The Court Musician Raised His Violin and the Room Held Its Breath
A violin the color of warm honey rests against the Boxer's chest, held gently in his paw, with the bow hidden somewhere just out of the frame. His fawn face has a black mask and a droopy, thoughtful look, framed by a ruffled lace collar above a dark green coat embroidered with gold leaves and lace cuffs. The room behind him is deep brown, with a dim glow of candlelight, and he gazes out as if waiting for a quiet moment before the concert begins.
Dogs hear a far wider range of sounds than people do, and music can affect them in different ways. Some dogs seem to relax to soft, slow melodies, and some howl along to high notes, which is usually a form of communication rather than a complaint. If your dog is startled by loud instruments or sudden notes, give him a quiet room and keep volume moderate. Boxers are playful, energetic and affectionate, and they do best with daily exercise and time with their family. They also tend to be sensitive to heat because of their short muzzles, so provide shade and water outdoors. Your vet can answer questions about hearing, noise sensitivity or exercise for your own dog.
The court musician will begin as soon as the room is silent, and probably a moment after the treat bag stops rustling.
