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A grandma and a red Golden Retriever sleep side by side in a white rope hammock strung between backyard trees. 26 / 29

Grandma Lay Down in the Hammock for Five Minutes. She Wasn't Alone for Long.

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Nobody planned this nap, which is exactly what makes it perfect. The white rope hammock is strung between two thick tree trunks at the edge of the yard, and Ruth has sunk into it with her cheek pressed against the netting, eyes closed, mouth soft, braid trailing down the side. Rusty has somehow climbed in too. His big red body fills the front half of the hammock, his head resting on the rope edge, eyelids heavy and completely shut. Leaves drift on the ground below, a blue watering can sits forgotten under the tree, and a basket of laundry waits by the back door for someone who is very much off duty.

Dogs spend far more of the day sleeping than people do, often around half of it or more, and puppies and older dogs tend to sleep the most. They also seem to love sleeping close to the people they trust, which feels warm and safe to them. If you share a resting spot with a large dog, choose one that can handle the weight and is easy to get out of; hammocks can tip, and a sudden scramble can lead to a fall for either of you. A sturdy outdoor lounger or a blanket on the grass is often a more reliable choice. Keep sleepy outdoor time in the shade, with water nearby, on warm days.

For this one golden afternoon, though, the hammock is holding steady, the breeze is light, and the chores can wait. Somewhere in their dreams, Ruth and Rusty are probably both chasing the same squirrel.

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A grandma in a teal folding chair watches the sunset in her backyard while a Golden Retriever sits on the grass beside her.Grandma Set Out Two Chairs for the Sunset. Only One of Them Got Used.A grandma reads a book aloud on a cozy couch while a dark red Golden Retriever lies across her lap, gazing at the pages.Grandma Opened Her Book and Started Reading Out Loud. Somebody Was Listening.
A grandma with a silver braid lies in the grass with her head resting against a sleeping red Golden Retriever.The Weeds Could Wait. Ruth Found a Better Pillow in the Backyard.A grandma with a silver braid scrubs an old beige car while a wet red-gold Golden Retriever leaps at the hose spray.Ruth Only Wanted to Rinse One Hubcap. Rusty Saw the Hose First.A grandma with a silver braid reads an old letter on the couch while a red-gold Golden Retriever rests its head on her lap.Grandma Unfolded a Letter She Hadn't Read in Years. Rusty Noticed Right Away.A smiling grandma with a silver braid sits on a boardwalk bench at dusk, her hand on a red-gold Golden Retriever.The Beach Crowds Went Home. Ruth and Rusty Stayed for the Best Part.