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An elderly couple read the newspaper on a couch while a large lemon and white Basset Hound sleeps curled across their laps. 11 / 21

Harold and Bea Sat Down to Read the Paper. Waffles Thinks He's a Lap Dog.

AI imagebasset houndlap dogweekend morning

The newspaper is spread open in Bea's hands, and Harold is leaning over her shoulder to read along, glasses on, gray sweater rumpled. Bea, in a soft green pullover, is smiling faintly at whatever headline caught her eye. It is a perfectly ordinary weekend morning, except for the enormous, warm, lemon-and-white weight draped across both of their laps. Waffles has curled himself into a heap that covers nearly the entire couch cushion space between them, chin resting on his paws, long ears pooled on the blanket, eyes heavy and nearly shut. He clearly considers himself a lap dog, despite all evidence to the contrary.

Basset Hounds are surprisingly heavy for their height, with sturdy bones and solid bodies, and many of them have no idea they are not small dogs. Their affectionate, mellow nature makes them eager couch companions. If your Basset likes to join you on furniture, a low couch or a pet ramp can help protect his back, and a washable throw keeps cushions clean. Keep an eye on weight, since extra pounds are hard on this breed's long spine. A daily walk and measured meals, plus a vet check on ideal weight, go a long way toward keeping a Basset comfortable for years.

Harold and Bea will finish the paper eventually, though they might lose feeling in their legs first. Neither of them seems ready to move him. Some weekend traditions involve coffee and crosswords; this one involves a very large, very sleepy hound.

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