Three Chocolate Dachshund Puppies Inspect the Pumpkin Patch

Orange pumpkins glow on the vines, and three dark chocolate Dachshund puppies sit among them with the seriousness of tiny pumpkin inspectors. Their silky coats are nearly black, with fine tan markings above the eyes, and their ears hang long and glossy. Dried leaves and curled stems cover the ground, and a wooden fence and old pots decorate the background.

Pumpkins are a lovely part of fall, and plain pumpkin is safe for dogs in small amounts, but a patch has hazards too. Rotting pumpkins grow mold that can make a dog ill, and the stems and vines can be scratchy. Decorated pumpkins may have paint, glitter or candles, none of which belong in a puppy's mouth. Fall also brings fertilizers, snail bait and pesticides, so check before allowing a dog into any garden. Dachshunds love to dig, and loose soil around pumpkins is an irresistible invitation. Supervise play and keep a towel handy for muddy paws. If you want to share pumpkin, plain cooked puree in small amounts is generally fine, but ask your vet first, especially for puppies.

These three look ready to choose the perfect pumpkin. Of course, any one of them would fit nicely inside the biggest one. For now they sit tall among the vines, noses lifted to the cool air, and the whole patch seems a little brighter for their company.