Browse ›
Laughing grandpa in overalls holds a rake as a Miniature Schnauzer leaps through a pile of orange autumn leaves. 22 / 22

Grandpa Earl Spent All Afternoon Raking the Perfect Leaf Pile. Pepper Was Watching.

AI imageminiature schnauzerautumn leavesyard work

Autumn has carpeted the yard in orange, red, and gold, and Grandpa Earl has been at it all afternoon with his trusty rake. In his overalls and a brown plaid flannel, glasses on and cheeks rosy, he had just coaxed the leaves into a respectable pile. That is when Pepper struck. The Miniature Schnauzer is caught mid-bound, front paws tucked, ears flying, mouth open in a delighted grin, leaves scattering around her like confetti. Earl is not even pretending to be annoyed. He is laughing out loud, rake still in hand, while a pot of orange marigolds on the step glows in the golden light behind him.

Leaf piles are pure joy for many dogs, and a quick check makes the fun safer. Piles can hide sticks, sharp debris, or garden tools, so rake with care and glance through before letting your dog dive in. Damp leaves can grow mold, which may upset a dog's stomach if eaten, and fall mushrooms popping up in the yard can be toxic, so remove them when you spot them. Acorns can also cause tummy trouble if chewed. Ticks like to hide in leaf litter, so a quick comb-through after play is a good idea, especially in a dense coat like a Schnauzer's. And never let dogs play near leaves that are about to be burned.

Earl will have to rake that pile all over again, but judging by his grin, he might do it a few more times on purpose. Some chores are really just games in disguise.

More from this collection

All 22 →
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 Long
Grandpa 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.Grandpa in denim overalls leans over a round dog bed, tucking a cream blanket around a Miniature Schnauzer.Those Rough Old Work Hands Have One Very Gentle Job Every NightSmiling grandpa in worn overalls sits on a boardwalk bench by the sea with a Miniature Schnauzer sitting beside him.Grandpa Earl Found a Bench on the Boardwalk. Pepper Made Sure He Wasn't Sitting Alone.