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An elderly Black woman in a grey cardigan holds a bowl of popcorn on a couch while a tricolor Australian Shepherd sniffs it. 11 / 28

Mae Made a Big Bowl of Popcorn for Movie Night. Bandit Got Very Close.

AI imageaustralian shepherdmovie nightpopcorn

The remote is on the coffee table, the tea is steeping, and the popcorn bowl is full to the brim. Mae sits on her comfortable couch in a soft grey cardigan over a navy tee, laughing as she holds the bowl out where Bandit can see it. The Australian Shepherd has settled right beside her, his white paws planted on the cushion and his nose pressed toward the popcorn, sniffing with total focus. A plaid blanket hangs over the back of the sofa, a basket of yarn sits by the window, and a cup of tea, glasses, and a sprinkling of stray kernels rest on the table.

Plain, air-popped popcorn is not toxic to dogs, and a few pieces can be an occasional treat. The trouble is how most people make it. Butter, oil, salt, and flavorings like cheese powder, caramel, or garlic seasoning can upset a dog's stomach or cause more serious problems if eaten in quantity. Unpopped or partially popped kernels can be hard on teeth and are a choking hazard, and hulls can get stuck in the gums. If you'd like to share during movie night, set aside a few fully popped, unseasoned pieces before adding toppings. A safer idea is to give your dog his own long-lasting chew or a stuffed food toy while you watch, so he has something to enjoy and isn't tempted to dive into the bowl when you look away.

Mae's movie might be a comedy, but the real entertainment is Bandit's laser-focused stare at that popcorn bowl. Some nights, the show is on the couch.

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