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An elderly couple wrap a lemon and white Basset Hound in a chunky knit blanket in a mudroom while rain falls outside. 19 / 21

Waffles Came Home From a Rainy Walk, and Harold and Bea Had a Plan Ready

AI imagebasset houndrainy daymudroom

Rain streaks the glass of the back door, and the mudroom is crowded with the evidence of a soggy outing: dripping raincoats on hooks, muddy boots lined up on the floor, a leash hanging by the door. Harold, in a green field jacket, and Bea, in a bright mustard cardigan with her hair twisted into a bun, kneel close together, swaddling Waffles in a thick, chunky cream knit blanket. Only his face peeks out, ears framing it like a hood, brown eyes wide and calm, a yellow tennis ball tucked under his chin. He looks every bit like a very large, very damp baby being bundled after bath time.

Drying a dog thoroughly after a rainy walk is a small kindness that matters. Basset Hounds, with their long ears and loose skin folds, can trap moisture easily, which may lead to irritation or ear trouble if left damp. Towel off the body and legs, then gently dry inside the folds and the underside of the ears. Wipe the paws and check between the toes for mud and grit. A warm blanket and a draft-free spot help a dog warm up quickly. If your dog's ears start to smell, look red, or he keeps shaking his head, talk to your vet.

Waffles seems to be enjoying his cozy burrito wrap far more than he enjoyed the rain. Harold and Bea are fussing over him like doting grandparents, which, of course, they are. A warm supper and a long nap are surely next on the agenda.

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An elderly couple crouch by a park pond holding grain for mallard ducks while a lemon and white Basset Hound sniffs the bank.Harold and Bea Brought Grain for the Ducks. Waffles Found Something Better.An elderly couple smile over tea at a lace-covered table while a lemon and white Basset Hound rests his chin on the edge.The Good Teapot Came Out for Afternoon Tea. So Did Waffles's Most Soulful Look.
An elderly couple stitch a patchwork quilt together while a lemon and white Basset Hound sleeps sprawled across the fabric.Harold and Bea Were Finishing Their Quilt Together. Waffles Had Other Ideas.An elderly couple on a gray couch read a book aloud while a lemon and white Basset Hound sits between them listening.Bea Started Reading Aloud on the Couch, and Waffles Leaned In for Every WordAn elderly couple doze side by side in recliners while a lemon and white Basset Hound sleeps draped over the armrest.TV Night in the Recliners Didn't Last Long. Then Everyone in the Room Gave Up.An elderly couple on a sofa share a bowl of popcorn while a lemon and white Basset Hound pokes his nose toward the bowl.Bea Made a Big Bowl of Popcorn for Movie Night. Waffles Made His Move Early.