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A smiling grandpa sits on a weathered wooden dock holding a simple fishing pole while a Bernese Mountain Dog sits beside him. 20 / 27

Grandpa Went Fishing With a Stick and a String. Moose Came as His Lucky Charm.

AI imagebernese mountain dogfishingwooden dock

No fancy reel, no tackle box, just a thin fishing pole and a lot of patience. Walt sits on the edge of a weathered wooden dock in his overalls and olive work shirt, line dangling into the still, murky water. He is grinning at Moose, who sits pressed against his side with nose pointed toward the pond as though he expects a fish to jump straight into his mouth. The planks are gray and cracked with age, the sky is overcast, and a green lawn stretches back toward a few trees and houses.

Fishing trips with a dog can be wonderfully relaxing, but a dock has some hazards worth knowing. Hooks, lures, and bait are tempting to curious noses, and a swallowed hook needs immediate veterinary attention, so tackle should be kept closed and out of reach. Not every dog is a strong swimmer, and heavy breeds can tire quickly in water, so a properly fitted dog life jacket is a smart idea near deep water. Fresh drinking water is better than letting a dog lap from a pond, which may contain algae or bacteria. In warm weather, watch for algae blooms and keep dogs out of water that looks scummy or discolored.

Whether or not anything bites today, the outing is already a success. Walt has his line in the water and his best friend leaning on his shoulder, and that is about all he came for.

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