Grandpa Whittled on the Porch. The Dog Watched Every Curl Fall

Small curls of pale wood spiral down from Gus's knife and scatter across the porch boards. He sits with his glasses on, working a piece of wood slowly between his fingers, a patient look on his face. Biscuit lies beside him with her chin low and her eyes tracking each falling shaving, as if it were a very slow game. Behind them a green watering can, a stack of logs, and an unruly garden show the yard in late afternoon light.

Whittling is a quiet, old-fashioned hobby, and with a dog nearby a few practical safety steps are worth taking. A sharp knife should be handled carefully and stored well out of reach, and wood shavings should be swept up, since some kinds can irritate a dog's mouth or stomach if chewed. Some woods are also considered unsafe for pets, so check with your vet if your dog likes to chew scraps. Golden Retrievers love carrying things in their mouths, which means a pile of curls can look like a toy. Give your dog a proper chew instead, and keep the work area tidy so nobody steps on a sharp piece.

The pile of shavings keeps growing, and Biscuit keeps watching. It is a very small show, but she seems to think it is the best one on the porch.