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Grandpa in denim overalls sleeps in a rope hammock strung between two trees with a Miniature Schnauzer asleep on his chest. 20 / 22

The Rake and Shovel Were Still Leaning on the Shed. The Hammock Won Again.

AI imageminiature schnauzerhammockautumn nap

A woven rope hammock hangs between two sturdy tree trunks, sagging gently under its double load. Grandpa Earl lies back with his eyes closed and his mouth set in a contented line, gray hair mussed against the canvas, overalls and chambray shirt wrinkled from a morning of yard work. Sprawled across his chest and lap is Pepper, her head resting on his arm and her beard spread like a little gray napkin, sound asleep. Around them, the yard waits: a rake and shovel leaning against the shed, a blue bucket, a garden hose, potted plants, and bright autumn leaves beginning to drift down from the branches overhead.

Shady backyard naps are one of life's great luxuries, but warm-weather afternoons outdoors also mean mosquitoes, and mosquitoes can spread heartworm to dogs. Heartworm disease is serious, yet it is highly preventable, which is why many vets recommend a regular preventive for dogs in most parts of the country. Your vet can suggest the right product and testing schedule for where you live. Hammocks themselves call for a little common sense: a dog's claws can snag in netting, and a sudden leap out can lead to a tumble, so climbing in and out slowly and keeping smaller dogs settled helps everyone stay safe and comfortable.

None of that is troubling these two right now. The leaves rustle, the hammock sways ever so slightly, and Earl and Pepper are deep in the kind of nap that only a perfect autumn afternoon can deliver.

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Smiling grandpa in big headphones and overalls sits in an armchair by a turntable with a Miniature Schnauzer on his lap.Grandpa Earl Was Lost in an Old Record. Pepper Kept Trying to Figure Out the Joke.Laughing grandpa in overalls holds a rake as a Miniature Schnauzer leaps through a pile of orange autumn leaves.Grandpa Earl Spent All Afternoon Raking the Perfect Leaf Pile. Pepper Was Watching.
Grandpa in denim overalls pins white sheets on a clothesline as a Miniature Schnauzer leaps out between them.Grandpa Earl Was Pinning Up the Last Clean Sheet When Pepper Spotted the GapGrandpa in overalls and glasses holds a ball out as a Miniature Schnauzer rears up on its hind legs in a leafy yard.Grandpa Earl Held the Ball Up for Just One Second Too LongGrandpa in overalls sits smiling in a wooden rocking chair while a Miniature Schnauzer sleeps on the rug at his feet.Grandpa Earl Sat Down in His Old Rocker. Within Minutes the Whole Room Was Asleep.Grandpa in glasses and overalls sleeps on a wooden porch swing with a Miniature Schnauzer asleep across his lap.The Laundry Basket Was Waiting on the Porch. Grandpa Earl and Pepper Had Other Plans.