The Popcorn Bowl Was Full and Pepper Had Taken Her Seat
Otis has settled into the couch with a bowl of popcorn balanced in one hand and a contented smile on his face. Pepper sits beside him with her front paws on the cushion and her chin lifted, gazing at the bowl with the quiet focus of a dog who knows exactly where the snacks are. A green throw, a plant, and a window of soft light fill the room behind them. A couple of kernels have escaped onto the cushion, which she has already noticed.
Plain, air-popped popcorn is not toxic to dogs, but it is not a great snack either. Butter, salt, and flavorings can upset a dog's stomach, and hard unpopped kernels can be a choking hazard or get stuck in her teeth. Small breeds such as Shih Tzus are especially easy to overfeed, so a few dog treats are a better choice for movie night. Always check with your vet about the right treats and amounts for your dog. A little pre-movie walk can help a dog settle and be less focused on snacks.
Pepper is waiting patiently, and Otis is taking his time. The movie has not even started yet, but the main event is already underway. In a living room this cozy, the snack negotiations may take the whole film. Whoever wins the standoff, the movie is going to be a good one.
