Browse ›
An elderly couple in cream sweaters wrap a wet chocolate Poodle in a plaid blanket inside the front door on a rainy day. 14 / 32

The Rain Caught Them Out on Their Walk. Here's How Cocoa Came Home.

AI imagechocolate poodlerainy daywarm blanket

Rain is still streaming down the glass of the open front door, and the walk clearly ended with a soaking. Just inside, Frank and Marion have scooped Cocoa into a soft plaid blanket, wrapping it snugly around her as they kneel together on the entry floor. Her chocolate curls are dripping and spiky with rainwater, and droplets sparkle all over her head, but her brown eyes look calm and trusting. Marion leans in with tender concern, and Frank holds the blanket closed with steady hands. Muddy boots and shoes are scattered on the doormat, a set of keys lies on the floor, and coats hang on the hooks behind them.

Drying a dog off after a rainy walk is about comfort and coat care. Poodle curls hold a lot of water, and if a coat stays damp it can mat more easily and sometimes lead to skin irritation. Gently blotting with a towel rather than rubbing hard helps prevent tangles, and a hair dryer on a cool or low setting, used carefully, can finish the job. Paws deserve attention too, since mud, grit, and road chemicals can collect between the toes. Keeping a towel by the door makes the routine quick and easy. Older dogs and dogs with short clips can get chilled after a soaking, so a warm, draft-free spot to rest afterward is a kind finishing touch.

Cocoa may have come home soggy, but she is ending her walk wrapped up in blankets and love. That is a pretty good way to finish a rainy day.

More from this collection

All 32 →
An elderly couple crouch on a patio scattering grain for hens while a chocolate Poodle stands among the chickens beside them.The Hungry Hens Rushed In, and Cocoa Was Standing Right in the MiddleAn elderly couple hold birdseed in their palms near a busy wooden feeder full of sparrows as a chocolate Poodle sits calmly.The Sparrows Were Everywhere, and Cocoa Had to Decide What Kind of Dog She Was
An elderly couple on a couch share a bowl of popcorn while a curly chocolate Poodle sits in front of them looking ahead.Frank Brought Out the Big Popcorn Bowl for Movie Night. Cocoa Claimed the Best Seat.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sit on a covered porch watching the rain while a chocolate Poodle sits in front.The Rain Wouldn't Stop, So Frank and Marion Pulled Up a Bench. Cocoa Joined In.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sleep leaning together on a porch swing with a chocolate Poodle asleep across their laps.They Sat Down on the Porch Swing for Just a Minute. All Three Were Out Cold.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sleep side by side in a rope hammock with a chocolate Poodle curled asleep on their laps.The Porch Light Came On, but Nobody in the Hammock Noticed