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A white-haired woman naps in a rope hammock strung between two trees with a black and white dog lying awake on her lap. 15 / 33

Grandma Fell Asleep in the Hammock. Pepper Stayed Wide Awake for a Reason.

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Strung between two big tree trunks in the backyard, the rope hammock sways ever so slightly under its two passengers. Grandma Nell lies back against a plump pillow, eyes closed, white hair loose around her face, wearing her olive quilted vest with a cream blanket draped over her legs. Pepper sprawls across her lap with his front paws hanging over the edge of the hammock netting, wide awake and keeping a calm watch over the yard. Potted succulents, a corner of the deck, and fallen leaves dot the ground beyond them.

Hammocks are relaxing, but dogs and hammocks can be a wobbly mix. A dog jumping in or out suddenly can tip the hammock, and paws and claws can get caught in rope netting. If you want to share a hammock, it helps to lift a smaller dog in and out rather than letting him leap, and to make sure the hammock and its supports can safely hold the combined weight. Dogs who are calm and used to being handled tend to settle in best. For people, especially older adults, getting in and out slowly and having something sturdy to hold onto makes hammock naps safer too.

Pepper seems to understand that his job is to stay still and stand guard. He keeps his eyes open while Nell drifts off, the perfect quiet sentry.

Afternoons like this ask nothing of anyone. The breeze rocks the hammock, and the rest of the world waits.

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