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A laughing elderly couple plays fetch in their backyard as a black pug bounds toward them with a tennis ball in his mouth. 9 / 26

Frank Tossed the Tennis Ball Across the Yard. Nobody Expected Bean to Do This.

AI imagepugfetchbackyard

Game on in the backyard. Frank, in an olive jacket and jeans, bends forward with a spare tennis ball in his hand and a huge laugh on his face. Dottie, wrapped in a cream cardigan, leans in beside him, delighted. The reason for all the joy is Bean, the black pug, bounding back across the grass with a bright yellow-green ball stuffed in his mouth, front paws mid-hop and eyes bulging with pride. Around them, the yard is homey and lived-in, with potted herbs, a raised garden bed, a wicker chair draped in a plaid blanket, and a weathered wooden fence.

Pugs are not usually thought of as athletes, but many of them love a short game of fetch. Play is great for keeping a pug at a healthy weight and for burning off energy, as long as it stays moderate. Because of their flat faces, pugs can tire and overheat faster than many breeds, so short sessions with breaks, plenty of water, and cooler times of day work best. Watch for heavy panting or slowing down as signs it is time to rest. Also choose a ball that is large enough not to be swallowed and sturdy enough to hold up to chewing, and toss it gently along the ground.

Frank and Dottie may not be throwing very far, but Bean does not care one bit. The ball came back, everyone is laughing, and that counts as a perfect round in this backyard.

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