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A black tricolor Australian Shepherd holds a chewed-up slipper in its mouth and looks away in a messy room. 7 / 37

The Aussie Strolled Past With a Slipper and Pretended to Be Busy

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The black tricolor Australian Shepherd walks past the camera with a chewed-up slipper hanging from her jaws, the fabric frayed into long strips. Her white chest and tan eyebrows catch the sun from a nearby window, and she keeps her face turned to the side, as if there were something fascinating on the far wall. Behind her, a basket of clothes, a pair of shoes, and cables on the floor show a busy household.

Australian Shepherds are energetic, smart herding dogs, and they love to have a job to do. Carrying things, like slippers, is a natural retrieving behavior, and many dogs treat it as a way of bringing something to the pack. Chewed slippers can leave small bits that cause blockages if swallowed, so take them away safely and call your vet if your dog eats some. Teaching a trade, such as swapping the slipper for a treat, helps a dog learn that giving things up can be rewarding.

The dog seems to understand that this is not an ordinary walk. Her stride is full of purpose, and her head is high. Somewhere, a slipper has been waiting all day for a partner that is not coming back. She will probably wander off with it to a favorite corner and guard it until bedtime. Her tail, a fluffy flag, waves gently with each step.

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