The Samoyed Astronomer Studied the Stars and Smiled About It

Fluffy as a snowdrift, this white Samoyed has the famous Samoyed smile, with dark eyes and a gentle, curved mouth. A black beret sparkling with tiny stars sits on his head, and his midnight-blue coat is stitched with constellations, crescent moons and little gold stars. At his side stands a brass orrery, a model of orbiting rings and spheres, glowing softly in the dark. White lace peeks out at his collar, and his thick ruff of fur looks as soft as clouds. The tiny stars on his coat are stitched in gold thread, and the brass rings of the orrery gleam with a warm, steady light.

Samoyeds were bred in Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds, and their thick white double coat kept them warm in extreme cold. That coat needs frequent brushing, especially during heavy shedding, and these dogs are happiest in cool conditions with plenty of shade and water in summer. They are friendly, sociable and energetic, and they usually want to be part of the family rather than left alone. Many are also talkative and may bark or howl, so early training and daily exercise help keep them content.

This astronomer looks perfectly at home among the stars. We imagine him gazing up at the sky on a cold, clear night, tail curled over his back, quietly deciding which constellation looks most like a bone. The cosmos is in good paws.