The Ribbon Slid Off the Present, and the Corgi Puppy Pounced

Flat on the carpet with big ears up, a red and white Corgi puppy has one paw planted firmly on a tangle of red ribbon. The end of it is in its mouth, and its dark eyes glance sideways as though checking whether anyone is about to take it away. Behind the puppy, a blue couch with a gray knit throw, a tree with gold ornaments, and a wrapped box in the corner mark the room as ready for Christmas.

Corgis are herding dogs by heritage, so they are smart, energetic, and often keen to chase and nip at moving things. That is why a ribbon in motion can be so hard to resist. It is a sweet scene, but ribbon and string should never be swallowed, because they can cause serious blockages in dogs. Offering a rope toy or a chew made for puppies is a safer swap, and trading is a good way to teach a dog to give up an item. If your pup does swallow string, call your vet quickly rather than pulling it out.

This pup, whom we might name Waffles, looks delighted with the catch. The ribbon wriggles, then goes still, and the game is won. It is a small victory, but for a Corgi puppy under the tree, it is the best kind of holiday magic.