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A smiling silver-haired grandma plays checkers on a porch table as a red and white Husky rests its chin by the board. 2 / 20

Grandma Set Up the Checkers on the Porch. Her Husky Was Ready to Play.

AI imagesiberian huskycheckersporch

A wooden checkerboard sits on the porch table, the red and black squares worn smooth from years of games, and Ruth is smiling down at it with a twinkle in her eye. Her silver hair is twisted up in a soft knot, and her chunky oatmeal cardigan is pulled snug over a blue top. Across the board, Copper has laid his big red and white head right on the table, nose almost touching a stack of wooden pieces, amber eyes gazing up at her as though he is waiting for his turn. Red geraniums, a mug, a napkin and a set of keys fill out the sunny porch scene.

Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds over long distances in cold climates, and they still carry that working heritage. They are typically friendly, gentle and sociable with people, but they also need a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay content. Without it, they may get creative with digging, chewing or escaping. Huskies tend to be independent thinkers, so training works best with patience, consistency and plenty of rewards. They are also known for being talkative, with howls and woo-woo sounds instead of much barking. Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially in spring and fall, so regular brushing is part of life with a Husky. They are generally a better fit for active homes with secure fencing.

Ruth may be winning the game, but Copper has clearly won the prize for the most patient spectator on the porch.

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