Browse ›
Smiling Black grandpa in glasses sits at the wheel of an old pickup with a black Labrador in the passenger seat. 22 / 33

Grandpa Walter's Old Truck Has Cracked Seats and the Best Passenger in Town

AI imagelabrador retrieverpickup truckcar ride

The cab of this old pickup has seen a lot of miles: the vinyl seats are cracked and patched, the steering wheel worn smooth, the dashboard faded by countless summers. Grandpa Walter sits behind the wheel in a sage cardigan and glasses, turned toward his passenger with a warm, sideways smile. Duke fills the passenger seat completely, sitting tall with his chest out, mouth open in a wide, happy pant, tongue showing, eyes bright under the soft evening light. Through the windshield, a quiet street of small houses and leafy trees glows gold. Wherever they are headed, Duke is clearly thrilled to be riding shotgun.

Many dogs love car rides, and a few habits make them safer and more comfortable. Letting a dog hang its head out of an open window is tempting, but flying debris and insects can injure eyes and ears, so it is best to crack the window just enough for fresh air. Some dogs get carsick, especially when young; short, positive practice trips, a light meal well before travel, and good ventilation can help, and your vet can advise if motion sickness persists. On longer drives, plan stops for water and a short walk. For big dogs, a ramp makes climbing into a tall vehicle easier on their joints and on their people's backs.

Duke looks like he would happily ride along anywhere, even if it is just to the hardware store and back. With Walter at the wheel, every errand turns into a small adventure.

More from this collection

All 33 →
Smiling Black grandpa in a cream cardigan plays an old upright piano as a black Labrador sits on the bench beside him.Grandpa Walter Sat Down at the Old Piano. A Very Large Music Lover Joined Him.Black grandpa in a cream cable cardigan sits on a pickup tailgate by a field, resting a hand on a black Labrador's head.Out at the Edge of the Field, Grandpa Walter Dropped the Tailgate and Sat Down
Black grandpa in a green cable cardigan sleeps on a cushioned porch swing beside a black Labrador with a graying muzzle.Grandpa Walter and Duke Have Shared This Swing for Years. Look Closely at His Muzzle.Black grandpa in a fuzzy tan cardigan shovels a snowy driveway as a black Labrador plays in the snow at his feet.Grandpa Walter Tried to Shovel a Path. Duke Kept Jumping Into Every Scoop.Black grandpa in a knit cap and cardigan sits in a lawn chair at sunset beside an empty chair and a black Labrador.Grandpa Walter Set Out Two Lawn Chairs for Sunset. Duke Chose Neither One.Black grandpa in a green cardigan plants tomato seedlings in a garden bed as a black Labrador digs a hole beside him.Grandpa Walter Was Carefully Planting Tomatoes. Duke Was Digging Something Else Entirely.