Browse ›
An elderly man in a cable-knit cardigan holds seed beside a wooden bird feeder as a black German Shepherd sits calmly. 20 / 36

The Sparrows Crowded the Feeder. Bear Had to Make a Big Decision.

AI imagegerman shepherdbird feederbackyard

A rustic wooden feeder perched on a post is crowded with little brown sparrows, and a few more are waiting for a turn. Below it, Grandpa Otis cups a handful of birdseed in his palm, letting a few grains slip through his fingers as he looks down with a gentle smile. He wears a heavy taupe cable-knit cardigan and glasses. Beside him sits Bear, as still as a statue, ears up, paws planted, black coat shining. The backyard behind them is autumn-tinged, with a blue watering can, clay pots, a pair of gardening gloves, and dry leaves along the fence.

Teaching a dog to stay calm around birds is a real accomplishment, especially with a breed known for its alertness and drive. Impulse-control exercises like "sit," "stay," and "watch me" help a dog learn that patience earns rewards. Backyard bird feeding has its own considerations with pets. Birdseed that spills onto the ground can attract rodents and may grow mold, which isn't good for dogs to eat, so it's wise to tidy up below the feeder now and then. Placing feeders where birds have a clear view and some cover nearby also helps them feel safe with a big dog in the yard.

The sparrows don't seem bothered by their very large neighbor, and Bear seems happy simply to watch. It's a calm little moment that both man and dog appear to treasure.

More from this collection

All 36 →
An elderly man in a brown cardigan paints a landscape at a wooden easel while a black German Shepherd lies in the grass.Grandpa Otis Painted the Garden. The Best Subject Was Right Under the Easel.An elderly man in a tan cardigan sits on a covered porch next to a black German Shepherd as rain falls on the yard.The Rain Kept Coming. Grandpa Otis and Bear Stayed Right Where They Were.
An elderly man in an olive cardigan holds a bowl of popcorn on the couch as a black German Shepherd leans in close.Grandpa Otis Made a Big Bowl of Popcorn for Movie Night. Bear Noticed.An elderly man in a green cardigan sleeps in a rope hammock with a black German Shepherd resting beside him.Grandpa Otis Lay Down in the Hammock Alone. He Didn't Stay Alone.An elderly man in a brown cable-knit cardigan sleeps in a recliner while a black German Shepherd rests on the armrest.Grandpa Otis Fell Asleep in His Recliner. Bear Didn't Close His Eyes.An elderly man in a cream cardigan dozes in a wooden rocking chair while a black German Shepherd sleeps on the rug below.Grandpa Otis's Rocking Chair Went Quiet. Look Down at the Rug.