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A white-haired woman in a green vest fills in a crossword with a pencil while a fluffy white Bichon Frise sits at the table. 38 / 39

Grandma Was Stuck on Seven Across. Cotton Hopped Up to the Table to Help.

AI imagebichon frisecrosswordbreakfast

Pencil in hand and brow furrowed in concentration, Ruth is deep into the morning crossword. The puzzle sits on the table surrounded by the remains of a lovely breakfast: a croissant, a bowl of strawberries and blueberries, a mug of milky coffee, and a pair of glasses set aside for later. Cotton has positioned himself right beside the newspaper, paws planted on a folded blue napkin, his fluffy head turned toward the camera as if he has just solved seven across. Sunlight pours through the kitchen window past jars, plants, and a crock of wooden spoons.

Crossword puzzles are a favorite morning ritual for many people, and they are a fun way to keep the mind engaged. They exercise vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving, and finishing a tricky one brings real satisfaction. A dog at the breakfast table is a common sight in many homes, but it is worth keeping an eye on what is within reach. Coffee, chocolate, grapes, and some baked goods are not safe for dogs, and a quick paw can knock a mug over. Many owners find it easier to have their dog settle on a nearby chair or mat with a chew of their own while they enjoy breakfast in peace.

Whether Cotton knows a five-letter word for fluffy or not, he makes an excellent breakfast companion. With good coffee, a sharp pencil, and a loyal sidekick, Ruth's mornings start just right.

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