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A smiling white-haired woman in a navy vest offers grain to ducks at a pond while a white Bichon Frise sits nearby. 33 / 39

The Ducks Came Paddling Over for Grandma's Grain. Cotton Had to Make a Choice.

AI imagebichon friseduckspond

A small crowd of ducks has gathered at the water's edge, and they are all looking at the same thing. Ruth crouches on the grassy bank in a navy quilted vest and gray sweater, holding out a handful of grain with a big smile. Mallards with glossy green heads and speckled brown hens paddle closer, a few already crowding near her fingers. Cotton sits on the bank beside her in a red collar, looking on with interest but staying put, a model of good manners. A watering can, a towel, and some garden supplies are scattered in the grass behind them.

Feeding ducks is a beloved pastime, but what you offer matters. Bread is a common choice, yet it provides little nutrition for waterfowl and leftover soggy bread can pollute ponds. Better options include birdseed, cracked corn, oats, or chopped leafy greens, in small amounts. Check local rules, since some parks discourage feeding wildlife altogether. When bringing a dog along, keep it on a leash and at a respectful distance, as chasing can stress the birds and some geese and ducks will defend themselves. Calm, well-trained dogs can enjoy watching without disturbing anyone, which is exactly what Cotton seems to be doing here.

The ducks get their snack, Ruth gets her quiet afternoon by the water, and Cotton gets the best seat in the house for the show. It is a lovely little routine that everyone seems to appreciate.

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A smiling white-haired woman in glasses and a navy vest sits on a wooden bench hugging a happy white Bichon Frise.Grandma Ruth Just Wanted to Rest on the Boardwalk Bench. Cotton Had Other Plans.A smiling white-haired woman sits at a patio breakfast table as a white Bichon Frise in a red collar looks up at her.Grandma Set the Patio Table for Breakfast. Cotton Noticed the Croissant First.
A laughing white-haired woman in a green quilted vest reaches out as a happy white Bichon Frise leaps up in a backyard.Grandma Ruth Reached for the Ball. Cotton Couldn't Wait Another Second.A gray-haired woman in a quilted vest scatters grain on a coop floor among hens while a white Bichon Frise stands beside her.Grandma Ruth Brought Cotton Into the Chicken Coop at Feeding Time.A white-haired woman in a green vest fills in a crossword with a pencil while a fluffy white Bichon Frise sits at the table.Grandma Was Stuck on Seven Across. Cotton Hopped Up to the Table to Help.A smiling white-haired woman in a green vest crouches beside a white Bichon Frise on a leash at an evening farmers market.Grandma Ruth Went to the Market for Vegetables. Cotton Went to Meet His Fans.