Browse ›
An older man in a tan argyle sweater vest reads a newspaper on a sofa while a red merle Aussie sleeps on his lap. 13 / 32

Kenji Sat Down With the Morning Paper. He Hasn't Been Able to Get Up Since.

AI imageaustralian shepherdnewspaperlap dog

Fifty-odd pounds of sleepy Aussie have settled across Kenji's lap, and he does not seem to mind in the slightest. He sits on a sage-green sofa in a tan argyle sweater vest and blue plaid shirt, glasses low, holding the newspaper off to one side so he can keep reading without disturbing his passenger. Maple is out cold, eyes shut, head drooping over the edge of the cushion, her long merle coat spilling in waves of copper and cream. A mustard throw hangs on the sofa behind them, and a houseplant catches the morning light across the room.

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, but many of them have no idea, and will happily try to be lap dogs anyway. Seeking close contact like this is often a sign of affection and security. Their double coat is beautiful but does require care. Regular brushing, often a few times a week and more during seasonal shedding, helps prevent mats, especially in the feathery areas behind the ears, on the legs, and around the tail. Brushing sessions can be a relaxing ritual too, much like this quiet morning on the couch. Check paws and ears while you are at it, and ask your vet or a groomer for tips on the right brushes for your dog's coat.

The sports page can wait, and so can the crossword. For now, Kenji is officially pinned to the sofa, and from the look on his face, that is exactly where he wants to be.

More from this collection

All 32 →
An older man in a flat cap and argyle vest reaches for apples on a tree while a red merle Aussie sniffs fallen fruit.Grandpa Was Picking Apples From the Branches. Maple Was Working the Ground Shift.An older man in an olive cable-knit sweater smiles down at a red merle Aussie in a garden full of orange pumpkins.Kenji Asked Maple to Help Pick a Pumpkin. Her Answer Was a Look.
An older man in a tan sweater vest sleeps in a rope hammock between trees while a red merle Aussie lies on the ground.Grandpa Fell Asleep in the Hammock. Somebody Volunteered for Guard Duty.An older man in a brown sweater vest walks down a rural road at dusk beside a happy red merle Australian Shepherd.The Same Country Road, the Same Time Every Evening, and the Same Happy FaceAn older man in a brown cardigan fills in a crossword at a kitchen table while a red merle Aussie watches closely.Kenji Was Stuck on Seventeen Down. His Aussie Leaned In to Take a Look.An older man in a green sweater holds out a vanilla ice cream cone as a red merle Australian Shepherd licks it in the sun.Kenji Bought One Ice Cream Cone on the Hottest Day of the Year. Just One.