A Brindle Bulldog Holds a Hot Dog Bun and Gives a Hopeful Look

Wrinkles, jowls, and a hot dog bun: a brindle and white Bulldog sits on the kitchen tiles with a golden bun clamped gently in his mouth, and his big brown eyes look sideways with both hope and worry. The bun fills his wide mouth like a soft yellow cushion, a few crumbs dot the floor, and his white chest looks tidy against the brindle stripes.

Behind him, a cluttered counter holds keys, a blue dish towel, a cardboard box, and a small cactus beside a bottle of cleaner. The sunlight is warm and bright. We'll call him Frankie. Notice the missing hot dog. Perhaps it was eaten earlier, or perhaps the bun was all he was after.

Bulldogs are gentle, loyal, and often quite comical dogs, with a heavy build and a short face. Because of their short noses, they can have trouble breathing in heat and during hard exercise, so keep him cool and avoid strenuous activity in warm weather. They also tend to gain weight easily, so snatched buns and treats add up quickly. A plain bun is usually not harmful in a small amount, but hot dogs and toppings may contain salt, onion, garlic, and seasonings that aren't good for dogs. If he swallowed more than a little, call your vet. Teach a solid 'drop it' command, and keep food well back from the counter edge, since Bulldogs are determined food finders.

Frankie holds his prize with a worried, hopeful gaze, a brave soul who simply wanted a snack.