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A laughing white-haired woman in a navy vest rakes leaves as a blue merle Australian Shepherd bounds through the leaf pile. 10 / 30

Grandma June Spent an Hour Raking the Perfect Leaf Pile. Blue Saw It Too.

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Red, orange, and gold leaves blanket the backyard, and June has barely started raking. She stands with the rake in hand, navy quilted vest zipped over a cream sweater, laughing out loud as Blue comes bounding through the pile. The blue merle Aussie is mid-leap, front paws lifted, tongue out, leaves flying in every direction. His ears flop with joy and his eyes sparkle with mischief. Behind them, a porch is decorated with pumpkins, rubber boots stand by the door, and a plaid blanket is tossed over a chair.

Australian Shepherds are bursting with energy, and they need daily outlets for it. Games like jumping in leaves, fetch, frisbee, and agility-style play help burn off that drive while keeping them happy and well-behaved. Without enough exercise, Aussies can become bored and find their own entertainment, like digging or chewing. A leaf pile is great fun, but check it first for sticks, thorns, or hidden objects. Wet leaves can grow mold, which is not safe to eat, and some dogs may pick up ticks in leaf litter, so a quick check afterward is a good habit. Ask your vet about tick prevention in fall.

June's yard may not be tidy anytime soon, but she does not seem to mind. Some chores are better when they turn into play, and with Blue around, that happens every single time.

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