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A grandpa with glasses holds a hammer at a wooden fence post while a small Yorkshire Terrier clutches a stick in its mouth. 26 / 37

Grandpa Needed an Extra Hand Fixing the Fence. Peanut Brought Lumber.

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Earl has his hammer raised and his reading glasses on, ready to fix a wobbly fence post at the edge of the backyard. He kneels on the grass in his overalls and olive shirt, studying the board with a craftsman's frown. Right at the post, Peanut has positioned herself with a sturdy stick clamped sideways in her jaws, eyes bright and ears perked, as though she is holding the next piece of lumber for him. Behind them, a blue watering can sits on the back steps, a rake and shovel lean against the shed, and potted plants line the path.

Many terriers are natural carriers and love to grab and hold objects, a trait that often makes them eager helpers during chores. That enthusiasm is charming, but it is worth keeping a small dog away from construction zones. Nails, screws, and wood splinters can injure paws or mouths, and a hammer can slip. Sticks, while classic dog toys, can splinter and cause injuries, especially for small mouths, so a sturdy chew toy is a safer option. Keeping tools and hardware picked up and stored after each job is another easy way to protect a curious dog from accidents around the yard.

Peanut probably can't lift a fence board, but her stick is surely a contribution. And Earl, glancing over at her, seems to appreciate the company. Every handyman needs an assistant, even a very small one.

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