Browse ›
A black Cocker Spaniel with soulful brown eyes lies on a carpet beside a pile of shredded newspaper. 7 / 32

Somebody Had Not Finished the Newspaper. The Cocker Spaniel Had.

AI imagecocker spanielcaught in the actshredded newspaper

Last Sunday's newspaper has been turned into confetti. A pile of ripped strips and torn pages covers the carpet, and next to it lies a black Cocker Spaniel with long, curly ears, glancing sideways with a pair of deep, soulful brown eyes. Sunlight spreads across the beige floor, and a few paper scraps have drifted over to his front paws. His chin is lowered and his gaze says he'd like to discuss this later. Let's call him Inky, which suits the situation.

Cocker Spaniels were bred as bird-hunting dogs, so they love to use their mouths and noses. Shredding paper often scratches the same itch as carrying and tearing things apart. They are affectionate, people-focused dogs that don't enjoy being left alone for long stretches, and a bored spaniel will find his own entertainment. Mental exercise, sniffing games and a handful of safe chew toys can give that energy a better outlet. Their long ears also need regular cleaning and checks, since they trap moisture, so ask your vet what routine fits your dog.

Inky stays perfectly still in the afternoon light, hoping that if he doesn't move, the mess might become invisible. It is working about as well as you'd expect. Whoever has to read the sports section tomorrow will have to find a puzzle piece or two. Maybe next time, the paper will go straight into the recycling bin.

More from this collection

All 32 →
A tricolor Beagle with big brown eyes sits on a couch beside a torn cardboard box overflowing with crumpled tissues.One Box of Tissues Sat Within Reach. The Beagle Noticed.A silver tabby British Shorthair with soil on its whiskers sits beside a freshly dug hole in a sunny garden.Someone Dug a Hole in the Garden. The Silver Tabby Knew Nothing.
A grey Persian cat with a flat face and amber eyes sits beside a tipped-over cookie tin and scattered sprinkle cookies.The Cookie Tin Was Guarded. The Persian Had a Different Plan.A black cat with wide green-yellow eyes looks up beside a tipped terracotta pot with soil and leaves across the floor.The Plant Was Fine on the Floor, Said the Cat With Innocent EyesA black and white Siberian Husky with pale blue eyes stands on a lawn over a ripped garbage bag with trash scattered around.The Husky Heard Someone Coming. His Eyes Said Everything.A fluffy black cat sits on a patio beside a tipped paper bag of potting soil with dirt spread across the concrete.The Bag of Soil Fell Over. The Black Cat Looked at the Sky.