A Cavalier Puppy Eyed the Marshmallow Mug With Deep Longing
Chin on the table and paws stretched out, a tricolor puppy lies next to a mug of cocoa piled with marshmallows. Her long ears frame a sweet face, and her dark eyes are fixed on the mug as if the secrets of the universe were floating in it. A comfy sofa with cushions and a garland strung with warm lights sits behind her, and soft blankets drape the table edge.
Cocoa is a good example of a holiday treat that is not for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs process poorly, and it can be dangerous, especially in dark chocolate and in small dogs. Marshmallows are mostly sugar, and anything sweetened with xylitol is toxic to dogs. Keep mugs well back from the edge of the table, and if a dog drinks cocoa, call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away. For a safe treat, offer a bit of plain dog biscuit or a puppy-safe chew while the humans enjoy their drinks.
The puppy seems content just to sniff the steam. She has the polite look of a dog who knows the rules but would love an exception. A soft blanket and a warm lap are the real treat, and they are always on the menu. If the cocoa is ever empty, she will probably be the first to notice, and the last to give up hope of a lick.
