Four Little Shepherds Disappeared Into a Chunky Knit Blanket

Four puppies have arranged themselves in a chunky knit blanket like a tiny, furry quilt block, with tan paws, black ears, and sleepy faces peeking out of the folds. Two of them rest their heads on each other, one stares directly at the camera, and another has its muzzle buried in the wool. A window and a woven basket glow softly behind them in morning light.

Newborn and young puppies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs, so warmth from littermates and blankets is important. That is why you often find pups heaped together, even in a warm room. A soft, washable blanket is a great addition to any puppy's bed. Several short naps through the day are normal for puppies, so a quiet, draft-free corner for the bed helps.

Knit and crocheted blankets look cozy, but they have loops that can snag small nails, and some puppies like to chew them. Check them regularly for pulled threads, and take away anything that is coming apart. German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, so a pup who loves her blanket can often be taught to settle on it on cue, which is useful for later calm moments at home.

For these four, the blanket is a nest, the floor is a safe place, and the only thing left to do is snuggle in a little closer.