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An elderly man whittles a small piece of wood on porch steps while a black pug gazes up at the falling shavings. 27 / 36

Wood Curls Were Falling From Grandpa's Knife, and Mochi Couldn't Look Away

AI imagepugwhittlingfront porch

Tiny curls of pale wood drift down like snowflakes, and Mochi can't take his eyes off them. Grandpa sits on the porch steps in a gray sweater vest and plaid flannel shirt, a small knife and a block of wood in his hands, shaping something only he can picture yet. The black pug sits close in the foreground, head tilted back, round eyes catching the light as he tracks every flake that falls. A pair of slip-on shoes waits by the post, a potted plant stands nearby, and shavings already dust the steps and walkway around them.

Whittling is a relaxing, hands-on hobby, and having a pet nearby can make it even more peaceful. A few safety habits keep it that way. Sharp knives should be put away as soon as you stop working, and it's best to carve with the blade moving away from your body and away from any curious nose. Wood shavings are generally harmless to sniff, but dogs shouldn't eat them, since splinters can irritate the mouth or stomach. Some woods, especially treated or painted ones, aren't safe for chewing at all. Sweeping up after each session keeps the porch tidy and keeps your dog from snacking on the scraps.

Whatever Grandpa is carving today, a little wooden bird, maybe, or a tiny pug, his biggest fan is watching every cut with total devotion.

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