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An older man in glasses and a red plaid shirt gently brushes a small white Maltese sitting on grey wooden back steps. 1 / 35

Grandpa Gus Pulled Out the Brush on the Back Steps. Pearl Knew the Drill.

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The back steps have become a grooming salon. Grandpa Gus, his white hair tousled and his glasses perched on his nose, sits beside Pearl in his red plaid flannel shirt and runs a small brush slowly through her long white coat. Pearl, a little Maltese with silky ears and a shiny black nose, sits quietly with her eyes half-closed, looking blissfully relaxed. A pair of sneakers and flip-flops wait by the screen door, and potted plants line the porch above them on a grey, mild day.

Maltese are known for their gorgeous, floor-length white coats, and that beauty takes upkeep. Their hair is fine and silky and can tangle and mat easily, so many owners brush them daily or every other day. Others choose a shorter puppy cut that is much easier to maintain. Gentle brushing with a pin brush and a fine-toothed comb, working in small sections, helps prevent painful knots. Tear staining around the eyes is common in white breeds, so wiping the face with a soft, damp cloth is often part of the routine. A groomer or vet can show you the best tools and techniques.

Beyond keeping her tidy, brushing time is clearly a bonding ritual for these two. Gus moves slowly and carefully, and Pearl leans into each stroke with the trust of a dog who knows she's in good hands.

Some appointments are worth keeping every single day, especially when they come with this much quiet affection.

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