A Cocker Spaniel Rests His Chin on the Pumpkin Carving Table
His long, curly ears nearly touch the table as a parti-color Cocker Spaniel rests his chin at the edge and studies the scene. The surface in front of him is covered with green pumpkin seeds, orange stringy pulp and chunks of pumpkin, and a black bowl on one side holds more of the harvest. Behind him there is a cluttered kitchen with a water bottle and a basket, and his dark eyes look soft and hopeful.
Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, affectionate dogs with a famously gentle face. Their long ears are lovely but need regular cleaning and checking, since the shape can trap moisture. They tend to be friendly with people and love food, so they are often at the center of any kitchen project. A good rule is to keep a dog's food and family food separate.
Pumpkin carving offers some useful pet tips. Plain, cooked pumpkin flesh is generally fine in small amounts, and many people use it as a gentle treat for dogs, but raw seeds, stringy pulp, salt, spices and a large amount of anything new can upset the stomach. It is wise to clean the table quickly and keep a lid on the compost bucket. If your dog does eat a lot, ask your vet what to watch for.
We will call him Waffles. He is keeping his paws on the floor, and he is only looking. The pumpkin carving has attracted an audience of one, and the most polite one in the house. His patient expression just might earn him a plain bite of cooked pumpkin later.
