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A gray-bearded man in suspenders whittles a piece of wood on a porch while a dark red Golden Retriever sniffs the shavings. 20 / 38

Roy Was Carving Something Special on the Porch. Copper Needed a Closer Look.

AI imagegolden retrieverwhittlingporch

Thin curls of pale wood flutter down from Roy's knife and pile up around his boots on the porch floor. He sits hunched forward on a low bench, wearing a gray work shirt and black suspenders, concentrating intently on the small block of wood in his hands. Copper has edged in close to supervise, his fluffy red-gold head tilted down, nose just inches from the blade work and the falling shavings, ears soft and eyes curious. Behind them, the porch opens onto a leafy yard with a few potted plants and a garden chair visible in the distance.

Golden Retrievers love to put things in their mouths, which is part of what makes them such great retrievers, but wood is not a safe chew. Sticks and wood scraps can splinter into sharp pieces that may injure the mouth or throat or cause problems further down the digestive tract. Some woods and many stains and finishes can be harmful, too. During projects like whittling, keep scraps and shavings swept up, store knives safely, and offer your dog an appropriate chew instead, such as a durable rubber toy. Your vet can help you choose chews that suit your dog's size and chewing style.

Whether the finished carving turns out to be a bird, a spoon, or a little wooden dog, Copper has already given it his full, approving attention. Every craftsman needs an audience.

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