Grandma June Went Out to Weed the Garden. The Gloves Never Made It Back On.
Gardening was the plan, but the lawn had other ideas. Grandma June is stretched out on the soft green grass in her cream cable-knit cardigan, her cheek resting against Domino's spotted neck, eyes peacefully closed. The harlequin Great Dane is sprawled flat beside her, long legs stretched out, his big head pressed into the grass and his ears flopped every which way, completely asleep. Abandoned gardening tools and a pair of gloves lie near the fence, a coiled hose waits by the flower pots, and blue hydrangeas bloom in the corner of the yard.
Great Danes are known as excellent nappers. Like many giant breeds, they tend to be calm and low-energy indoors once they are past their puppy years, and they can spend a large part of the day resting. That relaxed nature is part of their charm, but it also means they need comfortable places to lie down. Hard floors can cause pressure sores or calluses on the elbows and hips of big dogs, so thick, supportive beds are a good investment. Outdoors, soft grass in mild weather makes a lovely nap spot, but on hot days dogs should always have shade and fresh water, and short-coated dogs can sunburn on thinly furred areas. Lawns treated with fertilizer or weed killer are best kept off-limits until the product has fully dried or as the label directs.
The weeds will still be there tomorrow. For now, the warm grass, a soft breeze, and one gently snoring Great Dane make for the best kind of afternoon.
