The Chihuahua Looked as Shocked by the Hole as Everyone Else
The black and tan Chihuahua sits very upright in a trench of freshly turned soil, with big, round eyes and tall ears that look like they are listening to the whole yard at once. Little green sprouts lie uprooted around her tiny paws, and a clay pot has tipped over nearby. A trowel, a pair of gardening gloves, and a blue watering can wait at the edge of the bed, as though the gardener had just stepped away.
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, but they have a huge, bold spirit and often act as if they are much bigger than they are. Many terrier-type dogs love to dig, and even tiny dogs can move a surprising amount of soil. Cold ground and loose earth can also hide hazards, such as fertilizers, slug pellets, and sharp tools, so it is wise to keep these out of reach and to call your vet if your dog eats anything unusual. A small sand patch can give a digging dog a legal spot of her own.
She holds her expression of astonishment so carefully that it is hard to know whether she is surprised by the hole or by being caught. Perhaps she has decided the best defense is to look as startled as everyone else. The garden may need a new start, but the little gardener looks healthy and bright. Her only regret seems to be that nobody offered her a tiny hat and a pair of gloves.
