The Basset Pup Sat Down in the Leaf Pile and Made It Look Easy

Fallen leaves in orange, gold, and brown cover the ground, and in the middle of them sits a lemon and white Basset Hound puppy with enormous ears and a thoughtful look. Rain boots wait on the porch steps behind, a basket of plaid blankets sits by the railing, and a clay pot of herbs leans against the wall. The puppy glances to the side with soft brown eyes, as though the crunch of the leaves had just made a very interesting noise.

Autumn is a wonderful season for a young dog, with cool air and new smells on every breeze, and Bassets, with their remarkable noses, seem to read the whole season in the leaves. A few small precautions make a leaf-pile afternoon safer. Check for sharp sticks hidden underneath, and watch for mushrooms, which can be dangerous if eaten, as well as acorns and some seeds that can upset a dog's stomach.

Damp leaves can also hide mold, and some pups try to taste everything on the ground, so keep an eye out and steer them away from anything questionable. After outdoor play, a quick check of the paws and a rub of those long ears with a dry towel can catch burrs and moisture. If your puppy eats something unusual, talk to your vet.

This one is happy simply to sit and take it in. A dry leaf has landed near one front paw, the light is gentle, and the porch looks like a very good place to head back to when the nose has had enough.