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A gray-bearded man in suspenders bathes a soaked dark red Golden Retriever in a galvanized metal tub in a backyard. 27 / 38

Roy Filled the Old Metal Tub With Warm Suds. Copper Knew What Was Coming.

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Bath time has arrived in the backyard, and Copper is taking it with quiet dignity. The Golden Retriever stands in an old galvanized metal tub filled with sudsy water, his long red coat soaked dark and dripping, his ears plastered flat and his expression patient but faintly put-upon. Roy kneels beside the tub in a plaid flannel shirt with suspenders, his sleeves pushed up, gently working shampoo into Copper's neck with a sponge. A porch light glows against the wooden fence in the evening dusk, and a green watering can and potted plants sit in the yard behind them.

Golden Retrievers do not usually need frequent baths; for many, an occasional bath, along with regular brushing, keeps the coat in good shape. Too-frequent bathing can strip natural oils and dry the skin. Use a shampoo made for dogs, since human products can be too harsh. Brushing before the bath helps loosen dead undercoat and prevents mats from tightening when wet. Rinse thoroughly, because leftover soap can irritate the skin, and dry the ears carefully afterward. A Golden's thick double coat takes a long time to dry, so towel well and keep them out of chilly evening air until they are mostly dry, especially in cooler weather.

Copper may not be thrilled now, but in an hour he will be fluffy, clean, and smelling far better than he did this morning. Then he will probably roll in the grass.

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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 FeetA gray-bearded man in suspenders reads a yellowed letter on a couch while a red Golden Retriever rests its head on his knee.Roy Found an Old Letter in a Drawer. Copper Knew Before He Did.
A gray-bearded man in suspenders sleeps in a brown recliner while a dark red Golden Retriever rests its chin on the armrest.Roy Fell Asleep in His Recliner. Somebody Decided to Stay on Duty.A gray-bearded man in a knit cap and suspenders nails a fence board while a dark red Golden Retriever holds a stick.Roy Was Fixing the Fence. Copper Showed Up With Supplies of His Own.A gray-bearded man in a cap and suspenders plants a tomato seedling while a dark red Golden Retriever digs beside him.Roy Dug One Small Hole for His Tomato Plant. Copper Dug a Much Bigger One.A gray-bearded man in suspenders flips pancakes in a skillet while a dark red Golden Retriever sits politely by the stove.One Pancake Went Flying Off Roy's Skillet. Copper Didn't Move a Muscle.