Browse ›
A silver-haired woman in a knit cardigan plays checkers on a porch table as a white Samoyed rests its muzzle at the edge. 7 / 34

Rose Was Planning Her Next Checkers Move. Yeti Had Been Watching the Whole Game.

AI imagesamoyedcheckersporch

Red pieces on one side, black on the other, and Rose is deep in thought. She sits at a rustic wooden table on her porch, her silver hair twisted up in a bun and a soft cream cardigan wrapped around her, one hand resting thoughtfully beside the board as she plans her strategy. Pressed right up to the table's edge, Yeti watches intently, his white muzzle just inches from the game pieces and his dark eyes fixed on the board as if he understands every move. Blue-painted posts, potted plants, and a folded blanket draped over the railing give the porch a lived-in, comfortable feel.

Samoyeds are intelligent, curious dogs, and they tend to want to be involved in whatever their people are doing. That makes them wonderful companions, but it also means they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Without it, a bright dog can become bored and find his own entertainment, which may include chewing, barking, or digging. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, scent games, and short training sessions are great ways to give a dog's brain a workout. For older owners, quiet activities like these can be easier to manage than long, strenuous walks, and they build a strong bond. Small game pieces, though, are best kept out of reach, since a playful dog may swallow them. Checkers are larger than many game pieces, but tidying up after a match is still a smart habit.

Rose may be the one making the moves, but Yeti is clearly following the game closely. Some opponents are easier to read than others.

More from this collection

All 34 →
A silver-haired woman in a knit cardigan kneels on a rug holding the raised paw of a smiling white Samoyed.Rose Knelt Down on the Rug and Held Out Her Hand. Yeti Knew Just What to Do.A silver-haired woman in a knit cardigan hugs a white Samoyed at a window overlooking a snowy backyard.The Snow Started Falling, and Rose Pulled Yeti Up to the Window
A silver-haired woman in a knit cardigan crouches to scatter grain for chickens while a white Samoyed sits among the hens.Rose Scattered the Feed for Her Hens. Yeti Sat Right Down in the Middle.A silver-haired woman in a chunky knit cardigan lies on the grass with her head resting on a sleeping white Samoyed.Rose Only Meant to Lie Down in the Grass for a Minute. Yeti Had Other Plans.A silver-haired woman in a knit cardigan sleeps in a green recliner while a white Samoyed naps with its chin on the armrest.Rose Settled In to Watch Her Show. Yeti Found Her Reading Glasses First.A silver-haired woman knits on the floor while a white Samoyed sits beside her wrapped in loops of cream yarn.Rose Was Knitting Quietly on the Floor. She Didn't Notice What Yeti Was Doing.