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An elderly man in a brown vest sorts black-and-white photos on a wooden table while a tuxedo cat sniffs the pile. 16 / 22

Grandpa Ken Spread Out Decades of Family Photos. Domino Found One.

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Decades of family history are spread across the wooden table: dozens of black-and-white prints with scalloped edges, faces in formal poses, some curling slightly at the corners. Grandpa Ken sits behind them in a brown sweater vest and blue collar, sliding one photo gently into place with a fingertip and smiling at whatever memory it holds. Domino has stretched himself across the edge of the table, white paws resting right on the pile, nose lowered to sniff a picture as though he is also trying to figure out who everyone is. The room behind them is softly lit, with a dish towel on a chair and a cluttered counter in the distance.

Sorting old photos is a rewarding project, and a few simple steps help protect them. Handle prints by the edges with clean, dry hands, keep food and drinks away from the work area, and store finished batches in acid-free sleeves or boxes in a cool, dry room. Scanning important images creates a backup that is easy to share with relatives. When a cat is involved, it helps to keep piles small and covered when you step away, since paws, claws, and the occasional enthusiastic flop can bend or scratch fragile prints. Giving the cat its own spot nearby, like a folded towel at the end of the table, can redirect some of that curiosity.

Domino may not recognize a single face, but he seems to understand these pictures matter to Ken. That's reason enough to give each one a respectful sniff.

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