DEAR JOAN: I have a 4-year-old, 7-pound mixed rescue who is sweet and quiet. I recently rescued another mixed breed who is 10 pounds and 1½ years old.

They love playing together with lots of puppy bites and most of the time it’s OK, but occasionally the new puppy, who is much bigger, plays pretty hard. I watch them very closely for signs of stress from my older, smaller pup. She is usually on the bottom of the brawl.

I’m hoping the smaller one will let the other one know enough is enough, but are there things I can do?

— Susie Polden, San Jose

DEAR SUSIE: Puppies can play hard, and without some guidance they really don’t even know they’re out of line.

Puppies learn from their littermates and their mother on just how hard they can bite or tackle another dog with going too far. In the absence of family feedback it might be up to your older dog to lay down the law. Unfortunately, if she’s too shy or too passive, she might not be able to spread the discipline.

That means you’ll have to step in. When the play gets too rough, separate the dogs for a time out. You also can redirect the puppy’s attention with a toy.

In healthy play, the dogs take turns “winning” the play fight. If your older dog always is on the losing end of things, that’s an indication the puppy is playing too hard. Watch the posture of the dogs. If their bodies are stiff, hackles are raised or the dogs look agitated, that’s another indication that something other than play is going on.

When you and the puppy play, don’t accept overly aggressive action, either. When it happens, remove yourself from the game. The puppy will learn boundaries.

In all likelihood, concerns will fade as the puppy grows into adulthood, but you’re right to be cautious and protect both dogs.

DEAR JOAN: After my mother passed away last year, I found a mountain of yarn. I started crocheting small blankets (3 x 2½ feet).  I now have several dozen I’d like to donate to some place that rescues or shelters small dogs or critters. Can you give me some ideas?

I thought about Muttville in San Francisco, but, do you think my local veterinarian might know where to donate?

— Megan, Milpitas

DEAR MEGAN: What a sweet thing to do, and a wonderful memorial to your mom.

The needs at rescues differ, but blankets and towels consistently top the list of wants. If you have a rescue group that you’re partial to, and there are several fine organizations in your area, you should contact them and ask if they want them. I often choose to support smaller non-profit groups that perhaps don’t get as much attention as the larger ones, as well as public shelters, but the choice is yours. You definitely should explore wildlife rescues, ask your vet for suggestions and contact groups that work with the unhoused population.

If your organization would like some of Megan’s handiwork, let me know and I’ll pass it along to her.

The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.