The Weeding Was Half Done When Everyone Gave Up and Lay Down on the Lawn
Somewhere between pulling weeds and watering the pots, everyone gave up and lay down. Grandpa, still in his ball cap and short-sleeved blue shirt, sleeps with his head resting on a green jacket, and Grandma in a cream cardigan has tucked herself right against him, eyes closed and peaceful. Rufus has stretched his whole body across the pair of them on a soft blanket, paws crossed, cheek pressed down, breathing slow and deep. Behind them, gardening gloves sit in a basket, a pair of red clogs waits on the grass, and a water bottle lies abandoned near the tools.
Napping outdoors on a mild day can be lovely, but dogs and people both need some sun sense. Light-colored or thin-coated areas on a dog, like the white muzzle and belly on this hound, can be sensitive to strong sun, so shade during the brightest part of the day is a good idea. Check the lawn for any recent fertilizer or pest treatments before lying down with pets, and keep water nearby. After time in the grass, a quick check for ticks, especially around the ears, neck and between the toes, is a smart habit in many parts of the country.
The garden will still be there after the nap, and so will the weeds. For one sunny afternoon, rest wins, and Rufus is very pleased with that decision.
