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An older Asian American man in glasses and a green sweater brushes a cream Havanese on the back steps at dusk. 6 / 30

Every Evening Grandpa Ken Brushes Mochi on the Back Steps. Watch Her Face.

AI imagehavanesedog groomingback steps

The porch light has just come on, casting a warm glow over the back steps, and it is time for Mochi's evening brush. Grandpa Ken sits on the wooden stairs in a dark green V-neck sweater over a blue shirt, glasses low on his nose, gently running a wooden brush through the Havanese's long cream coat. Mochi sits patiently in front of him, eyes half closed, ears drooping in relaxed contentment, as if this is her favorite part of the day. A coiled garden hose hangs on the wall, and a small potted succulent sits on the step beside them.

Regular brushing is one of the most important parts of caring for a Havanese. Their soft, silky double coat can tangle easily, and mats tend to form behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar. Many owners brush every day or every few days, working gently in sections and using a comb to check for hidden knots. Keeping the coat in a shorter trim can make grooming easier. Brushing sessions also give you a chance to check the skin, ears, and paws, and they are a calm bonding ritual that many dogs come to enjoy. If you find a stubborn mat or skin irritation, a groomer or your vet can help.

Ken's slow, careful strokes say this is a ritual he has perfected over many evenings. Mochi clearly approves.

Some love is measured in gentle brush strokes, one tangle at a time, under the soft glow of a porch light.

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