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An elderly couple hold birdseed in their palms near a busy wooden feeder full of sparrows as a chocolate Poodle sits calmly. 16 / 32

The Sparrows Were Everywhere, and Cocoa Had to Decide What Kind of Dog She Was

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The wooden bird feeder on its tall post is overflowing with sparrows, some perched on the roof, some fluttering in midair, and a few swooping down toward the yard. Marion and Frank stand nearby in their matching cream cable-knit sweaters, each holding out an open palm full of seeds, hoping a brave little bird will land. Marion is laughing with delight while Frank smiles down at his handful. Cocoa sits in front of them on the patio stones, curly and calm, gazing off to the side with impressive self-control as wings flutter all around. Potted succulents, a garden hose, and gardening gloves fill the corners of the yard.

Getting wild birds to eat from your hand takes patience, and having a calm dog nearby can make a big difference. Many dogs naturally want to chase birds, so a dog who sits quietly like Cocoa deserves plenty of praise. Practicing stay and rewarding calm behavior around birds builds that habit. Bird feeding areas have a few concerns for dogs. Spilled seed can attract rodents, and seed that gets wet can grow mold that may upset a dog's stomach if eaten, so it is wise to clean up regularly. Some seed mixes and suet cakes include ingredients that are not meant for dogs, so storing bird food in sealed containers out of reach is a smart idea.

Whether or not a sparrow lands in their hands today, Frank and Marion have a front-row seat to a busy little show, and Cocoa is the most patient audience member of all.

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An elderly couple on a couch share a bowl of popcorn while a curly chocolate Poodle sits in front of them looking ahead.Frank Brought Out the Big Popcorn Bowl for Movie Night. Cocoa Claimed the Best Seat.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sit on a covered porch watching the rain while a chocolate Poodle sits in front.The Rain Wouldn't Stop, So Frank and Marion Pulled Up a Bench. Cocoa Joined In.
An elderly couple in cream sweaters sleep leaning together on a porch swing with a chocolate Poodle asleep across their laps.They Sat Down on the Porch Swing for Just a Minute. All Three Were Out Cold.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sleep side by side in a rope hammock with a chocolate Poodle curled asleep on their laps.The Porch Light Came On, but Nobody in the Hammock NoticedAn elderly couple in blue patterned sweaters eat breakfast on a patio as a grinning Poodle rests a paw on the table.Croissants and Coffee on the Patio Were Going Fine Until One Paw Landed on the TableAn elderly couple in cream sweaters sit close in a wooden chair smiling at each other as a chocolate Poodle sleeps on them.Two Grandparents, One Wooden Chair, and a Sleeping Poodle Who Didn't Care About the Math