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An elderly couple washes a wet black pug in a soapy galvanized tub in their backyard garden. 13 / 26

Dottie Filled the Old Tub With Bubbles. Bean's Face Tells You Everything.

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Bath day has arrived, and the old galvanized tub is out in the yard, filled with warm, sudsy water. Bean, the black pug, sits in the middle of it with his fur slicked flat, bubbles clinging to his back, and his ears drooping in a way that says he is tolerating this with great dignity. Dottie, in a green shirt with her glasses perched on her nose, gently scrubs his back with soapy hands, smiling kindly. Frank, in a light blue shirt, kneels on the other side and steadies him with a reassuring hand. A blue watering can, potted plants, and a wooden fence frame the backyard spa.

Pugs have short coats, but they shed a surprising amount, and their famous facial wrinkles need special attention. Most pugs only need an occasional bath with a gentle dog shampoo, since bathing too often can dry out their skin. The bigger daily job is keeping those wrinkles clean and dry, because moisture and debris can collect in the folds and lead to irritation. After a bath, be sure to dry the folds carefully with a soft towel. Avoid getting water in the ears, and keep the water lukewarm. Regular brushing between baths also helps with shedding and keeps the coat glossy.

Bean may not be enjoying every minute, but he is in very good hands. Soon he will be toweled off, sweet smelling, and racing around the yard. And Frank and Dottie will probably need a change of clothes.

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An older couple toasts with glasses of lemonade on a shady porch while their black pug sits on the grass in the foreground.Frank and Dottie Raised a Lemonade Toast on the Porch. Bean Wasn't in a Celebrating Mood.An elderly couple holds a black pug up between them in front of a frosty window looking out on a snowy neighborhood.The Neighborhood Turned White Overnight. Frank and Dottie Had to Show Bean.An elderly couple works on a jigsaw puzzle at a kitchen table while a black pug sits upright on a chair beside them watching.Frank and Dottie Were Halfway Through Their Jigsaw Puzzle. Then They Noticed the Chair.An elderly woman reads aloud from a book on the couch beside her husband while a black pug gazes up at her face.Dottie Opened Her Book and Began Reading Out Loud. Bean Couldn't Look Away.