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Older Black woman works on a jigsaw puzzle at a kitchen table while a white Bichon Frise sits on a wooden chair watching. 8 / 37

Grandma Was Almost Done With Her Puzzle. Cotton Wanted Credit for Helping.

AI imagebichon frisejigsaw puzzlekitchen table

The jigsaw puzzle is finally starting to look like a picture, a scene of blue sky and green hills spread across the round wooden kitchen table. Grandma Loretta, glasses pushed up on her head and a cup of coffee at her elbow, studies the board and presses one more piece into place. Loose pieces are scattered across the table, along with a set of keys and a little organizer for sorting edges. On the chair right beside her, Cotton sits upright and attentive, his fluffy white head tilted slightly and his dark eyes fixed on the camera as if he's waiting for someone to notice how helpful he's being.

Puzzles are a relaxing hobby that many older adults enjoy, and a calm dog nearby makes the quiet time feel companionable. Bichon Frises in particular are known for wanting to be close to their people, and many happily spend hours sitting nearby while their owners read, knit or work on puzzles. A few practical tips help: keep loose puzzle pieces out of reach, since a curious dog might chew or swallow one, and be mindful of keys, small organizers and coffee left at the table's edge. Coffee and caffeine are harmful to dogs, so keep mugs well away from curious noses.

Cotton hasn't placed a single piece, but he's a loyal puzzle partner all the same. Sometimes the best help is simply keeping someone company until the last piece clicks in.

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