Grandpa Otis Unwrapped His Lunch on the Bench. Bruno Took a Seat Too.
Late sunlight warms the park bench where Grandpa Otis sits in a thick olive cardigan over a plaid shirt, a half-eaten sandwich in his hand. His glasses are low, his silver beard is neat, and he wears a gentle, sideways smile as he looks down. Bruno has hopped onto the bench beside him, brindle chest puffed out, blue collar around his neck, eyes wide and fixed firmly on the sandwich. Behind them a quiet street, a neatly trimmed hedge, and a house with a potted plant on the step fade into the golden afternoon. It is a lunch hour with a very attentive guest.
Sharing a lunch with a dog is a sweet idea, but not every sandwich ingredient is safe for dogs. Onions, garlic, and certain spreads can be harmful, and processed meats and cheeses are often too salty or fatty. A small piece of plain cooked chicken or a dog biscuit is a safer choice, and a few bites of dog-friendly food are better than table scraps. French Bulldogs can also have sensitive stomachs, so any new food should be introduced slowly. If you are unsure about a particular food, ask your vet. Bringing a small bag of the dog's own treats on walks makes shared picnics simple.
Otis chews slowly, Bruno watches closely, and neither one is in a hurry. Bench lunches are best when the company stays this loyal.
