A Cocker Spaniel Sits Very Still Among the Spilled Plant Soil

The plant has taken a tumble, and the evidence is dark and crumbly across the floor. Maple the parti-color Cocker Spaniel sits in the middle of the scattered soil, her long wavy ears hanging like silk curtains and her brown-and-white coat dotted with dirt. Her head is turned away as if the chaos has nothing to do with her. A terracotta pot lies on its side behind her, green leaves draped across its edge, while a laundry basket and a stuffed toy sit by the sofa in the afternoon light.

Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, affectionate dogs that were originally bred to flush birds from cover, and that keen nose and sense of fun still come out in the living room. They are friendly with families and often love to follow their people from room to room. Their long ears need regular cleaning and checking, because moist, floppy ears can be prone to problems, and your vet can show you how. Dogs knock over plants for several reasons, from sniffing the soil to chewing the leaves. Some houseplants are poisonous to dogs, so check which ones you have and keep any risky ones out of reach. Heavier pots, high shelves and baby gates can help protect both plants and pets. Daily walks and sniffing games give a Cocker an outlet for its curiosity.

Maple will be brushed off and the plant repotted, and she will go back to wagging. A Cocker's good mood never lasts long under a cloud.