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An older man in a gray cardigan holds a bowl of popcorn on a couch while a red merle Aussie gazes at it hopefully. 20 / 32

Movie Night Started With a Full Bowl of Popcorn and One Silent Request

AI imageaustralian shepherdmovie nightpopcorn

Movie night has begun, and the most important prop is not the television. Kenji sits on the sofa in a gray cardigan and blue collared shirt, holding a ceramic bowl brimming with fluffy popcorn. He is grinning down at Maple, who sits right beside him with her nose pointed squarely at the bowl and her blue eye wide and hopeful. Her ears are relaxed but her focus is laser sharp. Behind them, a green throw is draped over the couch, a patterned pillow is tucked in the corner, and a houseplant and baskets fill the cozy room.

Good news for hopeful pups: plain, air-popped popcorn with no butter, salt, or seasoning is generally considered safe for most dogs in small amounts. The trouble comes with the extras. Butter and oil can upset a dog's stomach, too much salt is not good for them, and flavorings like garlic or onion powder can be harmful. Unpopped kernels and hard hulls are another concern, since they can get stuck in teeth or pose a choking risk. If you want to share, set aside a few plain, fully popped pieces before you season the rest. Treats should only make up a small part of your dog's daily calories, so keep sharing to a handful at most.

The movie may be a western, a comedy, or an old classic, but Maple is not here for the plot. She is here for the popcorn, the warm couch, and of course, the company.

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