful in small amounts, but swallowing chunks can upset the stomach or cause a blockage, so call your vet if you think he ate a piece. Protect your favorite chair with a throw, offer a durable chew toy nearby, and praise him when he chooses it. Their long coats also need regular grooming to keep them comfortable.

Gus holds still, eyes round, sure that the chair started the whole thing.