Grandpa Otis Unwrapped His Sandwich on the Bench. Bear Came Closer.
Lunch on the bench was going perfectly until Bear arrived for an inspection. Grandpa Otis sits on a gray, weathered wooden bench in an olive cardigan and a denim shirt, holding up a thick sandwich stacked with sliced meat and lettuce on toasted bread. He's looking down with an amused, gentle smile, because Bear has pressed his black nose right up against the crust for a long, serious sniff. The dog's ears stand tall and his eyes are soft and pleading. Behind them, a garden of potted plants and green shrubs fills out a quiet corner of the yard.
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, far stronger than ours, so a deli sandwich is basically a full-on fragrance festival to them. Still, many sandwich ingredients aren't dog-friendly. Processed meats are usually high in salt and fat, and condiments, onions, garlic, and some cheeses can upset a dog's stomach or worse. If you want to share, a small piece of plain cooked chicken or turkey with no seasoning is a safer pick. Another good option is to pack your dog's own snack for picnics, so they can enjoy a treat while you eat your lunch in peace.
Otis may cave and offer a corner of bread, or he may hold out a little longer. Either way, Bear is clearly the most dedicated lunch companion around.
