Little Paper Parasol

I trotted up onto the low porch table and found a tiny cocktail umbrella lying flat across a ceramic coaster. Its wooden stick looked just like a toothpick, but the top was wrapped in pleated pink paper. Curious to see how it worked, I planted both front paws firmly against the little cardboard ring and gave it a steady shove upward. Shhh-pop! The delicate paper ribs flared open into a perfect round canopy. I gave the wooden stem a soft nose nudge until the parasol tilted upright against the saucer edge, making the coziest little shady spot just big enough for my ears.