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An elderly man in a green cardigan sits on a wooden dock with his bare feet in the lake beside a black German Shepherd. 6 / 36

Grandpa Otis Slipped His Feet Into the Lake. Bear Had a Different Idea.

AI imagegerman shepherdlake docksummer evening

Evening has settled over the lake, and the water is calm and silvery. Grandpa Otis sits on the edge of a weathered wooden dock with his trousers rolled up and his bare feet dangling in the cool water, a green cardigan pulled loosely over a gray tee. He smiles down at Bear, who sits right beside him, glossy black coat catching the last light and ears relaxed as he leans close. Behind them, the dock is cluttered with life by the lake: fishing poles, a watering can, potted plants, a plaid blanket, a pair of sneakers, and a lantern glowing on a post.

Docks and lakes can be wonderful places for dogs, but water safety matters. Not every dog is a confident swimmer, and steep dock edges can make it hard for a dog to climb out, so a canine life jacket with a handle is a smart idea for boating or deep water. Rinse your dog with fresh water after a swim to remove algae and debris, and avoid letting dogs swim or drink in water with visible scum or blooms, since some algae can be toxic. Fishing gear deserves attention too, because hooks and lures can easily snag a curious nose or paw.

Bear seems happy to stay dry tonight and keep his paws on the planks. With the water lapping at Otis's toes and the sky fading to dusk, there's nowhere else either of them would rather be.

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