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An older Black woman with short silver hair plays checkers on a porch while a white Maltese rests its chin on the table. 1 / 26

Grandma Odessa Hasn't Lost a Game of Checkers in Years. Pearl Is Studying Her Moves.

AI imagemaltesecheckersfront porch

The checkerboard has seen a lot of games, and Grandma Odessa is clearly the reigning champion. She sits on her front porch in a soft blue cardigan, silver hair cropped short, glasses perched on her nose, and slides a cream checker forward with a confident, knowing little smile. The wooden board is worn smooth at the corners, the red and black pieces lined up in mid-battle. Right at the edge of the table, Pearl, her fluffy white Maltese, has propped her chin on the weathered wood and is gazing at the board with big dark eyes, as if quietly calculating the next move. Potted plants and a cozy porch chair round out the scene behind them.

Maltese are a toy breed with an ancient history as companion dogs, and they are known for being affectionate, playful, and very attached to their people. That sweet chin-on-the-table pose is typical of a dog that wants to be right in the middle of whatever its person is doing. Their long, silky white coat is beautiful but needs regular brushing to prevent tangles, and many owners keep it trimmed short in a puppy cut for easier care. Because they are small and gentle, Maltese can be a good fit for apartment living or a quieter household, though they still enjoy daily walks and play.

Odessa may be winning the game, but Pearl is winning the cuteness contest by a mile. It is hard to concentrate on strategy with that face watching.

King me, indeed. On this porch, there is room for two champions.

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