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An older couple bathes a scruffy grey dog in a sudsy galvanized tub in a backyard, with a towel draped over the edge. 18 / 21

The Old Metal Tub Came Out. Pepper Knew Exactly What That Meant.

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Bath day has come for Pepper, and he's taking it with remarkable dignity. The scruffy grey dog stands in a galvanized metal tub full of soapy bubbles, chin up, eyes calm, while Dolores works a blue washcloth through the fur on his shoulders. Frank, in his flat cap and red flannel, leans over from the other side, sleeves pushed up, gently lathering along Pepper's back. A grey towel waits draped over the rim, a jug sits on the grass, and the backyard behind them is full of potted succulents, garden tools, and a weathered wooden fence.

Bathing a dog outside on a warm day can be easier than wrestling them into a bathtub, but a few basics help. Use lukewarm water rather than cold from the hose, and choose a shampoo made for dogs, since human products can be too harsh for their skin. Keeping soap away from eyes and water out of ears helps prevent irritation, and a thorough rinse matters, because leftover shampoo can leave skin itchy. Wiry, shaggy coats like Pepper's often benefit from a good brush before the bath to loosen mats, and many dogs need bathing only occasionally unless they've rolled in something memorable.

Pepper will probably shake himself dry the moment he steps out, soaking everyone within range. Frank and Dolores seem to know that, and they're smiling anyway.

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An older couple paints a landscape at a wooden easel in a garden while a large shaggy grey dog lies resting at their feet.Frank Brought the Brushes, Dolores Brought the Colors. Pepper Brought the Calm.An older couple holds handfuls of birdseed by a wooden feeder while a scruffy grey dog sits quietly at their feet.A Little Bird Landed on the Feeder. Pepper Did Something Nobody Expected.
An older couple drinks coffee on worn wooden porch steps while a scruffy grey dog sits below, looking up at them.Same Steps, Same Mugs, Same Grey Dog. This Morning Felt a Little Different.An older couple sips lemonade on a wooden porch while a shaggy grey dog in a blue collar sits close in front of them.Frank and Dolores Sat Down for a Quiet Glass of Lemonade. Pepper Had Other Plans.An older couple cooks pancakes at a gas stove while a scruffy grey dog sits in the foreground looking hopeful.Pancakes Were Sizzling on the Stove. One Grey Dog Had the Best Seat in the House.An older couple wraps a wet grey shaggy dog in a plaid blanket inside a mudroom with boots and raincoats behind them.The Walk Ended in a Downpour. Then Came the Plaid Blanket.