A Cocker Spaniel Went Out for Some Fresh Air and Came Back Muddy
The buff Cocker Spaniel sits on the grass beside a fresh hole, her long ears hanging in soft waves and her nose and chin smudged with dark soil. She does not look at us. Her eyes drift down and to the side with a sad, thoughtful expression, as though the hole were someone else's idea. Behind her, the wooden fence and a few flowerpots frame a backyard that has seen better days.
Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as bird-hunting dogs, so sniffing and digging come naturally to them, and they are cheerful, sensitive dogs that enjoy being close to their families. A dog that digs a lot may be bored, hot, or chasing a smell. Giving the dog a digging spot, plenty of exercise, and shade can help. It is also wise to keep fertilizers, bulbs, and pest products out of reach and to talk to your vet if a dog has chewed something unfamiliar. Long ears collect dirt, so check them after garden time.
We will call her Honey. She has done a thorough job, and her soft, sorry look shows she knows it. The dirt on her nose is perfectly placed, like a signature at the bottom of a painting. The garden may need replanting, but the spaniel is going to need a long, warm bath first. For now, she sits beside her hole as if waiting for a medal, or at least for somebody to hand her a towel.
