The Boston Terrier Puppy and the Green Bean Had a Staring Contest

With wide dark eyes and ears flopped out to the sides, a black and white Boston Terrier puppy stares down at a single green bean on the floor. The bean lies right between the puppy's white front paws, as if it had dropped from the sky just for him. The kitchen behind is full of Thanksgiving prep, with baskets, towels and bowls of side dishes.

Plain green beans are actually a safe snack for many dogs, and some people use them as low-calorie treats. The ones on the Thanksgiving table are another matter, since they are often made with butter, bacon, onions, garlic or salt, which are not good for dogs. A dropped bean is a fun moment, but it's best to stick to plain ones and to talk to your vet about what's right for your puppy.

Boston Terriers are friendly, lively little dogs with a tuxedo-like coat. As puppies they are curious and a bit clumsy, and they often learn quickly with positive training. They also have short noses, so they can get warm easily and may snort and snuffle when they're excited. A kitchen full of people and food can be overwhelming, so a quiet spot with a chew toy can be a good option.

Right now, the puppy is thinking very hard about the bean. Is it a treat or a test? Either way, it is the most interesting thing on the floor.