The Dachshund Puppy Had Her Nose in Every Pumpkin Seed
The table is a wonderful mess. Pumpkin seeds are scattered everywhere, orange strands and chunks of pumpkin lie among them, and a carved pumpkin sits at the edge. A red Dachshund puppy has found it all and has her nose down in the middle, long ears hanging forward like curtains. Behind her, a dish towel, a glass and a window with daylight complete a busy kitchen scene. She is deep in a very important investigation.
Dachshunds were bred to follow scents, and that long nose is happiest when it has something to track. A pumpkin carving table is full of new smells, but it can also be risky. A few plain seeds are not a worry, but too much pumpkin, or moldy scraps, can upset a dog's stomach, and salted or seasoned seeds are best avoided. Because Dachshunds have long backs, it is wise to avoid jumping on and off furniture, and a ramp or steps can help. Talk to your vet if you are unsure what is safe.
Puppies do their best work with their noses, and this little detective is doing exactly that. The sniffing is slow and careful, and the tail is probably wagging. When the carving is done, she will have a nice sniff of the leftovers, and then probably a nap with a very full imagination.
