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An older Asian American man smiles over a cup of tea at a lace-covered table as a brindle Boxer rests its chin on the edge. 20 / 29

Grandpa Ken Poured the Tea and Set Out Cookies. One Chin Landed on the Lace.

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Afternoon tea is served on a white lace tablecloth, complete with a glass teapot, a plate of shortbread cookies, a dish of sugar cubes, and a delicate china cup and saucer. Grandpa Ken sits at the table in a green sweater vest and plaid shirt, grinning warmly as he looks over at his guest. Rocco has his wrinkly chin resting right on the lace, brown eyes wide and hopeful, a leather collar around his neck. In the background, a cozy sofa with a folded blanket, a woven basket, a stack of books, and framed photos fill the sunny room.

Tea time is a lovely ritual, but most of what is on the table is best kept for people. Tea contains caffeine, which is not safe for dogs, and sugary or buttery cookies offer nothing nutritionally useful. Some baked goods also contain ingredients that can be dangerous, like chocolate, raisins, or the sweetener xylitol. If you want your dog to share the moment, keep a few of his own treats in a little dish nearby, so he can get a reward without the risk. Teaching a reliable settle or place command makes these calm rituals more relaxing for everyone at the table.

Rocco may not be getting a cookie, but he has clearly earned a place at the party. With manners like that, Ken might just have to set out a second saucer, one with a dog biscuit on it.

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