Otis Flipped the Pancakes and Pepper Sat Like a Perfect Gentleman

Otis stands at the stove with a skillet in front of him, a golden pancake just ready to flip, and a gentle look of concentration on his face. In the foreground, Pepper sits with her head tilted back and her dark eyes on the pan, the picture of good manners. A cutting board, a basket of onions, and a pot rest on the counter, and morning light pours in through the curtain. A little steam curls up from the pan, a wooden spoon rests on the counter, and the kitchen smells of butter and warm batter.

Kitchens can be dangerous for a small dog, and a hot stove is one of the biggest hazards. Keep pets away from burners and hot pans, and teach her to wait in a spot at a safe distance, like on a mat or in a bed. Pancake batter ingredients such as milk and sugar can upset a dog, and syrups sometimes contain the sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If you want to share, ask your vet about a safe treat.

Pepper waits politely, which is not easy for a small dog with a good nose. Otis flips the pancake with a flourish, and she follows its flight with her eyes. A calm morning at the stove is about as sweet as breakfast gets. There is plenty of patience in this kitchen, and eventually a plate of pancakes.