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Grandmother in a floral apron fitting jigsaw puzzle pieces at a table while a Havanese sits on a wooden chair. 14 / 29

Abuela Was Deep Into Her Jigsaw Puzzle. The Judge Was in the Next Chair.

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A half-finished jigsaw puzzle, its picture just starting to take shape, covers the corner of the wooden kitchen table. Abuela leans over it in a navy T-shirt and floral apron, carefully pressing one piece into place with total concentration. On the chair beside her, Chispa sits tall and dignified, front paws together, watching the camera as though she is the official judge of the competition. A bowl of loose pieces, a cup of coffee, a folded embroidered napkin and a sunny kitchen full of fruit bowls, dish towels and herbs on the counter complete the cozy scene.

Jigsaw puzzles are a favorite pastime for many older adults. They encourage focus and patience and offer a satisfying sense of progress, and they make a nice activity to share with visiting family. If you have a dog, try to keep loose pieces out of reach, because a small cardboard piece is just the right size for a curious nibble. A puzzle board with a cover or a roll-up mat makes it easy to put the project away between sessions. To keep the dog entertained at the same time, a treat-dispensing toy or snuffle mat gives her a puzzle of her own to solve.

Chispa may not be placing any pieces, but she has mastered the art of moral support. Every puzzle goes a little faster with a patient friend at the table.

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