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An older couple wraps a wet grey shaggy dog in a plaid blanket inside a mudroom with boots and raincoats behind them. 3 / 21

The Walk Ended in a Downpour. Then Came the Plaid Blanket.

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Rain is still streaking the window behind them, but inside the mudroom it's all warmth. Dolores and Frank have Pepper swaddled in a navy-and-orange plaid blanket, only his damp whiskery face poking out. Frank's hands are tucking the edge snug under the dog's chin while Dolores leans in, smiling through her glasses. Raincoats drip on their hooks, muddy boots wait on a tray, and a basket of rope toys and a tennis ball sits by the door, ready for drier days. Pepper looks only mildly offended, the way dogs do when they'd secretly like to shake all over the room.

Drying a dog well after a rainy walk is a small kindness that matters. A wet coat can leave a dog chilled, especially older or smaller dogs, and moisture trapped in a thick or wiry coat can lead to musty smells or irritated skin. Toweling against and then with the direction of the fur helps, and paying extra attention to paws, ears, and the belly catches the spots that stay damp longest. Wiping paws also removes road grime and de-icing salts in colder months. If a dog shivers for a long time or seems unusually tired after getting soaked, it's a good idea to check in with your vet.

Some dogs will never admit it, but being wrapped up like a burrito by the people who love them might be the best part of the walk.

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