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An older man in a cap holds a fishing rod on a weathered wooden dock while a tuxedo cat sits beside him, nose to his cheek. 37 / 37

Grandpa Took His Rod Out to the Dock but Barely Watched the Line

AI imagetuxedo catfishinglake dock

The old dock creaks gently over the dark water, its boards gray and soft at the edges from years of weather. Grandpa sits near the end with his fishing rod held low, cap pulled down and a quiet smile tucked under his mustache. He isn't watching the line at all. He's turned toward Domino, who sits close beside him and has stretched up to touch noses with him, eyes half closed in a friendly greeting. Behind them, a gray house and a scruffy garden wait on the shore.

That nose touch is one of the sweet ways cats say hello, and it's usually a sign of comfort and affection. Out on a dock, though, fishing gear is worth keeping an eye on. Hooks, lures, and especially fishing line are real hazards for cats, who may bat at a dangling lure or chew a tangle of line. Swallowed hooks or line need prompt veterinary attention, so keep tackle boxes closed and clean up any stray line before leaving. Fresh catches can be tempting, too, but raw fish isn't a good regular food for cats; if you want to share, a small piece of plain, cooked, boneless fish is the safer option.

Whether the fish are biting today hardly seems to matter. Grandpa has company, a quiet stretch of water, and a cat who thinks he's the best catch around.

Not every fishing trip ends with dinner. The good ones end with a story and a friend.

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