Grandma Edie Dropped the Tailgate to Rest. Moose Climbed Up for Some Company.
Gray clouds roll low over wide, flat farmland, and the grass at the field's edge has gone tawny with the season. Grandma Edie sits on the dropped tailgate of a silver pickup, wearing her green quilted vest over a blue plaid shirt, her glasses catching the soft light as she grins. Moose has hopped up beside her and leans his big head against her chest, eyes half closed, perfectly at home on the cold metal. A wooden fence post and distant trees line the horizon, and the whole scene feels peaceful and unhurried.
Trucks and dogs are a classic pairing, but safety comes first. Riding loose in an open truck bed is risky for dogs, since a sudden stop or turn can throw them out, so the cab or a secured crate is the better choice when the truck is moving. Jumping on and off a high tailgate can also strain a large dog's joints, and giant breeds like Saint Bernards are prone to hip and elbow problems. A sturdy ramp or a careful lift with help makes a big difference over time. Parked and still, though, a tailgate makes a lovely bench for two.
Some of life's best conversations happen at the end of a dirt road, with nothing but fields in every direction. Grandma Edie does most of the talking, Moose does most of the listening, and somehow they always seem to agree.
