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An older man kneels in a wet mudroom drying a harlequin Great Dane wrapped in a large grey blanket. 26 / 39

The Walk Ended in a Downpour. Grandpa Earl Needed a Very, Very Big Towel.

AI imagegreat danerainy daymudroom

The rain is still coming down outside the glass door, and the mudroom floor is slick with puddles. Grandpa Earl, raincoat damp and glasses speckled, is kneeling beside Domino and briskly toweling him off with a big grey blanket. The harlequin Great Dane sits wrapped in its folds, only his spotted head, a few long legs, and the tip of his tail poking out, his expression a mix of patience and mild embarrassment. Rubber boots stand by the door, a raincoat hangs on a hook, a basket of towels sits in the corner, and a white food tray with paw prints waits near the wall.

Drying a big dog after a rainy walk is a lot of work, but it's worthwhile. Great Danes have short, thin coats that don't provide much insulation, so they can get chilled when wet. Toweling thoroughly, especially the chest, belly, and paws, helps them warm up faster. Damp skin trapped in collars or harnesses can become irritated, so it's good to remove those and dry underneath. Keeping a stack of old towels and a mat by the door makes the routine easier. For older dogs or those with joint issues, a warm, dry bed afterward is especially appreciated.

Domino may not love the toweling, but he clearly trusts the person doing it. In a few minutes, he'll be dry, warm, and ready for a nap.

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