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An older man in a fishing vest sprays a hose near a silver car as a wet, happy yellow Labrador bites at the water. 13 / 40

Grandpa Just Wanted to Wash the Car. Then the Hose Came Out.

AI imagelabrador retrievercar washwater play

The plan was to wash the old silver car. The car is still covered in suds and water spots, so it is fair to say the plan has changed. Grandpa Gus holds the hose low, and a bright arc of water shoots across the driveway, where Sunny is lunging in to snap at the spray with her mouth wide open and her tongue flapping. Her coat is dark and dripping, droplets fly everywhere, and her blue collar is soaked through. A bucket, a coiled green hose, and a cloudy suburban sky round out what looks like the most fun chore of the week.

Labradors are famous for loving water. The breed traces back to working dogs that helped fishermen, and they have a dense, water-resistant double coat and webbed toes that make them strong swimmers. Playing with a hose can be a great way to burn energy and cool down on warm days. A few cautions help keep it safe: avoid spraying directly into a dog's face at high pressure, keep the nozzle gentle, and stop if your dog starts gulping huge amounts of water, which can be harmful. Also keep car soap, wax, and cleaning products well away from a curious tongue. Afterward, dry your Lab's ears thoroughly, since moisture trapped inside can lead to irritation.

The car may need a second rinse later. Sunny, on the other hand, has never been cleaner or happier, and Grandpa seems to agree the trade was worth it.

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