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Smiling Black grandpa in a cream cable-knit cardigan wraps a wet black Labrador in a plaid blanket by a rainy doorway. 2 / 33

Duke Came Home Dripping From the Rain. Grandpa Walter Was Waiting at the Door.

AI imagelabrador retrieverrainy daydoorstep

The doorstep is still slick with rain, puddles shining on the patio and a pair of muddy boots kicked off by the mat. Grandpa Walter, in a thick cream cable-knit cardigan, crouches just outside the open door and tucks a tan plaid blanket around Duke's shoulders, his weathered hands rubbing gently through the wool. Walter's face is soft and smiling, eyes nearly closed with affection. Duke sits patiently in the middle of the bundle, his black coat glistening with raindrops, ears damp, amber-brown eyes gazing forward with the calm patience of a dog who knows a warm living room is only moments away.

Labrador Retrievers were built for wet work. Their short, dense double coat has a water-resistant outer layer and a soft insulating undercoat, and their thick, tapering tail helps them steer in the water. That is why so many Labs seem completely unbothered by rain or a dip in the lake. Still, toweling off after a soggy walk is a good habit. If the dense undercoat stays damp for long, especially in warm weather or in skin folds and ears, it can contribute to skin irritation or ear trouble. A thorough rub-down, a quick ear check, and a dry spot to rest keep a Lab comfortable. Labs also shed quite a bit, so regular brushing helps.

Duke may not need the blanket nearly as much as Walter thinks he does, but he certainly is not complaining. Being fussed over is one of his very favorite parts of a rainy day.

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