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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. 25 / 35

Grandpa Only Wanted to Rinse Off the Car. Pearl Turned It Into a Water Park.

AI imagemaltesecar washdriveway

Car wash day in the driveway has turned into splash day. Grandpa Gus stands beside his silver sedan in his red buffalo plaid and jeans, a blue sponge in one hand and the garden hose in the other. He has let the spray arc out toward the pavement, and Pearl has sprung up on her hind legs to snap at the sparkling water, her front paws in the air and her mouth open in pure delight. Her fluffy white coat is already getting damp. Suds drip down the car doors, puddles gleam on the concrete, and a tidy neighborhood of houses and hedges stretches out behind them.

Many dogs love chasing water from a hose or sprinkler, and it can be a fun way to cool off on a warm day. A few tips keep it safe. Use a gentle spray rather than a hard jet, and never aim it directly at a dog's face, ears, or mouth. Water left sitting in a hose under the sun can get very hot, so run it for a moment first. Car-washing soap and chemicals shouldn't be licked or swallowed, so keep your dog away from sudsy puddles, and rinse their coat with clean water afterward. Dry long-haired breeds thoroughly to prevent tangles.

Gus seems to be enjoying Pearl's antics far more than the actual chore. The car might end up only half washed, but the morning is turning out to be a lot of fun.

Some helpers make the job go faster. Others just make it a whole lot more joyful.

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