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An older man kneels in a mudroom wrapping a damp blue merle Border Collie in a cream cable-knit blanket, rain outside. 11 / 39

Skye Came Back From the Walk Soaked to the Bone. Grandpa Earl Was Ready.

AI imageborder collierainy daymudroom

Rain is still pouring past the open back door, and the mudroom floor is wet with puddles and paw prints. Grandpa Earl kneels just inside, his green shirt damp at the shoulders, wrapping Skye in a thick cream cable-knit blanket. Her fur is plastered down in places and her ears are a little bedraggled, but she sits patiently in the bundle, looking up at him with those mismatched merle eyes. Rubber boots stand against the wall, a plaid jacket hangs on a hook, and a basket of tennis balls waits for drier days.

Walks in wet weather are part of life with an active dog, and a little prep makes coming home easier. Keep an old towel or two by the door so you can dry your dog right away, paying special attention to paws, ears, and the belly, where moisture and mud collect. Damp fur that stays wet against the skin for long periods can lead to irritation, especially in dense double coats like a Border Collie's. Check between toes for grit or small cuts, and wipe off anything from roads, such as oil or chemical runoff. Older dogs and short-coated dogs can get chilled quickly, so a warm spot to rest afterward is always welcome.

Skye seems to understand the routine. She does not wriggle or try to shake the water everywhere, at least not yet. She just lets Earl fuss over her, which might be her favorite part of the walk.

Outside the storm keeps going, but in here it already feels warm.

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