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A grandmother in a denim jacket kneels on a wet entryway floor wrapping a white Maltese in a knitted cream blanket. 11 / 32

The Rain Caught Them Halfway Home. Abuela Knew Exactly What Copito Needed.

AI imagemalteserainy daydog care

The rain caught them halfway home. Now the mudroom floor is wet, a dripping navy umbrella leans by the door, and rubber boots stand in a puddle where they were kicked off. Abuela Rosa kneels down in her denim jacket and flowered apron, wrapping Copito in a thick cream knit blanket and rubbing him gently through the folds. His white fur is a little damp and stringy around the face, but he holds his chin up with dignity, blue collar peeking out. Keys hang on hooks above a basket of folded towels, ready for exactly this kind of day.

Drying a small dog thoroughly after rain is a good habit. Toy breeds lose body heat faster than larger dogs, and long, silky coats like the Maltese's can tangle and mat when they stay wet. Pat and squeeze the coat with a towel rather than rubbing hard, then comb gently once it is dry. Pay special attention to the paws and the spaces between toes, where moisture and grit can collect, and wipe off road grime that might contain salt or chemicals. A lightweight raincoat can help on drizzly walks. If your dog is shivering for a long time after drying off, call your vet.

Copito might pretend he is not enjoying the fuss, but no one wraps up that still unless they like it. A wet walk, a warm blanket, and someone who kneels down to make sure you are cozy: that is a rainy day done right.

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A smiling grandmother holds a tennis ball above an excited white Maltese in a grassy backyard at golden hour.Abuela Raised the Tennis Ball Just Once. Copito Was Already Gone.A grandmother mixes cookie dough in a steel bowl while a white Maltese with flour on his face sits by the counter.Abuela Was Baking Cookies. Copito Swears He Didn't Touch the Flour.
A grandmother in glasses and a floral apron strokes a white Maltese's head beside a patio breakfast table.Breakfast Was Ready on the Patio, but Abuela's Hands Were Busy With Something ElseA grandmother smiles at a white Maltese whose front paws rest on a lace-covered table set with tea and cookies.Abuela Set the Lace Tablecloth for Tea. One Guest Got a Little Too Comfortable.A grandmother flips a golden pancake in a skillet while a fluffy white Maltese watches from beside the stove.The First Pancake Was Almost Ready, and Someone Had Been Waiting Since DawnAn elderly woman in a cardigan and floral apron smiles beside a spinning record player with a white Maltese on her lap.Abuela Put On an Old Record, and the Whole Room Went Quiet