Browse ›
A black and tan German Shepherd sits with ears up, looking aside, beside a torn cardboard box of tissues on the floor. 5 / 36

One Quiet German Shepherd and a Tissue Box With a Mystery

AI imagegerman shepherdcaught in the acttissue box

Ears straight up like two radar dishes, a black and tan German Shepherd sits beside a tissue box that has been ripped wide open. White tissues spill over the cardboard rim and drift across the floor, and bits of paper dot the carpet all the way to a woven basket by the window. The dog's dark muzzle is turned politely to the side, and her gaze is fixed on a spot that is clearly more interesting than the box. We'll call her Sasha, and she looks like a very serious witness.

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal and eager to work, and they were bred for herding and guarding. They thrive on training, exercise and a clear daily routine. When a Shepherd is under-stimulated, she may find her own jobs, and shredding soft paper can be one of them. Tissues are usually harmless in small amounts, but swallowing a lot can cause stomach trouble, so call your vet if you're worried. Puzzle feeders, scent games and obedience practice can use up that sharp mind, and a durable chew toy gives her mouth something safe to do.

Sasha's pose is perfect, as if she is on duty. Only the trail of paper behind her tells another story. Somebody will be sweeping this up soon, and she will likely wait politely for her next assignment.

More from this collection

All 36 →