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A laughing grandma in a green quilted vest holds a rake as a Saint Bernard leaps through a pile of orange autumn leaves. 23 / 36

Grandma Edie Spent an Hour Raking the Perfect Leaf Pile. It Lasted Two Seconds.

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Orange and brown leaves fly as Moose bounds into the pile with both front paws, mouth open in a goofy grin. Grandma Edie leans on her bamboo rake in her green quilted vest, laughing at the chaos, because she knew perfectly well this would happen. The low autumn sun lights up the yard, catching the pots of golden mums on the patio, the bare shrubs, and the siding of the house. Every leaf she gathered is now scattered again, and she does not look the least bit upset about it.

Leaf piles are irresistible to many dogs, and a bit of jumping and rolling is great fun and good exercise. It is worth a quick check before the big leap, though. Rakes and garden tools with sharp tines should be kept out of the landing zone. Damp leaf piles can grow mold, and dogs who eat moldy leaves or mushrooms hidden underneath may get sick. Ticks also like to shelter in leaf litter, so a once-over of your dog's coat afterward is a good habit, especially for a long-haired breed like a Saint Bernard. Big dogs jumping on uneven ground can strain joints, so a soft, even pile is best.

Raking with a Saint Bernard around is less of a chore and more of a game with no end. The leaves will get bagged eventually. For now, Grandma Edie is enjoying the show, and Moose is having the best day of his autumn.

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A smiling grandma in a green quilted vest stands in a cozy kitchen as a grinning Saint Bernard looks up at her.Her Favorite Song Came on the Radio, and Grandma Edie Needed a Dance PartnerA grandma in a green quilted vest reads a newspaper with a small scruffy dog asleep on her lap and a Saint Bernard nearby.Grandma Edie Sat Down With the Morning Paper. Moose Wasn't Her Only Company.
A smiling white-haired grandma in a navy quilted vest stands on a dirt lane at sunset beside a grinning Saint Bernard.Halfway Home at Sunset, Grandma Edie Stopped Walking and Looked Down at MooseA grandma in glasses and a green quilted vest reads a book aloud on a gray couch while a Saint Bernard listens closely.Grandma Edie Started Reading Out Loud. Her Biggest Fan Took a Front-Row Seat.A grandma in a navy quilted vest stands at a frosty window with a Saint Bernard propped up on the sill watching the snow.The First Snow of the Year Started Falling, and Moose Needed a Closer LookA smiling grandma in glasses and a green quilted vest sits on a lake dock with feet in the water beside a wet Saint Bernard.Grandma Edie Only Dipped Her Toes in the Lake. Moose Clearly Went All In.