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An elderly couple naps in a rope hammock between two trees, with a black pug asleep on a yellow blanket on their laps. 23 / 26

One Hammock, Two Grandparents, and a Pug Who Found the Perfect Spot

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Strung between two sturdy tree trunks in the backyard, a wide rope hammock is holding three very relaxed sleepers. Frank lies on one side in a navy cardigan, hands folded over his chest and eyes closed. Dottie rests beside him in a tan jacket, her glasses still on and her head tipped toward his. A soft yellow blanket is draped across their laps, and curled right on top of it, nestled between them, is Bean. The black pug has tucked his nose down into the folds and drifted off like the others. Around the hammock, potted plants, a wicker basket, and a blue watering can sit quietly in the dappled shade.

Napping outdoors in the shade can be a lovely way to spend a mild afternoon, and many dogs love curling up next to their people in the fresh air. A few precautions keep it safe. Hammocks should be securely anchored and hung low enough that a small dog will not be hurt jumping down. Pugs can struggle with temperature extremes, so choose shady spots on warm days and bring a blanket when it is cool. It is also a good idea to check your dog for ticks after time on the grass or near trees, especially in spring and summer, and ask your vet about appropriate prevention.

The garden can wait, and so can the dishes. Right now, three good friends are swaying gently in the shade, and that seems like exactly the right way to spend the afternoon.

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