The Butter Thief

The beneficial health effects of butter are debatable on a few different levels. Is it the good kind of fat? Is there too much fat? Is it all natural? Regardless, almost everyone likes real butter and especially a rather food focused German Shepherd I live with.

A few moments of inattention. A slight lapse in concentration. A distracted task and whoa, a stick of butter is stolen off the counter. Once should be enough to learn that lesson. But, no, it happened again within a two week time span.

So, 2 sticks of butter stolen within a couple of weeks. On the upside, that’s really good for a dog’s coat, the extra oils make it so soft. On the down side, so much fat for a dog could lead to pancreatitis. [If you worry, consult your veterinarian.] This has not happened to this particular German Shepherd.

Gone

It’s only after the fact that I learn the dog in question actually has some restraint. So, if 2 sticks are too much to eat in such a short span of time, what’s a dog to do?

Well, save it for later, obviously, by burying it in the yard. And with temperatures at or around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, it is preserved perfectly.

How does this come into play and why would I know that saving the butter for later was actually the strategy? Finding evidence of butter and dirt on my sofa and chair cushions was quite a surprise. Just like a bone, she tried to bury it between the cushions. I am probably lucky she didn’t try to bury it in the bed.

Thank goodness for microfiber fabric.

Moral of the story:

1. Put the butter away as soon as you are done using it.
2. Never walk away from the kitchen with food sitting out.
3. Always clean up food and dishes right away.
4. Accept and enjoy the foibles of your dog, but be mindful of the dangers of eating people food.