Ken Set Out the Good Lace Tablecloth for Tea. Duke Invited Himself.
A lace tablecloth, a delicate teacup on its saucer, a glass teapot, and a little plate of golden cookies: Grandpa Ken has set up a proper afternoon tea. He sits in a brown sweater vest over a light blue shirt, glasses on, laughing warmly as he looks down at his guest. Duke has pulled up close, chin hovering just at the edge of the lace, brown eyes fixed hopefully on the cookies. A warm lamp, framed family photos, a box of tissues, a potted pothos, and a blanket-draped chair give the room a cozy, lived-in feel.
Plain cookies made for people aren't a good snack for dogs. Many contain sugar, butter, chocolate, raisins, or nuts, and some sugar-free baked goods include xylitol, which is very dangerous for dogs. Tea isn't recommended either, since caffeine can be harmful to pets. If you like to include your dog at snack time, keep a small jar of dog biscuits nearby, so your pup gets a crunchy treat of its own. Many owners find their dogs are just as happy with a dog cookie and a pat on the head while they sip their tea.
Ken clearly finds Duke's table manners charming, if not exactly proper. With a hot cup of tea, a full plate, and a hopeful Boxer at his side, it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
