This Bernese Puppy Chose a Cardboard Box for Its Afternoon Nap

Tucked into a cardboard box that has seen better days, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy has fallen sound asleep. Its black fur fills the corner of the box, a white chest and rust-colored cheeks peek out, and its chin rests on the cardboard edge. Slippers and a wall corner appear in the background, giving the scene a quiet, homey feel.

Boxes are popular with pets because they offer a snug, secure spot with walls on every side. For a puppy, that sense of enclosure can be comforting. A large cardboard box can even work as a temporary bed or hideaway for a new pup. Remove tape, staples, and any labels first, and watch for chewing, since swallowed pieces of cardboard could upset a puppy's stomach.

This puppy will not fit in a box for long. Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the larger breeds, and they grow quickly in their first year. Choosing a bed that can handle their adult size, and giving them a quiet spot to rest, helps them settle. Ask your vet about growth and feeding, as large-breed puppies have special nutritional needs.

For today, though, the box is just the right size. The puppy's breathing is slow and steady, and nobody has the heart to move it. It is hard to imagine a better place to dream, and the dreams must be sweet ones, given the peaceful face.