Somebody Left the Pumpkin Spoon Unattended, and an Aussie Took the Chance

Somebody left a spoon at the edge of the bowl, and this puppy has not missed the chance. A fluffy black tricolor Australian Shepherd leans forward with his tongue out, tasting a spoonful of orange pumpkin filling, his white blaze and copper eyebrows adding to his look of delight. Small gourds sit by the bowl, a blue cloth lies on the table and sunlight shines in from a window with a view of the fall yard.

Plain pumpkin is a safe, fiber-rich treat for many dogs, but pie filling is different. It usually has added sugar and spices such as nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs in larger amounts, and some recipes include sweeteners that are harmful. If your puppy gets a taste, a lick is unlikely to hurt, but check the ingredients and talk to your vet if he eats a lot. Plain canned pumpkin, not pie mix, can be a nice topping for dog food. Australian Shepherds are smart, active herding dogs that need plenty of exercise, and a kitchen full of smells is almost impossible to resist for such a clever nose.

The spoon is clean now, and the puppy looks completely satisfied with himself. The pie will still be waiting for the family later, and what matters most today is the shared warmth, a good meal and a sweet face at the edge of the kitchen.