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A silver-haired woman in glasses and a cardigan sits on a wooden bench hugging a gold and white Shih Tzu near the beach. 23 / 38

The Sun Was Setting Over the Water When Teddy Climbed Into Grandma's Arms

AI imageshih tzuboardwalksunset

The sun is low over the water, and the boardwalk leading toward the beach glows in soft pink and gold. Dottie sits on a weathered wooden bench in her button-up cable-knit cardigan, glasses perched on her nose, wearing a contented smile with her eyes nearly closed. Teddy is snuggled into her lap and arms, his face pressed close to her, his fluffy ears tousled by the sea breeze. Behind them, potted plants, a blue watering can, and garden tools sit beside a fence, and the shoreline stretches out into the hazy distance.

Seaside outings are a wonderful change of scenery, but dogs need a few precautions near the ocean. Salt water should not be swallowed, because it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse in larger amounts, so bring fresh water for your dog to drink. Sand and pavement can get hot enough to hurt paws during the day, which makes early morning and evening the best times to visit. Wind and salt air can leave a long coat like a Shih Tzu's tangled and gritty, so a rinse and gentle brushing afterward help prevent mats and itchy skin. Many beaches and boardwalks have rules about dogs, so it is good to check before you go.

Dottie and Teddy are not going anywhere in a hurry. A bench, a breeze, and a warm little dog to hold are all it takes to make an ordinary evening unforgettable.

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A silver-haired woman sips from a mug on concrete front steps while a gold and white Shih Tzu sits in front of her.Grandma Stepped Outside for Her First Sip of Coffee. Teddy Was Right Behind Her.A silver-haired woman paints a landscape at a wooden easel in a garden while a gold and white Shih Tzu sleeps on the grass.Dottie Set Up Her Easel to Paint the Garden. Teddy Had His Own Afternoon Plans.
A silver-haired woman rakes autumn leaves while a gold and white Shih Tzu leaps into the pile near an open patio door.Dottie Finally Raked Every Leaf Into One Big Pile. Teddy Was Watching From the Door.A smiling silver-haired woman in glasses holds a fishing pole on an old wooden dock as a Shih Tzu sits close in front.Grandma Cast Her Line Off the Old Dock. Teddy Made Sure He Was the Main Event.A silver-haired woman plays an old upright piano while a gold and white Shih Tzu sits beside her on the wooden bench.Dottie Sat Down at the Old Piano and Found She Had a Duet PartnerA smiling silver-haired woman crouches by a pond pouring seed toward mallard ducks as a gold and white Shih Tzu watches.The Mallards Swam Right Up for Their Seeds. Teddy Was Not Sure About Any of This.