A Havanese Climbed Onto the Stove While Dinner Was Being Made
Nobody should be standing on the stove, and yet here is a small cream Havanese named Marshmallow, front paws planted on the burner grates, staring right into the lens with huge dark eyes. A stainless steel pan sits beside him with a few crumbs inside, and chopped garlic and herbs lie on a cutting board behind him. It looks like dinner prep was interrupted by a very curious guest.
Havanese dogs are small, sociable dogs with silky coats and a cheerful, clownish nature. They are clever and love to be near their people, which often means following them into the kitchen. They are good at learning tricks, and they also learn very quickly where interesting smells come from, including counters, cooking pots and stovetops.
A stove is a risky place for a dog. Burners can stay hot after cooking, and a curious dog can get burned or knock over hot pans. Many experts suggest using knob covers, turning the burners off completely and teaching a dog to settle on a mat during cooking. Garlic and onions, which are often on the board, can also be harmful to dogs, so keep them out of reach.
Marshmallow looks as if he has just been caught sampling the chef's work. With that wide-eyed look, it is hard not to forgive him, even if the stove is a no-go zone.
