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A laughing older man in red flannel holds out his hand in a kitchen as a small white Maltese stands up on its hind legs. 22 / 35

Grandpa Started Swaying to a Song in the Kitchen. Pearl Rose to the Occasion.

AI imagemaltesekitchen dancehappy dog

A favorite song must be playing somewhere nearby, because Grandpa Gus is swaying with one hand stretched out and a wide, happy grin on his face. Pearl has risen up on her hind legs to join him, front paws lifted, tail wagging, and mouth open in what looks like a joyful little bark. Her fluffy white coat bounces as she hops. The kitchen is warm and well used, with honey-toned cabinets, a window over the sink, bananas on the counter, a roll of paper towels, a coffee mug, and a potted plant soaking up the light.

Dogs naturally pick up on their owners' moods, and when you're happy and animated, many dogs respond with excitement of their own. Some small dogs learn to stand or 'dance' on their hind legs, and it's often encouraged with treats and praise. While a few moments on two legs is usually fine, it's best not to make it a long or frequent trick for small breeds, as repeated standing can put strain on their backs, hips, and knees. Maltese can be prone to knee issues, so keep dancing sessions short and let them come down on their own.

Pearl clearly thinks this is the best game ever, and Gus looks like he hasn't laughed this hard in days. Sometimes the simplest moments make the happiest memories.

Every kitchen deserves a little music, and every dance floor needs a partner this enthusiastic.

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An older man in glasses hand-sews a blue patchwork quilt on the floor while a small white Maltese sleeps on top of it.Grandpa Laid Out His Quilt Squares to Start Sewing. Pearl Had Other Plans for Them.An older man in glasses reads a worn folded letter on the couch while a white Maltese rests its head on his knee.Grandpa Unfolded an Old Letter He'd Kept for Years. Pearl Moved a Little Closer.
An older man in red flannel sprays a silver car with a hose as a small white Maltese jumps up at the stream of water.Grandpa Only Wanted to Rinse Off the Car. Pearl Turned It Into a Water Park.An older man in plaid holds a leashed white Maltese at a busy farmers market with produce stalls behind them.Grandpa Went to the Farmers Market for Tomatoes. Pearl Was There for the Smells.An older man in glasses stirs cookie dough in a metal bowl while a small white Maltese watches closely beside the counter.Grandpa Was on His Second Batch of Cookies. His Inspector Never Left Her Post.An older man in glasses reads a newspaper on a grey couch while a small white Maltese sleeps curled across his lap.Grandpa Opened the Evening Paper. By Page Two, His Lap Was Taken.