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An older Black woman laughs and sways in a warm kitchen while a white Maltese stands on its hind legs beside her. 18 / 26

Grandma Odessa's Favorite Song Came On the Radio. Pearl Wanted the Next Dance.

AI imagemaltesedancingkitchen

The radio must be playing something good, because Grandma Odessa is dancing. She sways in the middle of her cozy kitchen in a moss green cardigan, hands loosely lifted to the rhythm and a big, open-mouthed laugh spreading across her face. A lamp glows on the counter, a kettle and a bowl of fruit sit by the window, and dish towels hang from the oven door. Pearl has gotten caught up in the excitement too. She is up on her hind legs beside Odessa, front paws lifted, tail curled high, gazing up at her as though she is ready to be the next dance partner.

Music and movement can be a joyful part of life at any age. Many older adults find that dancing, even a few minutes in the kitchen, lifts their mood and keeps them moving. Small dogs often get swept up in their person's energy, which is part of what makes them such fun companions. That said, standing on hind legs a lot is not ideal for every dog. Small breeds can be prone to knee issues, and repeated jumping can strain joints and backs, so it is best to keep this kind of play brief. If you notice limping or skipping steps, check with your vet.

Pearl will be back on all fours soon enough, but for this moment she is fully part of the dance. Odessa's laughter is contagious, and Pearl caught it.

Sometimes the best parties have a guest list of two.

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