A Beagle Puppy Stood Guard While the Pie Cooled on the Counter
The pie is golden, the lattice is perfect, and a tricolor Beagle puppy has appeared just out of reach to watch it cool. His long brown ears drape forward, his chin sits near the counter edge, and his dark eyes track the pie as if it might disappear. The pie sits on a wire rack, with a plaid dish towel, a wooden spoon, and a plate of herbs nearby. Behind the counter, pumpkins and squash sit in baskets near a bright window, and the whole kitchen is a warm blur of fall color.
Beagles are known for one of the best noses in the dog world, bred for tracking scent, so it is no surprise that a pie on the counter has his attention. They are friendly, curious, and often motivated by food, so it helps to keep treats and baking well out of reach and to teach a firm leave-it cue. Many pie ingredients are unsafe for dogs: chocolate, raisins, nutmeg, and sweeteners like xylitol can all cause trouble. Counter-surfing is easier to prevent than to stop, and a puppy who is busy with a chew toy elsewhere will be safer. Call your vet if he gets into anything he should not.
He is patient for now, which is lovely to see. The pie, meanwhile, has no idea how closely it is being guarded.
