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An elderly couple knits on a couch while a black and white French Bulldog sits in front of them tangled in pale yarn. 10 / 22

Two Knitting Projects Were Going Smoothly Until Somebody Got Involved

AI imagefrench bulldogknittingliving room

Frank and Ruth sit side by side on the couch, each with a pair of needles and a project in progress, surrounded by soft balls of cream, gray, and sage yarn in a wicker basket. They look calm and focused. Domino, sitting at their knees, does not. Strands of pale yarn are looped over his back, wrapped around his legs, and draped across his shoulders, and the Frenchie gazes up with the innocent expression of a dog who has no idea how any of this happened. A teacup and a pair of glasses rest on the table nearby.

Yarn and string are tempting playthings for many pets, but they can be risky if swallowed. Long strands can cause serious intestinal problems in both dogs and cats, which is why many knitters keep their projects in a lidded basket or bag when they step away. Supervised play with a sturdy rope toy is a safer outlet for a dog who loves to tug. Knitting itself is a popular pastime for many older adults; the repetitive motion is often described as calming, and it keeps hands nimble while turning out scarves and blankets for loved ones. Having a dog curled nearby only adds to the coziness, as long as the yarn stays on the needles. If you ever suspect your pet has swallowed string, call your vet right away.

Ruth will probably spend the next twenty minutes unwinding the mess. Domino will probably sit perfectly still for it, enjoying every bit of the attention.

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