Ken Flipped the Perfect Pancake, and Duke Didn't Move a Muscle
Sunday morning means pancakes, and the kitchen is filled with the smell of butter and batter. Grandpa Ken stands at the old gas stove in his brown sweater vest and blue shirt, spatula in hand, coaxing a perfectly golden pancake in a well-worn skillet. A bowl of batter, a stick of butter, and a stack of plates sit nearby. On the floor beside the counter, Duke is a model of good manners. He sits squarely on his haunches, head tilted up, eyes locked on the pan with polite, patient hope. Wooden cabinets, a dish rack, family photos, and morning light make the kitchen feel warm and familiar.
Kitchens can be full of hazards for dogs, so it helps to teach a calm 'sit' or 'stay' at a safe distance from the stove. Hot pans, splattering oil, and dropped utensils can all cause injuries, and dogs underfoot can trip a cook. Plain pancakes aren't toxic, but they're not ideal for dogs either, particularly with syrup, butter, or chocolate chips. If you'd like to reward good kitchen manners, have a jar of dog treats handy and offer one after the cooking's done, away from the stove. Consistency makes kitchen time safer and calmer for everyone.
Duke's patience is truly impressive, and Ken clearly appreciates his well-behaved sous-chef. Somewhere in this kitchen, there's a dog treat with Duke's name on it.
