The Couch Was Fine. Then the Chocolate Lab Found a Loose Thread.
White fluff is everywhere, as if a small blizzard has crossed the living room. At the center of it sits a glossy chocolate Labrador, perfectly still, looking up with big brown eyes that say he knows what he did. A few bits of stuffing cling to his muzzle, the couch arm behind him has a ripped seam, and drifts of white filling cover the floor all the way to the baseboard. We'll call him Cocoa, and he is clearly the only suspect.
Labradors are friendly, energetic dogs bred to carry things in their mouths, so chewing is part of who they are. Boredom, a lack of exercise or separation from their people can turn that instinct toward furniture. Plenty of daily exercise, mental games, and a good supply of durable chew toys help a lot. Keep in mind that swallowed stuffing or fabric can cause a blockage, so if your dog eats some, call your vet right away instead of waiting. It is also smart to put new or tempting items away when you leave the house, especially while a young dog is still learning.
Cocoa, for his part, is a picture of regret. His eyebrows are tilted up, his shoulders are low, and the whole room is still settling around him. The couch will need repairs, but at least the mystery of the missing cushion has been solved.
