Hard Times

Three dark stone steps lead up to a restaurant door and window. The interior is warmly lit and filled with customers. In the cold, grey light outside, two pugs huddle together on the top step. One lies with its chin on the step while the other, behind it, half sits and half leans against the window like a wounded soldier, its head turned towards a man about to walk inside. The dogs are small, but have thick black rope and strong brass clips locked onto their collars, enhancing the impression that they are condemned prisoners abandoned at the door.