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Elderly man hammering a fence post as his wife holds a rail and a Basset Hound stands by with a stick in its mouth. 14 / 40

Grandpa Finally Fixed the Wobbly Fence. Rufus Showed Up With His Own Lumber.

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A wobbly wooden fence by the house is finally getting attention. Grandpa, in a knit cap and olive work jacket, raises a hammer over the top of a post with a look of total concentration. Grandma in a pink fleece steadies the rail with both hands and peers at the joint through her glasses. And standing proudly in front of the whole operation is Rufus, holding a long, crooked stick crosswise in his jaws like he has brought the most important piece of lumber on the job. Work gloves, a canvas tool bag and a blue watering can rest nearby on the porch.

Many dogs love carrying sticks, but they can be riskier than they look. Splinters can injure the mouth or throat, and a dog running with a stick can be hurt if one end catches the ground. Sturdy chew toys or rubber sticks designed for dogs offer the same satisfaction with less danger. During home projects, it is also wise to keep nails, screws and tools picked up and to set the dog up in a safe spot nearby, since a curious nose can find sharp hardware fast. If your dog ever seems to be pawing at his mouth or drooling after chewing wood, talk to your vet.

Still, it is hard not to admire the enthusiasm. Rufus has clearly appointed himself head of materials, and he takes the role very seriously.

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