Otis Unwrapped His Sandwich on the Bench and Pepper Moved In Close

Otis holds a sandwich up in his hand, a smile on his face, as he sits on a wooden bench in the sunshine. Pepper has pressed up against his side with her nose lifted toward the food, her whiskers quivering and her eyes bright. Garden plants and a fence appear behind them, and everything about the day looks easy and warm. Crumbs have started to gather on his sleeve, and one tiny pickle slice is threatening to escape from the bread.

Sharing a meal on a bench is a nice ritual, but not every human food is safe for dogs. Onions, garlic, and certain seasonings can harm them, and rich or salty meats can upset a small dog's stomach. If you want to share, offer a bite of plain, lean meat or a dog treat instead, and keep it small, since Shih Tzus gain weight easily. Always ask your vet what is safe for your dog before making it a habit. A quick walk after a meal helps a small dog burn off any treats she does get.

Pepper is hopeful but well behaved, and Otis is thinking about his options. The sun is warm and the bench is comfortable. Lunch outdoors is better with a friend, even one with an eye on the sandwich. A good lunch seems to taste better with a hopeful face watching.