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Black grandpa in glasses and a cardigan studies a checkerboard at dusk as a black Labrador rests its chin on the table. 7 / 33

Grandpa Walter Was Deep in a Checkers Game. Then He Glanced to the Left.

AI imagelabrador retrievercheckersporch at dusk

Dusk has crept over the porch, the lantern by the door is glowing, and the yard beyond the railing has faded to soft blue. On a rough wooden table, a game of checkers is well underway, red, black, and cream pieces scattered across a worn board. Grandpa Walter leans over it in a brown cable-knit cardigan and plaid shirt, glasses low, brow furrowed, deep in thought about his next move. Right next to the board, Duke has rested his big black chin flat on the tabletop. His amber eyes are turned up toward Walter with a soft, soulful look, eyebrows lifted, as though he would very much like to be dealt into the next game.

That melting expression is not an accident of the light. Scientists who study dog anatomy have noted that dogs have facial muscles that let them raise their inner eyebrows, making their eyes look bigger and more expressive, the classic puppy-eyes look that people find so hard to resist. Dogs often use it when interacting with humans. A chin resting quietly on a table or a knee is also a common, affectionate way for dogs to seek closeness and attention. It is generally a sign of a relaxed, trusting dog. Just be mindful that this gentle charm does not turn every meal or snack into a negotiation.

Walter is trying hard to focus on the game, but with that face beside the board, concentration is a real challenge. Perhaps the next move should be a scratch behind the ears.

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