Browse ›
An elderly Black woman in a green cardigan wraps a wet tricolor Australian Shepherd in a knit blanket by the front door. 15 / 28

Bandit Came Home Soaked From the Rain. Mae Was Waiting With the Softest Blanket.

AI imageaustralian shepherdrainy dayentryway

Rain streaks the glass of the front door, and a very damp dog has just come in from the storm. Mae kneels on the wooden floor of her entryway in a green cardigan, wrapping Bandit snugly in a thick oatmeal knit blanket, her face soft and focused as she rubs him dry. The Australian Shepherd's black coat is plastered into wet spikes around his ears and neck, his white chest still dripping, and he gazes off to the side with a tired, grateful look. Muddy rain boots sit by the door, a coat hangs on a peg, and a doormat is spotted with water.

Drying a wet dog thoroughly is important, especially for double-coated breeds like Australian Shepherds. Their undercoat can trap moisture against the skin, which may lead to irritation or hot spots if it stays damp. Start by blotting with absorbent towels, then work through the coat in sections, paying attention to the armpits, belly, and the feathering on the legs and tail. Dry the ears gently, since moisture there can contribute to ear infections. Wipe muddy paws and check between the toes for debris. A pet-safe blow dryer on a cool or low-heat setting can help if your dog tolerates the noise. In cold weather, give your dog a warm, draft-free spot to finish drying. If you notice redness, odor, or excessive scratching after wet walks, it's a good idea to check with your vet.

Bandit may have come home soggy, but he's leaving the entryway wrapped in warmth and care. Rainy walks always end best like this.

More from this collection

All 28 →
An elderly Black woman in a green cardigan cooks pancakes at a gas stove while a tricolor Australian Shepherd waits nearby.Mae Was Flipping Pancakes. Bandit Was Practicing His Very Best Manners.An elderly Black woman in a green cardigan holds a fishing rod on a wooden dock as a tricolor Australian Shepherd sits close.Mae Brought Her Rod Down to the Old Dock. Her Fishing Buddy Never Left Her Side.
An elderly Black woman in a green jacket pours grain from a scoop for chickens as a tricolor Australian Shepherd follows.Mae Headed Out to Feed the Hens. A Born Herder Followed Every Step.An elderly Black woman in a green cardigan sits on a beach boardwalk bench stroking a tricolor Australian Shepherd.A Cloudy Day at the Boardwalk Turned Out Better Than Mae ExpectedAn elderly Black woman in a green shirt holds a sandwich on a bench as a tricolor Australian Shepherd sniffs it closely.Mae Lifted Her Sandwich for the First Bite. Bandit Was Already Plotting.An elderly Black woman in a green cardigan plays an old upright piano as a tricolor Australian Shepherd sits on the bench.Mae Sat Down at the Old Piano. Bandit Claimed the Other End of the Bench.