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An older couple rakes autumn leaves in a yard as a scruffy grey dog leaps toward the pile with its front paws in the air. 9 / 21

They Spent All Afternoon Building the Perfect Leaf Pile. Pepper Was Watching.

AI imagerescue muttautumnleaf pile

The rakes are still in motion, but the leaf pile has already been claimed. Pepper is mid-pounce, front paws lifted, ears flying, launching himself toward the crunchy mound of orange and brown leaves that Dolores and Frank have spent the afternoon building. Dolores, in her green cardigan and glasses, is laughing as she braces on her rake, and Frank, bundled in a navy sweater and knit cap, watches with a knowing grin. Behind them, the porch light glows, pots of mums brighten the steps, and the trees still hold a few last golden leaves.

Leaf piles are a fall joy for many dogs, but a quick check helps keep the fun safe. Piles can hide sticks, thorny branches, rocks, or garden tools, and damp leaves can grow mold that some dogs shouldn't eat. Acorns, mushrooms, and certain fallen nuts can also upset a dog's stomach or worse, so it's wise to watch for snacking. Ticks are still active in many areas during autumn, so a run of the fingers through the coat after outdoor play is a good habit, especially for shaggy dogs whose fur can hide them. If you spot anything unusual, ask your vet.

The pile will need to be raked again, of course, probably more than once before supper. Judging by the smiles, that's exactly what everyone was hoping for.

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An older man holds up a worn ball as a grinning scruffy grey dog waits eagerly, with an older woman smiling beside them.Frank Held Up the Old Ball and Said One Word. Pepper's Face Did the Rest.An older couple sits barefoot at the end of a wooden lake dock with feet in the water and a grey shaggy dog beside them.Frank and Dolores Dipped Their Toes in the Lake. Pepper Took a Different Job.
An older couple picks red apples in an orchard while a scruffy grey dog sniffs apples lying in the grass below.The Basket Was Almost Full. Pepper Was Still Inspecting Apples One by One.A grey scruffy dog sleeps on a heap of quilt fabric while an older couple hand-sews quilt pieces at a table behind him.Dolores and Frank Spread Out the Quilt Fabric. Someone Else Had a Use for It First.An older couple naps together on a grassy lawn with a scruffy grey dog curled up asleep against them.Frank Lay Down on the Grass for Just a Minute. Nobody Got Back Up.An older man scrubs a car in a driveway as an older woman sprays a hose and a scruffy grey dog leaps at the water.The Plan Was to Wash the Old Car. Pepper Heard the Hose Turn On.