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A black tricolor Australian Shepherd with wide eyes sits among crushed pink tulips and green stems on a floor. 20 / 38

A Tricolor Aussie Is Sitting Right in the Middle of the Tulips

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Pink tulip petals and long green stems carpet the floor in every direction, and Willow the black tricolor Australian Shepherd sits in the middle with wide eyes and a very guilty look. Her fur is silky black with white and copper trim, and a petal or two clings to her chest. Behind her, a gray couch, a basket of toys and a wooden table catch the late sun. She looks as though she was about to make a quick getaway when somebody walked in and caught her in a flower field of her own making.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic herding dogs that need daily activity and work to stay balanced. A bored Aussie can find ways to entertain itself, and a bunch of tulips on a low table is as enticing as any toy. Flowers are not just a mess; many are toxic to pets. Tulip bulbs in particular can be harmful to dogs, and lilies are dangerous for cats in the same household. Keep bouquets out of reach and call your vet if your dog chews on flowers or leaves. Herding breeds often need a clear job, so training games, agility, fetch and puzzle toys help channel their energy. Giving your dog a daily outlet can mean fewer surprises when you walk through the door.

Willow will be shooed away and the petals swept up. The flowers had a short career, and she had a very good one.

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