Grandpa Hank Sat Down With His Supper. Pretzel Was Waiting for an Opening.
Dusk has settled over the front yard, and the porch light is glowing warm against the siding. Grandpa Hank sits on a weathered wooden bench in his plaid shirt and grey suspenders, holding half a sandwich with lettuce peeking from the edges. He's grinning, eyes crinkled, because Pretzel has leaned in from her spot beside him and is delicately nibbling the corner of the bread. Her dappled ears hang forward, her paws are tucked neatly on the bench slats, and she looks very pleased with this arrangement. A potted evergreen and a lit window complete the cozy evening scene.
Sharing food is one of the ways people bond with their dogs, but human sandwiches can hide some risky ingredients. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and certain spreads are not safe for dogs, and fatty or salty deli meats can upset stomachs, especially in smaller breeds. Dachshunds are also prone to weight gain, and extra pounds put strain on their long backs. A safer way to share is to set aside a bite of plain cooked chicken, a slice of carrot, or a dog treat. Keeping human snacks to small, occasional bits and counting them toward daily calories helps keep a little dog fit.
Of course, the real treat here is the company. A bench at sundown, a simple supper, and a friend who's always happy to split it. Hank wouldn't trade it for anything.
