The Shiba Inu Had a Perfect Alibi Until He Looked at the Camera

The black and tan Shiba Inu has a big dab of peanut butter right on the tip of his nose, and a few smears across his muzzle for good measure. An open jar sits on the counter beside him, scraped clean along the sides. He smiles just a little, like a dog who knows he has been spotted but does not plan to confess. His ears stand tall, and his eyes shine.

Shibas are clever, independent dogs known for their cat-like habits, such as keeping themselves tidy and thinking things through before acting. They are also known for finding food in places people believed were safe. Peanut butter is a favorite dog treat, but it is worth reading the label, because some brands use xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerous for dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten something with xylitol, call your vet right away. Plain peanut butter in small amounts, perhaps smeared in a puzzle toy, makes a fine reward.

We will call him Maple. He has put real effort into this heist, and he is clearly proud of the craftsmanship. The tip of his tongue is probably already planning a second pass at his nose. There is some comfort in knowing that nobody can stay too angry at a face like that, especially one with such a well-groomed, slightly sticky nose.