Browse ›
An elderly couple in patterned sweaters hold birdseed by a feeder as a small sparrow perches on a Great Dane's head. 2 / 30

Harold and Bev Were Feeding the Sparrows. One Bird Picked an Unusual Spot to Land.

AI imagegreat danebird feederbackyard

Sparrows flutter all around the wooden feeder, and one bold little bird has found the most unusual perch in the yard. Right on top of Duke's broad fawn head sits a sparrow, pecking at a few seeds that have landed there. The Great Dane holds perfectly still, eyes rolled sideways as if he knows exactly what is happening and has chosen to allow it. Behind him, Harold and Bev lean close together in matching patterned sweaters, hands cupped full of seed, both grinning at the sight. Potted plants and a weathered fence frame the cozy backyard.

Great Danes are known for their calm, easygoing nature, which is part of what earns them the nickname gentle giant. Still, sitting quietly while a bird lands on your head takes unusual patience for any dog. Training a dog to stay calm around wildlife starts with simple impulse-control exercises like sit, stay, and leave it, practiced with rewards and plenty of repetition. Bird feeders can also attract squirrels and rodents, and spilled seed may tempt a dog to snack from the ground, so tidying underneath the feeder now and then is a good idea. Never leave a dog unsupervised with wild birds, no matter how gentle he seems.

Duke has earned the title of best-behaved giant in the neighborhood. Harold and Bev may never stop telling the story of the day a sparrow chose him as a perch.

More from this collection

All 30 →
An elderly couple in cream sweaters work on a blue jigsaw puzzle at a kitchen table as a fawn Great Dane sits on a chair.Harold and Bev Started a Big Jigsaw Puzzle. Duke Pulled Up a Chair.An elderly couple in cream sweaters nap leaning together on the grass with a fawn Great Dane resting in their laps.Harold and Bev Sat Down on the Lawn to Rest. Their Great Dane Thought He Was a Lap Dog.
An elderly couple in cream sweaters hold rakes in a leaf-covered yard as a fawn Great Dane leaps through the autumn leaves.Harold and Bev Had the Leaves Almost Raked. Then Duke Came Running.An elderly couple in cream cable-knit sweaters lean together on a wooden garden bench while a fawn Great Dane sits in front.Harold and Bev Snuggled Up on Their Garden Bench. Duke Made Sure He Was in Front.An elderly couple in cream sweaters play an old upright piano together while a tall fawn Great Dane sits beside the bench.Harold and Bev Sat Down for a Piano Duet. Duke Took His Usual Seat.An elderly couple in matching sweaters smile at a patio breakfast table as a fawn Great Dane pushes its face near the plates.Harold and Bev Carried Breakfast Out to the Patio. Duke Arrived Nose First.