The Curtain Came Down and an Australian Shepherd Wore It Like a Cape
Long strips of torn beige curtain drape across the shoulders of a blue merle Australian Shepherd, who wears them like a very untidy cape. His pale eyes are huge, his speckled face is turned straight ahead, and the fabric hangs from his head in a ragged hood. A metal bowl, a basket of toys, and a sofa sit behind him. It looks as though he started an adventure and the curtain came along.
Australian Shepherds are very smart dogs who love to run, climb, and herd anything that moves, including curtains swaying in the breeze. They need a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation, and they do best in homes with space to move and a task to do. A bored Aussie may invent his own jobs, such as pulling at fabric. Giving him a puzzle toy, a long walk, or a game of fetch can use up that energy. Loose fabric can be dangerous if swallowed or wrapped around the neck, so call your vet if he eats any and stay close when he plays near hanging cloth.
He seems unsure whether to be proud or embarrassed, and he is looking for a sign. The curtain will need replacing, and the cape will need removing. But as a costume, it is a bold choice, and he wears it with surprising style.
