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Smiling older Black woman in a denim jacket holds a fishing rod on a wooden dock as a white Bichon Frise gazes up at her. 33 / 37

Grandma Went Fishing Off the Old Dock. The Best Thing She Caught Wasn't in the Water.

AI imagebichon frisefishingwooden dock

The old wooden dock stretches out over the still water, and Grandma Loretta has settled on its edge with her fishing rod propped in one hand. Dressed in a faded denim jacket, glasses on, she's looking down with a warm, tender smile, because her fishing partner has nudged right up against her. Cotton sits close at her side with his fluffy white face tilted up toward hers, dark eyes full of devotion, his blue collar peeking out of his curls. The line trails into the water, and weathered boards, a backyard lawn and a scattering of potted plants stretch out behind them.

Fishing trips with a dog can be relaxing, but fishing gear poses real risks to pets. Hooks, lures and fishing line are dangerous if a dog grabs or swallows them, and baited hooks are especially tempting because of their smell. If your dog ever swallows a hook or line, don't pull it out; call your vet right away. Keep tackle boxes closed and bait out of reach. Near water, a well-fitted dog life jacket is a smart choice, since even dogs who like to paddle can tire quickly. Raw fish can carry parasites, so if you share the catch, cook it plain and remove all the bones first.

The fish may or may not be biting today, but Loretta has already caught something sweeter. With Cotton gazing up at her, the morning on the dock is already a success.

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