Five Puppies Got Hold of One Slipper and Called It a Team Project
A single beige slipper is the object of great interest to five cream puppies. One chews at the toe, another sniffs the heel, and the rest crowd in on a gray knit blanket, with fluffy ears and tiny paws everywhere. Behind them, a desk with a mug, glasses, and papers suggests the slipper's owner has stepped away for a moment.
Puppies chew slippers because they smell like their person and have a satisfying texture. The best approach is prevention: keep shoes in a closet, and give the puppy plenty of approved chew toys. If she grabs a shoe, calmly trade it for a toy and praise her when she lets go. Scolding after the fact does not teach much, since she cannot connect it with what she did.
Chewing is also a sign of teething, which lasts for several months. Some puppies like cold items, such as a frozen washcloth, to soothe their gums. Always supervise, because swallowed fabric and foam can cause blockages, and call your vet if you worry that she swallowed some.
With five puppies and one slipper, the odds of survival are not great. But the pack seems content, and the work is shared evenly, with every puppy given a turn at the sole. Somewhere, a person will soon come back to find the evidence. The slipper has had a long day.
