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An elderly man in a green cardigan grins in a backyard beside a black German Shepherd as a tennis ball flies past. 16 / 36

Grandpa Otis Threw the Ball. Bear Was Already Ahead of Him.

AI imagegerman shepherdfetchbackyard

A bright yellow tennis ball hangs in the air for a split second, and Bear's eyes are already locked on. The black German Shepherd stands at full attention in the backyard grass, mouth half open, ears up, every muscle ready to launch. Grandpa Otis crouches just behind him in an olive cardigan and khakis, beaming from ear to ear as if he's just thrown the best pitch of his life. A weathered wooden fence, a little shed, and clay pots line the yard, and the low late-day sun gives everything a golden edge.

Fetch is a favorite game for many German Shepherds, a herding and working breed that tends to love having a task and a target. It's great exercise and a good way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner. To keep it safe, choose balls that are too large to be swallowed, and replace them once they start to fall apart. Throw on soft, even ground when possible, since sudden turns and leaps on hard surfaces can be tough on joints. Mix in breaks and water, especially on warm days, and keep sessions shorter for puppies and senior dogs. Ball launchers can also help owners with sore shoulders.

Bear will bring that ball back in a flash and ask for another throw. Otis seems more than willing to keep the game going until the sun goes down.

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