Browse ›
A grandpa in a denim shirt and overalls sits on a beach boardwalk bench, smiling down at a Bernese Mountain Dog. 6 / 27

The Beach Was Empty and Gray. Grandpa and Moose Stayed Anyway.

AI imagebernese mountain dogbeachboardwalk

Salt air, a gray sky, and nobody else around. Walt has found his favorite bench on the wooden boardwalk, still in his denim shirt and overalls, and Moose has pressed himself right against his grandpa's knees. One weathered hand rests on the dog's fluffy chest while Walt looks down with a gentle, closed-eye smile. Moose gazes back up at him, warm brown eyebrows lifted, the sea and the dunes stretching off behind them toward a row of beach houses.

Beach outings can be great fun for dogs, but a heavy-coated breed like the Bernese needs a little extra planning. Cool, overcast days like this one are ideal, since these dogs overheat much more easily than short-coated breeds. Bring fresh water so the dog doesn't drink salt water, which can cause stomach trouble. Hot sand and boardwalk boards in summer sun can burn paw pads, so test the surface with your hand first. Rinsing sand and salt out of the coat afterward helps prevent itchy skin, and checking local rules about dogs on the beach saves a surprise.

Walt doesn't need to walk far today. The bench, the sound of the waves, and a big warm dog leaning into him seem like plenty for one gray afternoon. Some days at the shore are about the swimming, and some are just about sitting still together.

More from this collection

All 27 →
A grandpa in denim overalls walks a Bernese Mountain Dog on a leash past crates of vegetables at an outdoor farmers market.Grandpa Went to the Farmers Market for Tomatoes. Moose Went for Something Else.A sleeping grandpa in a denim jacket leans back on a porch swing while a Bernese Mountain Dog sprawls asleep across his lap.The Porch Swing Was Built for Two People. Moose Didn't Read the Label.
A grandpa with glasses reads a book aloud on a couch while a Bernese Mountain Dog sits close and looks up at him.Grandpa Started Reading Out Loud. His Bernese Became the Best Listener in the House.A smiling grandpa in denim overalls takes a close selfie on his porch with a happy Bernese Mountain Dog beside him.Grandpa Tried His First Porch Selfie. Moose Stole the Whole Picture.A grandpa in overalls stands on a quiet country road looking down at a Bernese Mountain Dog sitting in the grass.Halfway Down the Country Road, Grandpa Stopped. Moose Sat Down and Waited.A grandpa hammers a wooden fence rail while a Bernese Mountain Dog sits nearby holding a stick in its mouth.Grandpa Was Fixing the Fence Alone. Then His Bernese Showed Up With Supplies.