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An older man in glasses and overalls smiles at a white Poodle with its paws on a lace tablecloth beside tea and cookies. 2 / 33

Grandpa Set Out Tea and Cookies for One. Pearl Pulled Up a Seat Anyway.

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Afternoon tea in Earl's kitchen comes with a guest who did not wait for an invitation. Pearl has planted both front paws on the lace tablecloth, her curly white head level with the teacup, eyes fixed on the little plate of round shortbread cookies. Earl, in his reading glasses and faded overalls, is smiling down at her like a man who knows exactly where this is going. A cream teapot sits nearby, crumbs dot the lace, and the shelves behind them are crowded with jars, baskets, and folded blankets that make the room feel lived in and warm.

Poodles are known for being smart and very people-focused, which is part of why they learn table manners quickly, and also why they figure out where the snacks are. Butter cookies and sweets are not a good regular treat for dogs. They are rich in fat and sugar, and some baked goods contain ingredients that are harmful to pets, such as chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, or the sweetener xylitol. Tea itself contains caffeine, which dogs should not have. A better habit is to keep a small jar of dog treats near the table, so a polite sit can be rewarded with something safe. Consistent rules about paws on furniture also help, since mixed signals can confuse even a clever dog.

Still, it is hard to blame Pearl for wanting a seat at the table. Tea always tastes a little better with good company, even company that has its eye on your cookie.

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