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Black grandpa in a speckled cardigan sits on sunny back steps brushing the shiny coat of a happy black Labrador. 11 / 33

Grandpa Walter Sat on the Sunny Back Steps With a Little Wooden Brush

AI imagelabrador retrievergroomingback steps

Sunshine pours over the back steps, warming the weathered boards, a pair of work boots, a folded blue towel, and a row of potted ferns. Grandpa Walter sits on the top step in a speckled oatmeal cardigan and gray T-shirt, a small wooden brush in his hand. He is working it slowly through the fur at Duke's neck, his eyes cast down in quiet focus and a faint smile tugging at his mouth. Duke sits tall on the step below, his black coat gleaming like polished leather in the light, mouth open in a blissful, panting grin. If dogs could purr, this one would be.

Labs may have short coats, but they are serious shedders. Their dense double coat sheds steadily year-round, and many Labs go through heavier seasonal sheds, often in spring and fall, when the undercoat comes out in clumps. Brushing a few times a week, and daily during heavy shedding, helps remove loose hair before it lands on the couch. A rubber curry brush or a deshedding tool designed for double coats works well, followed by a bristle brush to bring out the shine. Regular brushing also spreads natural skin oils through the coat and gives you a chance to spot fleas, ticks, or skin changes. Avoid shaving a Lab's coat, since it helps regulate temperature.

Duke clearly considers this the highlight of his afternoon. Walter may end up with a cardigan covered in black fur, but judging by his smile, he would not trade this moment for a lint-free sweater.

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