Browse ›
An older couple in cream sweaters sit on the edge of a lake dock with feet in the water and a tortoiseshell cat between them. 34 / 34

Walt and June Dipped Their Feet in the Lake. Then Mabel Joined Them.

AI imagetortoiseshell catlake docksummer

Shoes off, shorts on and sweaters pulled snug against the breeze, Walt and June sit at the edge of the dock with their feet dangling in the cool, still lake. They lean together, smiling, perfectly at ease. And then there is Mabel. The fluffy tortoiseshell has decided to join them in the shallows, standing between their ankles with water lapping at her legs and an expression that says she is not entirely sure how she got there. Trees line the far shore, a gray house sits back behind the dock, and the water reflects a soft overcast sky.

Most cats are not fans of getting wet, though a few individuals are surprisingly comfortable around water, and some breeds have a reputation for it. Even so, lakes and ponds can be risky. A cat that slips into deeper water can tire quickly, and steep docks or banks can make it hard to climb out. Never leave a cat unattended near open water, keep them close or on a harness, and towel them dry afterward. Pond and lake water can contain algae or bacteria that are not safe to drink, so offer fresh water instead. If a pet swallows a lot of lake water or seems unwell, talk to your vet.

Mabel may head straight back to dry land in a moment. But for now, the whole family is sharing the same quiet patch of lake, and that is a memory worth keeping.

More from this collection

All 34 →
An older couple in cream cable-knit sweaters work on a crossword at a kitchen table while a tortoiseshell cat lies in front.Walt and June Were Stuck on Seven Across. Mabel Had Thoughts.An older couple in cream sweaters sit on concrete steps, each brushing a tortoiseshell cat lying between them.Two Brushes, One Tortoiseshell, and a Very Clear Verdict From Mabel
An older couple in cream sweaters bathe a wet tortoiseshell cat in a soapy galvanized tub in a backyard garden.Bath Day in the Backyard Washtub. Mabel Was Not Consulted.An older couple in cream sweaters doze head to head in a recliner while a tortoiseshell cat rests on the armrest.Walt and June Dozed Off in the Recliner. Mabel Stayed on Duty.An older couple in gray sweaters fix a wooden fence in the yard while a tortoiseshell cat holds a stick in its mouth.Walt Had the Hammer, June Had the Board. Mabel Brought Her Own Tool.A smiling older couple in cream sweaters sit on a boardwalk bench by the beach, holding a tortoiseshell cat on their laps.A Breezy Day on the Boardwalk, and Mabel Got the Best Seat