A Border Collie Wearing a Coat of Flour Looks Up Innocently
A dusting of white flour coats this Border Collie from forehead to nose, and his warm brown eyes look up with the most innocent expression a dog has ever managed. His red and white fur is speckled with powder, a few clumps cling to his whiskers, and his ears fold forward in a hopeful tilt. Behind him, an overturned flour bag spills over the counter beside a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and a few scattered ingredients.
The kitchen is in full baking mode: dishes in the rack, a lamp glowing above the cupboards, and a counter covered with a floury snowfall. We'll call him Dusty. He looks at you as if baking was a joint project and he has simply finished his share early.
Border Collies are widely considered one of the smartest dog breeds, bred to herd sheep and to think for themselves. That intelligence can lead to mischief when they are bored, since they need lots of exercise and mental work like training games, puzzle feeders, and fetch. Plain flour is not toxic to dogs, though eating a lot can upset their stomach, and baking ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, xylitol, and certain nuts are dangerous. Keep the baking supplies on higher shelves or in closed cabinets, and clean flour from the floor so he doesn't breathe it in. If he got into anything on the counter beyond flour, call your vet.
Dusty sits tall in his floury coat, patient and hopeful, ready to help with the next batch.
