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An elderly man scrubs a soapy, wet red and white husky sitting in a metal washtub full of bubbles in the backyard at dusk. 25 / 32

Grandpa Kenji Filled the Old Washtub With Bubbles. Maple Had to Make a Choice.

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Suds everywhere, fur plastered flat, and a surprisingly good attitude: Maple is sitting in an old galvanized washtub full of bubbles, looking soggy but cheerful. Grandpa Kenji leans over the rim in a tan sweater, sleeves at the ready, working a blue scrubber through her wet coat with careful hands and a patient smile. Behind them, the backyard is settling into dusk, with a porch light glowing, garden pots lined up along the fence, and a watering can left in the grass.

Here's a fun fact about huskies: they're known for being fairly clean dogs that often have little 'doggy' odor, and they don't need frequent baths. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils from their coat. When a bath is needed, using a shampoo made for dogs is important, since human products can irritate canine skin. The trickiest part with a husky is the dense double coat, which takes a long time to get fully wet, fully rinsed, and fully dry. Leftover shampoo or a damp undercoat can lead to itchy skin. Lukewarm water, a thorough rinse, and lots of towel drying help, and regular brushing between baths does more to manage shedding than bathing does. Outdoor baths are best on warm days so the dog doesn't get chilled.

Some huskies tolerate bath time with dignity, and some act as if it's a terrible injustice. Maple appears to be in the first group, at least for now.

Of course, the real test comes when the bath ends. Grandpa Kenji had better grab a towel and step back, because one big husky shake is coming his way.

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