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A smiling white-haired woman in a navy vest holds a fishing rod on a wooden dock while a white Bichon Frise sits beside her. 31 / 39

Grandma Ruth Cast Her Line Off the Old Dock. Cotton Was More Interested in Her.

AI imagebichon frisefishinglake

The lake is glassy and gold in the early evening light. Ruth sits on the edge of an old wooden dock in a navy quilted vest and gray sweater, a long fishing rod resting across her lap and a folded blanket beside her. She is laughing softly, gazing at Cotton, who sits right next to her on the planks. The little Bichon has turned his face up toward her, mouth slightly open, blue collar snug around his neck. An open tackle box with a few dry leaves sits at the edge of the dock, and trees and a distant shoreline glow across the water.

Fishing with a dog nearby can be a lovely, peaceful way to spend a few hours, but a few precautions go a long way. Fish hooks and lures are a real danger, since curious dogs may sniff, lick, or bite them and end up with a hook in the lip or, worse, swallowed. Keep your tackle box closed and stored out of reach, and never leave baited lines unattended. Fishing line can also tangle around paws or be swallowed. Bring fresh water and a shady spot for your dog to rest. If a dog does get hooked, do not try to pull it out yourself; call your vet.

Whether the fish are biting or not, this outing is already a success. A calm lake, a warm sweater, and a loyal little fishing buddy make for the kind of evening that is a catch all on its own.

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