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Grandma in a navy quilted vest hammers a wooden fence picket as a black Labrador stands beside her holding a stick. 19 / 22

Dot Finally Fixed the Rattling Fence. Moose Thinks He Helped.

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One loose picket has been rattling in the wind for weeks, and today Dot is finally fixing it. She leans over the weathered wooden fence in her navy quilted vest and grey sweater, hammer in hand, lining up the nail with careful precision. Right beside her, as if he's been assigned to hold the lumber, stands Moose. The black Lab grips a long stick crosswise in his mouth, head held high, brown eyes bright with pride. He clearly believes he's contributing. Behind them, a blue watering can, a stack of firewood, potted plants, and a doormat sit along the side of the house.

Labs are retrievers through and through, and carrying things in their mouths is deeply rooted in the breed. Many Labs will happily carry sticks, toys, shoes, or anything else they can find, often as a way of joining in or showing off. While it's adorable, sticks aren't the safest toy. They can splinter and cause cuts in the mouth or throat, and chewing them can leave sharp pieces behind. Sturdy rubber toys or fetch sticks made for dogs are a safer outlet for that retrieving instinct. And around tools like hammers and nails, keep a close eye on curious noses and paws.

The fence will be fixed by lunchtime, and Moose will be convinced he did half the work. Dot will probably let him believe it.

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