One Pancake Went Flying Off Roy's Skillet. Copper Didn't Move a Muscle.
One golden pancake is mid-flip in the air above the skillet, and a second is browning nicely in the pan below. Roy, in a gray plaid shirt and black suspenders, handles the spatula with the easy confidence of a man who has made a lot of Sunday breakfasts. His gray hair is a little wild and his expression is relaxed and pleased. Copper sits beside the counter with remarkable composure, his deep red coat glowing in the soft window light, chin lifted and eyes fixed on the flying pancake, not moving a single paw. A pepper mill, a jar of oats, a basket of onions, and a folded dish towel sit along the kitchen counter.
Polite waiting like Copper's is often the result of patient, consistent training. Rewarding a dog for sitting calmly at a distance, rather than for begging or jumping, teaches them that good manners pay off. It also keeps dogs safer in the kitchen, where hot pans, sharp knives, and dropped foods can be hazards. Speaking of dropped food, onions and garlic, whether raw or cooked, are toxic to dogs, so keep them stored well out of reach. A small piece of plain pancake is unlikely to harm a healthy dog, but skip syrup, butter, and especially any sugar-free syrups that might contain xylitol.
That flipping pancake may or may not be destined for Roy's plate. With a dog this well-mannered waiting patiently, a small reward seems all but guaranteed.
