Toilet Paper - Not So Funny Anymore

Dear Mr. Smart T. Pants:

I used to love playing with toilet paper. If I was bored, I would go into the bathroom, grab the end and just run through the house with it. Sometimes I would even shred it and then roll around in it. My humans would laugh and chase me - it was great fun. But suddenly they don’t think it is funny anymore. They tell me “No” anytime I go near it. I don’t understand why they won’t let me play with it - they certainly have a lot of it. Do you have any advice for dogs and their humans on this topic?

Luke the Australian Shepherd

Dear Luke:

Something strange is definitely going on with the humans and their toilet paper. It is almost like they are saving it for something. As a fellow herder, I know it is so tempting to control things with your mouth. And let’s face it, grabbing that fluttering light piece of paper and running around with it is a blast! And it is so easy to shred! But unfortunately right now, we have to respect the humans’ wishes and leave it alone.

Humans - we really don’t understand this new obsession, so here are some tips on keeping your toilet paper safe. First, close the bathroom door. If we can see it, we will want it. Second, reverse the roll so the loose end is not hanging down. Yes of course we can then roll it with our mouths or paws, but it will make it a little harder to get at. If all else fails, you can place a can with something noisy inside on top of the roll, so when we grab the toilet paper it will roll off and make noise. That certainly will distract us.

Luke - I guess you will have to find something else to play with for awhile. Just don’t choose their shoes.

Mr. Smart T. Pants

The toilet paper hanging down makes it easy to grab.