Ken Turned His Back on the Flour Bowl for One Second. Duke's Nose Tells the Story.
Cookie day is in full swing in Grandpa Ken's kitchen. Wearing a canvas apron over his cream sweater vest and plaid shirt, Ken stirs a glass bowl of chunky dough with a spoon, smiling down with genuine delight. Beside the counter, Duke sits gazing up at him, and there's a telltale dusting of white flour on his dark muzzle, evidence that he's already done a little investigating of his own. Bowls of flour and sugar, a rack of finished cookies, folded towels, jars on the windowsill, and warm afternoon light fill the busy little kitchen.
Baking smells irresistible to dogs, but several ingredients deserve caution. Raw dough containing yeast can rise in a dog's stomach, and raw flour and eggs aren't safe uncooked. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and some sugar-free baked goods contain xylitol, a sweetener that's very dangerous for them. Raisins and macadamia nuts are also on the list of foods to keep away. If you love baking with a dog nearby, keep bowls back from the counter edge, clean spills promptly, and consider whipping up a simple dog-safe treat recipe so your pup gets something of its own. If your dog eats something worrying, call your vet right away.
Ken may need to wipe off a floury nose before the afternoon is out, but he looks too charmed to scold anyone. It's a kitchen full of warmth, sugar, and one very hopeful helper.
