Grandma Ruth Was Mid-Flip at the Stove. Cocoa Sat Right Below, Hoping.
A golden pancake rests in a skillet, and Grandma Ruth lifts the spatula with a practiced hand. She stands at the stove in a sage-green vest with a kettle and wooden spoons beside her, and her white hair is loosely clipped back. In the foreground, Cocoa sits on the kitchen floor with his long ears hanging and his nose pointed toward the smell, eyes polite but very hopeful. A plant, a bowl of onions and some tea towels fill the warm kitchen. It is a hungry audience at a good show. The smell of warm batter fills the room, and he has noticed it.
Kitchens are exciting for dogs, but they come with hazards. Hot pans, boiling water and splashes of oil can burn a curious nose, so keep your dog at a safe distance. Onions, garlic, and sweet toppings are not safe for dogs, and some syrups and sugar substitutes can be dangerous. A dog who waits patiently on the floor is a good student, so teach him a calm "stay" and reward him with a treat made for dogs. Dachshunds love food and gain weight easily, which can strain their long backs, so keep portions small. Ask your vet about healthy treats.
Ruth flips and Cocoa waits. The best part of any pancake is the person who makes it. Cocoa waits with perfect manners, at least for now.






