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Smiling older Black woman crouches at a park pond feeding mallards while a white Bichon Frise stands in the shallows. 16 / 37

Grandma Loretta Was Feeding the Ducks. Cotton Decided to Join the Flock.

AI imagebichon friseduck pondpark

Late afternoon sun slants across the park pond, and the mallards have gathered close. Grandma Loretta crouches at the muddy edge in her caramel cardigan and glasses, laughing as she crumbles a bit of food between her fingers. The ducks paddle and splash all around her, drakes with glossy green heads and speckled brown hens. Right among them, Cotton has waded into the shallows, white paws in the water and his blue collar peeking from his curls, grinning with his tongue out as if he's just been welcomed into the flock. A park bench and leafy trees glow in the golden light behind them.

Feeding ducks is a classic outing, but wildlife experts generally recommend skipping bread, which fills birds up without offering much nutrition and can pollute ponds when left uneaten. Better options include small amounts of cracked corn, oats, thawed peas or chopped lettuce, and it's always smart to follow posted park rules. For dogs, ponds come with a few risks. Standing water can contain bacteria or harmful algae, especially in warm weather, so don't let dogs drink from it, and rinse them off afterward. A leash keeps a curious dog from chasing birds or wading out too far.

Cotton may have gotten his paws a little muddy, but he clearly considers this the best afternoon ever. And with the ducks happily paddling around, Loretta seems to agree.

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