A Dog's table manners

My parents always had a thing or two to say about my table manners growing up. Apparently mine weren't as good as they should've been for an 11 year old, however, my table manners were which much better that that of a dog's. My table manners, or lack of, had to do with disciple where as a dog's has to do with taste buds, or lack of, as you will continue to read as well and the quest for nourishment.

My black lab Freedom, is what I like to refer to him as "Professional Beggar." He will turn on his charm for guests and give my sister and I "those" eyes. I am sure that most dog owners reading this can relate to what I am talking about above.

Dogs have fewer taste bugs than humans and are willing to consume anything that might offer some nutritional value. Because of their lack of taste buds, their vomiting reflexes makes up for that. Their reflexes are extra sensitive and will reject, most of the time, anything that will not agree with the dog.

This is where cats and dogs differ, Cats are picky about what they eat because their taste buds are more refined and they don't have the gag reflexes that dogs do. They rely on their culinary survival skills of their nose as well as their taste buds.

When a dog has an upset stomach and wants to induce vomiting, they will graze for grass. Often this can be mistaken for sniffing out a spot.

Just like chiefs and humans who enjoy the pleasure of culinary delights, dogs and cats show their culinary pleasure, especially for their favorite foods, by closing their eyes while they chew.

Luv Sheila & Freedom (my black lab)

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