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An older Black woman in a plaid shirt crouches in a backyard beside a white Maltese, with a tennis ball on the grass. 20 / 26

Grandma Odessa Tossed the Tennis Ball. Pearl Had to Think About It First.

AI imagemaltesefetchbackyard

The tennis ball lies in the grass, slightly scuffed and covered in a bit of dirt, and the game is clearly in progress. Grandma Odessa crouches low in the backyard in a red and blue plaid flannel shirt, her glasses on and a warm, encouraging smile on her face, one hand reaching out to Pearl. The little Maltese stands in the foreground with her blue collar, her fluffy white face turned toward the ball, as though weighing whether it is worth one more chase. A wooden fence, a watering can, a garden hose, and potted plants fill the yard behind them in the soft evening light.

Small dogs like Maltese enjoy play just as much as big dogs, but toy size matters. A standard tennis ball can be a bit large for a tiny mouth, and some companies make mini balls designed for small breeds. Whatever the size, the ball should be too big to swallow, and worn or chewed-up balls should be replaced. Short, frequent play sessions are often a great fit for small dogs, since they tire faster than larger breeds. Keep an eye out for heat on warm days, and choose soft grass over hard surfaces to protect little joints.

Pearl seems to be considering her options. Fetch is fun, but so is standing next to Odessa getting attention, and right now that might be winning.

Either way, it is a lovely way to end the day: grass underfoot, a ball nearby, and a grandma who is always happy to play.

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