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A gray-bearded man in suspenders crouches and tosses grain to brown hens as a dark red Golden Retriever watches nearby. 22 / 38

Roy Went Out to Feed the Chickens. A Big Red Shadow Followed Him.

AI imagegolden retrieverchickensfarm chores

Golden grain pours from Roy's hand in a glittering stream, and a flock of brown and speckled hens rushes in to peck at the ground around his boots. He crouches in the dirt yard in a green flannel shirt and suspenders, sunglasses pushed up on his head, grinning at the busy birds. Copper stands just a step behind, head lowered and nose pointed toward one of the hens, his expression curious and careful rather than excited. In the background, a rustic wooden coop, a porch light glowing at dusk, a blue bucket, rubber boots, and a bale of straw make the scene feel like a small family homestead.

Golden Retrievers are generally gentle and friendly, but they do have bird-related instincts from their history as hunting companions. With patient training and supervision, many Goldens learn to live calmly alongside backyard chickens. Introductions are best done slowly, with the dog on a leash and rewarded for calm behavior, and it is wise never to leave a dog unsupervised with poultry until you are completely confident. Keep chicken feed stored away from your dog, since eating a lot of it can upset their stomach. Chicken droppings can carry germs, so wash your hands after chores and discourage your dog from snacking in the coop.

The hens seem perfectly unbothered by their large red shadow, and Copper appears content to simply tag along. On this little farm, evening chores are a team effort.

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A gray-bearded man in a cap and suspenders sits on a wooden dock holding a fishing pole beside a dark red Golden Retriever.Roy Cast His Line Off the Old Dock. Copper Was the Only One Who Showed Up.A gray-bearded man in suspenders sits on a covered porch beside a dark red Golden Retriever as rain falls on the yard.The Rain Ruined Their Walk, but Roy and Copper Found a Better Plan
A smiling gray-bearded man in suspenders sways in a kitchen as a dark red Golden Retriever wags its tail beside him.Roy Thought Nobody Was Watching Him Dance in the KitchenA smiling gray-bearded man in suspenders raises his arm to throw a ball as a dark red Golden Retriever waits eagerly.Roy Wound Up for the Throw and Paused. Copper Couldn't Take It.A gray-bearded man in suspenders bathes a soaked dark red Golden Retriever in a galvanized metal tub in a backyard.Roy Filled the Old Metal Tub With Warm Suds. Copper Knew What Was Coming.A gray-bearded man in suspenders rests in a wooden rocking chair while a red Golden Retriever sleeps curled on the floor.The Lamp Was On, the House Was Quiet, and Roy Looked Down at His Feet