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An older man in glasses and a denim shirt sits on a boardwalk bench by the beach, petting a red and white Husky at his knee. 29 / 34

Grandpa Found an Empty Bench by the Dunes. Copper Leaned In Like He Had a Secret.

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Sea grass sways beyond the railing, and the boardwalk planks are warm and bleached by the sun. Grandpa Hank has found a weathered wooden bench near the dunes and sits back in a blue denim shirt and overalls, glasses on, smiling with his eyes nearly closed. Copper stands at his knee, leaning his head toward Hank's chest while Hank's hand rests on his shoulder. Out past the dunes, the beach stretches pale and quiet in the late afternoon light.

A beach day with a dog can be wonderful with some planning. Sand gets very hot, so walking in the early morning or late afternoon protects paws, and so does testing the ground with the back of your hand. Salt water is not a good drink for dogs, so bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl. For a thick-coated breed like the Husky, shade and frequent breaks are especially important since they can overheat quickly. After the outing, rinse off sand and salt so it does not irritate the skin, and check paws for small cuts. It is also smart to check local rules, as some beaches and boardwalks limit dogs during certain seasons or hours.

Hank and Copper look like they have the timing just right. The crowds have thinned, the air has cooled, and the bench is all theirs.

A gentle breeze, the sound of waves, and a loyal friend leaning close. That is a pretty perfect day at the shore.

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