Otis Whittled a Piece of Wood and Pepper Watched Every Curl Fall

Otis sits in a porch chair with a small knife in his hands, shaving thin curls from a piece of wood while the pieces drift to the boards. Pepper sits nearby with her head low, her eyes on the pile of wood shavings at his feet. A lantern glows warm over the railing, the porch is stacked with firewood and plants, and the evening has a cool, quiet stillness. The faint smell of cedar lingers in the air, and Otis checks the shape every so often, turning the piece slowly in his hand.

Craft work is a lovely hobby, but it needs a few precautions around pets. Wood shavings and small bits can be a choking hazard or irritate a dog's mouth and stomach, so sweep up often and keep tools stored safely out of reach. Some woods can also be harmful if chewed, so it is best to discourage her from picking up scraps. A small dog like a Shih Tzu is naturally curious, so give her a toy to chew and a mat of her own.

Pepper watches the shavings like a tiny audience at a show. Otis hums, and the shape in his hands slowly takes form. It is the kind of patient evening that makes the whole day worthwhile. By morning there will be a small wooden figure, and a lot of sweeping to do.