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An elderly man in a knit cap and cardigan shovels a snowy driveway while a black German Shepherd plays in the snowbank. 18 / 36

Grandpa Otis Grabbed the Shovel to Clear the Driveway. Bear Grabbed the Snow.

AI imagegerman shepherdsnow daywinter chores

Fresh snow covers the driveway, the lawn, and the hedges, and Grandpa Otis is doing his best to clear a path. He grips a wooden-handled shovel in a green knit cap and a beige cardigan, smiling down at the reason progress is so slow. Bear has flopped belly-first into the snowbank right in front of the shovel, mouth open, tongue out, front legs splayed, and snow dusting his black fur and nose. The garage door, a blue trash bin, and frosted shrubs fill the snowy background, and the whole street seems hushed under its white blanket.

German Shepherds often adore snow, thanks to their thick double coats and boundless energy. Even so, cold-weather play needs some limits. Watch for ice balls forming between toes, wipe off road salt after walks, and keep an eye out for shivering or lifting paws, which mean it's time to head in. Shoveling is also hard work for people. It's a strenuous activity, especially in the cold, so older adults should pace themselves, push snow rather than lift heavy loads when possible, take breaks, and check with a doctor about whether shoveling is a good idea for them. Clearing a little at a time, or asking a neighbor for help, is perfectly sensible.

Bear clearly thinks the snowbank is the best part of winter. Otis may need another hour for the driveway, but he doesn't seem to mind the delay.

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