The Snack Bag Was on the Couch. The Aussie Had a Better Idea.

Golden potato chips lie scattered across the carpet like fallen leaves, and a torn paper bag sits near the paws of a blue merle Australian Shepherd. His head is tilted slightly and his eyes, one amber and one dark, look up with a humble expression. His fur is mottled in silver, gray and black, and a bit of salt may still cling to his chest. A wooden cabinet and a plant by the window fill the quiet room.

Australian Shepherds are bright, energetic herding dogs that thrive on activity and challenges. They are quick learners and love to work, which makes them stars at agility and trick training, but they can also invent their own jobs when they are bored. Chips are not a good snack for dogs, since the salt, grease and any onion or garlic flavoring can upset their stomachs. A small number of plain chips is unlikely to be a disaster, but a big bag is worth a phone call to the vet.

Teaching a reliable leave it and keeping snacks in the pantry are good habits. A busy Aussie benefits from a good run and puzzle toys before the family settles in with snacks.

This one appears to have decided that a crunchy cleanup is not part of the plan. The bag is empty, the floor is full and the conscience, it seems, is mostly clear.