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An older man in a fishing vest sips lemonade on a porch while a harlequin Great Dane rests its head on his lap. 30 / 39

Grandpa Earl Poured a Cold Lemonade and Sat Down. A Giant Head Landed on His Knee.

AI imagegreat danelemonadeporch

A tall glass of lemonade, lemon slices floating near the top, is just what a warm afternoon calls for, and Grandpa Earl is enjoying it on his shady porch. Seated in a wooden chair in his plaid shirt and fishing vest, he sips through a straw, his eyes turned down with fondness. That's because Domino has rested his massive spotted head on Earl's knee, mouth slightly open, tongue peeking out, brown eyes gazing up adoringly. Behind them, rubber boots, gardening gloves, rakes and shovels lean by the door, and a basket and potted plants sit on the weathered boards.

That head-on-the-knee move is a classic Great Dane gesture of affection. Danes are known for seeking physical closeness, and many lean against their people or rest their heads on laps despite their size. On warm days, comfort for a big dog means shade, good airflow, and plenty of fresh water. Large, heavy dogs can overheat more easily than smaller ones, so watch for heavy panting, drooling, or sluggishness, and move them somewhere cooler if needed. Lemonade and other sugary or citrus drinks aren't good for dogs, so a full water bowl nearby is the best way to share the refreshment.

Earl's lemonade will disappear soon enough. Domino's affection, on the other hand, seems to be endless, and it's served up fresh every single afternoon.

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