Three Cream Chihuahua Puppies Wanted the Same Rope and Shared It

Three cream-colored Chihuahua puppies sit shoulder to shoulder on a knit blanket, all gripping the same rope toy in their tiny jaws. Their big ears point in different directions, their dark eyes are fixed on one another, and their paws are planted firmly in the blanket. Behind them, a laundry basket, a green plant and a gray throw suggest a calm living room. The rope looks several sizes too big, and none of them seems to mind.

Rope toys are a great chew for small dogs when they are sized properly, with a small, soft rope that suits a Chihuahua's little mouth. Chewing helps with teething and eases boredom. Check toys often for loose strings, which can be swallowed, and replace worn ones. Many Chihuahuas are bold and playful, but they are also delicate, so gentle tug games are best, with no hard pulling or lifting. If a game gets too rough, call a pause.

Giving each puppy its own toy can also prevent squabbles over a favorite. Meals for tiny puppies are best served in small, frequent portions, and your vet can suggest an amount that suits each puppy's size. Tiny dogs can be hurt by a fall from a lap or a couch, so keep a hand on a puppy and teach children to sit on the floor.

But a single rope shared among three makes for a funny scene, and every one of them is entirely satisfied with the arrangement.