Grandpa Earl Was Stuck on a Crossword Clue When His Breakfast Partner Leaned In
The kitchen is warm with lamplight and the clutter of an unhurried morning: a mug of coffee, a glass of water, a little dish of blueberries, a plate with a pat of butter, and a ring of keys tossed beside the newspaper. Grandpa Earl leans over the crossword in his denim overalls and plaid shirt, glasses low, pen poised over a tricky clue, his brow furrowed in concentration. Pepper has made herself part of the puzzle team. The Miniature Schnauzer has propped both front paws on the edge of the table, bushy eyebrows lifted, beard resting near the paper, staring right ahead with an expression of serious intellectual effort.
That little dish of blueberries happens to hold one of the fruits that many dogs can enjoy. Blueberries are small, low in calories, and often used as a healthy treat in moderation, and plenty of dogs love the way they pop. Wash them first, and for very small dogs, cutting them in half can reduce any choking risk. Not all fruits are equally safe, though. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and should never be shared, even in small amounts, and fruit pits and seeds can cause problems as well. Introducing any new food slowly and in small amounts is wise, and your vet can advise on treats that suit your dog's diet.
Whether Pepper is after the blueberries or the answer to seven across is anyone's guess. Earl seems glad to have the company either way, even if his partner's suggestions are mostly about breakfast.
