Browse ›
An older man sits barefoot on a wooden dock with feet in the lake while a dapple Dachshund stands beside him. 14 / 36

Grandpa Dipped His Bare Feet in the Lake. The Dachshund Had Some Doubts.

AI imagedachshundlakedock

Grandpa Ray has rolled up his pants, kicked off his shoes, and dipped his bare feet into the cool, clear lake water. He sits on the edge of the sun-warmed dock, smiling down with a twinkle in his eye at his little companion. Pickles stands on the boards right beside him, all four paws planted firmly on dry wood. Her spotted coat glows in the golden late-day light, and she leans her head toward him with polite curiosity, as if asking whether he is sure about this water business. Behind them, other docks, a lakeside cottage with potted plants, and grassy shoreline shimmer in the evening sun.

Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and Dachshunds, with their long bodies and short legs, often find swimming harder work than many breeds. If your Dachshund does enjoy the water, a well-fitted dog life jacket is a smart choice, and short, supervised sessions in shallow water are best. Never assume a dog can climb back onto a dock alone. Docks can also be risky for small dogs who might slip off the edge, so keep an eye on them at all times. Blue-green algae is another concern in still, warm water, so avoid letting dogs drink or swim where the water looks scummy or where warning signs are posted.

Pickles may prefer to keep her paws dry, but she still wants to be right where Grandpa Ray is. That is loyalty, one wooden plank at a time.

More from this collection

All 36 →
A smiling older man on a green garden bench holds a sandwich while a dapple Dachshund stretches its nose toward it.Grandpa Took a Lunch Break on the Garden Bench. The Negotiations Began Immediately.An older man scoops cookie dough onto a baking tray while a dapple Dachshund with flour on its muzzle watches closely.Grandpa Was Baking Cookies. One Little Helper Had Flour All Over Her Face.
An older man in a fishing vest plays an old upright piano while a dapple Dachshund sits on the wooden bench beside him.Grandpa Sat Down at His Old Piano. The Best Seat Was Already Taken.An older man in glasses reads a yellowed letter in an armchair while a dapple Dachshund lies across his lap.Grandpa Unfolded a Yellowed Old Letter. He Wasn't Reading It Alone.An older man in glasses moves a checker on a porch table while a dapple Dachshund rests its chin and paws on the table edge.Grandpa Took Forever to Make His Checkers Move. Someone Was Watching Closely.A smiling older man in glasses reads aloud from a book on a couch as a long-haired dapple Dachshund sits listening.Grandpa Started Reading His Book Out Loud. He Had a Very Attentive Listener.