Domino Sat on the Back Steps Like He Owned Them. Grandma June Brought the Brush.
Domino sits on the back steps with the regal patience of a dog who knows he is being pampered. Grandma June, reading glasses pushed up onto her white hair, leans in beside him in her cream cardigan and runs a round wooden-backed brush down his spotted shoulder. The harlequin Great Dane holds perfectly still, chin lifted, eyes half closed, his big jowls relaxed. Around them, the porch is full of homey details: a galvanized watering can, a garden hose coiled by the door, rubber boots waiting on the mat, potted plants, and an open screen door leading into the kitchen.
Great Danes have short, smooth coats that are fairly easy to care for, but they still shed, and on a dog this size that adds up. A weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush, rubber curry mitt, or grooming glove helps remove loose hair, spreads natural oils, and keeps the coat glossy. Brushing time is also a good chance to check for bumps, scrapes, or ticks, and to look at ears, nails, and teeth. Giant breeds benefit from getting used to handling early in life, since trimming nails or cleaning ears on a reluctant dog of this size is not easy. Many owners use treats and short, calm sessions to keep grooming positive. If your dog has itchy skin, flaky patches, or sudden hair loss, check with your vet.
Domino looks as though he could sit here all afternoon, and Grandma June seems happy to let him. Some chores are really just quality time in disguise.
