Gus Poured Tea and Domino Climbed Up Into His Lap Uninvited
Tea steams in a blue-and-white cup, shortbread waits on a plate and Gus is smiling down at his lap. Domino has climbed up and now sits against his chest, front paws on Gus's knee and his face turned up with a soft, curious look. The pied French Bulldog's bat ears stand tall and his dark eyes glisten. Gus wears his green fishing vest over a plaid shirt, his white mustache neat and his glasses folded on the table. The lace tablecloth, a small teapot and a basket of knickknacks fill the warm kitchen.
A lap is a Frenchie's favorite seat, and a tea table is a good place to practice good manners. Keep sweets, cookies and sugar well away, since sugar-free baked goods can contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs, and chocolate is harmful as well. Hot drinks should be kept out of paw's reach, since a sudden jump can cause a spill and a burn. A firm cushion or a small stool can give a short-legged dog a safe place to sit beside you, and a chew or treat of his own makes him feel part of the party. French Bulldogs usually enjoy being with their people, and routines like afternoon tea give them lovely company.
Gus doesn't say much, but his smile says plenty. The tea cools a little, the cookies wait and Domino's gaze doesn't waver. In the end there will be a dog-safe snack, and one shared teatime story. It's a modest ceremony, and everyone is welcome who can sit still, which may or may not include a Frenchie.
