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A smiling older Black woman sits on a pickup tailgate at the edge of a field, holding a white Maltese in her lap. 21 / 26

Grandma Odessa Dropped the Tailgate at the Edge of the Field. Pearl Claimed the Best Spot.

AI imagemaltesetailgatecountryside

Rows of young crops stretch out toward the tree line, and the dry grass rustles at the edge of the field. Grandma Odessa sits on the lowered tailgate of a weathered blue pickup in an olive button-up shirt and khaki pants, sunglasses pushed up on her silver hair, laughing softly as she looks down at the bundle in her lap. Pearl sits snugly against her, little blue collar peeking from her white fluff, eyes turned toward the open country as though surveying the land. A fence post and an old gate mark the field's edge in the hazy afternoon light.

Outdoor trips in the country are great fun for dogs, though there are a few rural hazards to keep in mind. Fields and tall grass can harbor ticks, so a thorough check after outings is important, especially in a long, white coat where they can hide. Grass seeds and burrs can work their way into fur, paws, and ears. Farm areas may also have fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals, so keep dogs from drinking from puddles or ditches. For a small dog, staying close or on a leash protects them from wildlife and from wandering off. Talk to your vet about tick prevention suited to your area.

Pearl seems perfectly happy to enjoy the countryside from the safety of Odessa's lap. It is the best seat for watching the world go by.

No rush, no plans, just the sun, the field, and two good friends on a tailgate.

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