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A grandmother in a floral apron carries a small white Maltese in her arms on a cluttered wooden porch. 2 / 32

The Walk Was Over, but the Porch Steps Weren't. Abuela Had a Solution.

AI imagemaltesefront porchgrandma

Those little legs did their best on the walk, but the porch steps were one challenge too many. So Abuela Rosa scooped Copito up and carried him the rest of the way, tucking him against her chest like a bundle of fresh laundry. She looks down at him with a soft, knowing smile, gray hair swept back and a pink-and-blue floral apron over her T-shirt. Copito gazes out at the yard with his dark button eyes, completely comfortable with the arrangement. Behind them the porch is lived-in and busy, with sandals lined up by the door, potted succulents, a blue watering can, and a white railing worn smooth by years of hands.

Maltese are a toy breed, and while they are lively and playful, they do not need marathon exercise. A couple of gentle walks a day plus some indoor play usually keeps them happy. Because they are so small, stairs and jumps can be hard on their joints over time, which is why many owners carry them or add ramps and pet steps around the house. When you do pick up a small dog, support both the chest and the hindquarters rather than lifting under the front legs alone. If a dog starts tiring unusually fast on walks, it is worth mentioning to your vet.

Copito would probably argue that being carried is simply part of his job description. Rosa does not seem to mind one bit. Some of the best moments in a day are the short trips that happen in someone's arms.

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A grandmother in a floral apron sits in a green lawn chair at dusk while a white Maltese rests in the chair beside her.Abuela Pulled Two Chairs Out for the Sunset. Only One of Them Watched the Sky.A smiling grandmother in a rose-print apron reaches toward a happy white Maltese standing on the kitchen floor.An Old Bolero Came On the Radio, and Abuela Rosa Found the Perfect Partner
A grandmother in a purple sweater and floral apron holds a sandwich while a white Maltese gazes up at it on a bench.Abuela Sat Down With Her Sandwich. Copito Took His Position Immediately.A grandmother in a floral apron sips lemonade from a mason jar in a shady garden as a white Maltese looks at the camera.Abuela Took a Lemonade Break From the Garden. Her Supervisor Did Not.A grandmother pins white sheets to a clothesline as a fluffy white Maltese leaps through the air below them.Abuela Was Just Hanging the Sheets. Then a Little White Dog Took Flight.A smiling grandmother in a denim shirt and floral apron sits on a truck tailgate hugging a small white Maltese.On an Old Tailgate at the Edge of the Fields, Copito Found the Best Seat