One Dog Bed, Four Shepherd Puppies, and Zero Complaints

One dog bed, four puppies, zero complaints. These black and tan German Shepherd babies have packed themselves into a plush beige oval bed and drifted off together, heads resting on one another and paws tucked wherever they fit. The pair in front lie nose to nose with their eyes squeezed shut, while the two in back have curled into a single fuzzy curve. Soft daylight falls across the wood floor, and a pair of navy slippers, a gray throw and a woven basket wait in the background, untouched for once.

Sharing a bed is natural for littermates, who spend their first weeks sleeping in a warm heap. Once puppies go to separate homes, though, each will need to learn to rest on its own. A bed with raised sides like this one can feel secure, mimicking the snug, pressed-together feeling of the litter. When choosing a bed for a German Shepherd, plan ahead: these pups will grow into large dogs, and a sturdy, washable bed with good support helps protect their joints over the years. Many owners buy a small bed for the early months and upgrade as the puppy grows, which also helps with the inevitable chewing phase.

Placing the bed in a quiet spot near family, but away from heavy foot traffic, gives a young dog a place to retreat when the house gets busy.

Whoever bought this bed got their money's worth on day one. It may never be this full again.