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An older man in a cap sprays an old car with a hose while a wet, grinning blue merle Border Collie stands in the driveway. 31 / 39

Grandpa Earl Only Meant to Wash the Car. Skye Turned It Into Something Else.

AI imageborder colliecar washdriveway

Washing the old car was supposed to be a quick job. Grandpa Earl stands in the driveway in a sweat-stained cap and his rolled-sleeve work shirt, aiming the hose nozzle at a dark sedan streaked with suds. Water sprays everywhere, splashing off the bumper and puddling on the concrete. And in the middle of it all stands Skye, completely drenched, fur dripping in spiky clumps, mouth wide open in a goofy grin with water still flying past her face. She has clearly been leaping at the spray, and she has absolutely no regrets.

Lots of dogs love chasing water from a hose or sprinkler, and on a warm day it can be a fun way to cool off. A few tips keep it safe. Use gentle pressure rather than a hard jet, especially near the face, ears, and eyes. Avoid letting a dog gulp huge amounts of water while playing, since drinking too much too fast can be dangerous. Keep dogs away from car soaps, degreasers, and other cleaning products, and rinse their coat if they get into suds. Finally, run the hose for a moment before playing, as water sitting in a hose in the sun can get surprisingly hot.

Earl's face says he is resigned to this. He came out to wash one thing and is now apparently washing two, and only one of them is holding still.

The car will be clean eventually. Skye, on the other hand, is having the time of her life and will need a towel very soon.

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