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An older man in a fishing vest whittles wood in a porch chair as shavings fall near a dapple Dachshund sitting on the boards. 31 / 36

Grandpa Sat Down on the Porch to Whittle. The Shavings Had a Spectator.

AI imagedachshundwhittlingporch

Curly pale shavings tumble from Grandpa Ray's knife and pile up around his boots on the porch floor. He sits in an old wooden chair, leaning forward with careful focus, turning a small block of wood in his hands as it slowly takes shape. A few feet away, Pickles sits on the gray floorboards with her head tilted down toward the growing heap of curls, her chocolate-and-silver dapple coat bright in the soft daylight. She seems equally fascinated and a little suspicious, as if she cannot decide whether the shavings are toys or snacks. Potted geraniums line the porch rail, and a quiet green yard stretches out behind them.

Whittling is a relaxing, traditional craft that many people enjoy well into their later years. It keeps the hands busy and rewards patience with a small, handmade treasure. When a dog is nearby, a little caution helps. Teach your dog to stay a safe distance from sharp knives, and keep tools out of reach when you take a break. Wood shavings are not food, and swallowing them or chewing splintered pieces can irritate a dog's mouth or stomach. Sweep up when you finish, and avoid letting dogs chew wood that has been treated, painted, or stained. Pickles has the right idea here, watching from a polite distance.

Whatever Grandpa Ray is carving, it will be finished soon. Maybe it will be a little wooden Dachshund to sit on the porch rail.

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