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An older man in a fishing vest sleeps on the grass with his head beside a dapple Dachshund napping on a tan blanket. 9 / 36

Grandpa Lay Down on the Lawn for Just a Minute. Someone Joined Him.

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Sometimes the best plan for a warm afternoon is no plan at all. Grandpa Ray has stretched out right on the backyard grass, his cheek pillowed on his arm, his fishing vest still stuffed with pens and tools, and his eyes closed in deep, contented sleep. Curled into a neat little crescent on a tan blanket just beside his face is Pickles, the dapple Dachshund, her chin resting on her paws and her spotted chocolate-and-cream coat soaking up the sunshine. A wooden fence, potted plants, and a neighbor's house sit quietly in the background, as if the whole yard agreed to keep the noise down.

Dogs love to bask in the sun, and a short sunbath can feel wonderful. Still, it is easy for an outdoor nap to last longer than planned. Dogs can overheat, and light-colored or thin-coated areas, like noses, ears, and bellies, can get sunburned, so make sure there is shade to retreat to and a bowl of fresh water nearby. Dachshunds are low to the ground and close to warm surfaces, so watch for signs of overheating like heavy panting or drooling. Lawns can also hide hazards, including fertilizers, pesticides, and certain mushrooms, so keep an eye on what is growing. A blanket, like this one, helps keep your dog off damp or treated grass.

Somewhere between a lawn chair and a nap mat, these two found the perfect spot. Clearly, nobody is going to mow the grass this afternoon.

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