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Grandmother in glasses works a crossword at a breakfast table while a scruffy Jack Russell Terrier sits beside her watching. 35 / 40

Abuela Was Stuck on One Last Crossword Clue. Chispa Was Focused on Something Else.

AI imagejack russell terriercrosswordbreakfast table

Breakfast is done, the coffee is still warm and the crossword is half finished. Abuela Rosa sits at a wooden table in a cream cardigan and floral apron, pen poised over the grid with a satisfied little smile, clearly having just cracked a tricky clue. A mug of coffee, two glasses of water, a spare pair of glasses and a bowl holding half an avocado and some blueberries are scattered across the table. Right beside her, Chispa sits upright with her wiry face tilted toward the table, nose lifted and ears perked, watching very closely to see whether breakfast might be making a comeback.

Crossword puzzles are a popular way for older adults to keep the mind busy. They exercise vocabulary, memory and problem solving, and the morning routine of coffee and a puzzle can be a comforting way to start the day. While Chispa waits, a quick food safety reminder: avocado is not a good share for dogs. The pit is a serious choking and blockage hazard, and the skin and leaves contain a substance that can upset dogs' stomachs. Blueberries, on the other hand, are generally considered a safe, healthy treat for most dogs in small amounts. Rinse them first, and if you are unsure about a new food, talk to your vet.

Rosa may have one clue left to solve, but she already knows the answer to one question: who is getting a blueberry or two after breakfast.

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