The Border Collie Climbed Right Onto the Stove to Check the Pan

A black and white Border Collie stands right on top of the stove, front paws set on the burner grates and eyes turned to the side with a careful, innocent look. A frying pan with a few stuck-on bits sits beside the dog, and a rack of wooden spoons, a jar of garlic, and a paper towel roll line the counter behind. The morning light through the window lights up the dog's glossy coat.

Border Collies are astonishingly agile and clever, and they can often figure out how to climb, open, and reach things that other dogs ignore. A stove is a serious hazard for a dog this curious: a hot burner or pan can burn paws and noses, and a knob can be turned by accident. Unplug or cover knobs, keep food off the stove, and close the kitchen with a gate when you cook. Teaching a solid "off" and giving your Border Collie plenty of jobs, such as training games and long walks, helps keep that bright mind out of trouble. Call your vet if you notice any burns.

For now the stove is cold, and the only thing cooking is the dog's plan for what to do next. The Border Collie wears an air of calm confidence, as if standing on a stove were a perfectly ordinary way to start the day, and nothing about it needs explaining.