Harold and Bev Were Stuck on the Crossword. Their Great Dane Seemed Unimpressed.
Morning light fills the kitchen as Harold and Bev lean over the newspaper crossword together, heads nearly touching. Harold peers through his glasses at the clue, while Bev smiles and points toward a row of empty squares. Their matching cream sweaters make them look like a team, and they are not the only ones on it. Duke has wedged his large fawn head right up to the edge of the table, chin nearly on the puzzle, amber eyes gazing off to the side with an air of mild boredom. A coffee mug, a half-eaten slice of toast, a bowl of fruit, and a calendar on the wall complete the homey scene.
Working on puzzles together is a lovely shared habit for couples, and staying mentally engaged with reading, games, and conversation is widely encouraged for healthy aging. Pets naturally fit into these daily routines. Dogs are creatures of habit, and many learn exactly when breakfast happens and where the family gathers. Large breeds like Great Danes can reach most tabletops with ease, so it is wise to keep food, coffee, and medications out of reach. Simple training cues like leave it and go lie down are especially useful with a dog whose head can rest at table height without effort.
Duke may not help with seven across, but he is excellent company. And if the clue happens to be a three-letter word for a loyal friend, the answer is right there.
