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Black grandpa in a cream cable cardigan sits on a pickup tailgate by a field, resting a hand on a black Labrador's head. 24 / 33

Out at the Edge of the Field, Grandpa Walter Dropped the Tailgate and Sat Down

AI imagelabrador retrieverfarmpickup truck

The tailgate of a dusty pickup is down at the edge of a wide, green field, and a white farmhouse with a porch full of potted plants sits just behind it. Grandpa Walter has made himself comfortable on the tailgate in a cream cable-knit cardigan, khaki trousers, and glasses, one hand resting lightly on top of Duke's head. He gazes down with a soft, contented smile. Duke stands close against his knees, brown leather collar around his neck, looking up at Walter with calm, devoted eyes. The overcast sky, the long grass, and the quiet farm road make it feel like the kind of afternoon that could stretch on forever.

Country living offers dogs plenty of room to roam and sniff, along with a few unique risks. Encounters with wildlife such as skunks, raccoons, porcupines, and snakes are more likely in rural areas, so keeping dogs supervised, especially at dawn and dusk, is wise. Staying current on vaccinations, including rabies, is important for dogs that spend time outdoors, and your vet can advise on other vaccines suited to your region. Farm areas may also have fertilizers, pesticides, or rodent baits stored in barns and sheds, which should be kept well out of reach. A microchip and an up-to-date tag are valuable backups in open country too.

None of that is on Duke's mind right now. He has a warm hand on his head, a familiar truck behind him, and his favorite person close by. Out here, that is about as good as an afternoon gets.

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