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A scruffy tricolor Jack Russell puppy leans toward a plate of chocolate chip cookies on a table in a decorated living room. 4 / 23

A Jack Russell Puppy Inspected the Cookies Set Out for Santa

AI imagejack russell terrierchristmascookies

One scruffy little nose is inching toward a plate of chocolate chip cookies, and the look in those dark eyes suggests an investigation is underway. This tricolor Jack Russell puppy has his front paws planted at the edge of the table, wiry white and tan fur sticking out in every direction, and his ears folded forward in concentration. Cookie crumbs lie scattered on the plate, a hint that someone else may have already sampled.

Behind him, a glass of milk sits on the couch cushions, a stuffed reindeer in a red collar keeps watch, and the Christmas tree glimmers by the mantel. Call him Rascal. He is not stealing, he would say. He is simply checking that the cookies are safe for Santa.

This is a good moment to remember that human treats and dogs do not mix. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and dark chocolate is especially risky, while raisins and certain sweeteners in baked goods can also be harmful. If a pup helps himself to a cookie, call your vet or an animal poison hotline for advice instead of waiting to see what happens. The safest plan is to keep plates up high on a counter, out of reach of clever jumpers. Jack Russell Terriers are famously energetic, smart, and determined, so they need plenty of exercise and puzzle toys to keep busy. A bored terrier will find his own entertainment, and it usually involves your snacks.

Rascal leans in one more inch, whiskers twitching, sure that nobody saw. The cookies, for the record, are still standing.

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