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A white-haired grandpa in red flannel carries a red and white Border Collie in his arms up weathered wooden steps. 6 / 20

After a Long Walk, Copper Sat Down at the Steps. Grandpa Didn't Hesitate.

AI imageborder collieafter the walkback steps

The walk was long, and Copper has decided he is done with stairs for the day. Harold has scooped up his Border Collie in both arms and is carrying him up the weathered wooden back steps, his white hair windblown, his face set in a look of gentle determination. Copper rests against Harold's red flannel chest, legs dangling, leash still clipped to his harness, wearing an expression that is part sleepy, part pleased with himself. A coiled garden hose, a pair of work gloves, a water bottle, and a potted plant sit on the landing by the screen door.

Border Collies have tremendous stamina, but even energetic dogs can overdo it, especially on hot days, after long hikes, or as they get older. Signs a dog may need a rest include heavy panting, lagging behind, lying down on the walk, or limping. Bringing water on outings and building up to longer distances gradually helps. Medium-sized dogs like Border Collies are heavier than they look, so lifting should be done carefully, bending at the knees and supporting both the chest and hindquarters. If a dog regularly seems exhausted after normal exercise, mention it to your vet.

Copper doesn't seem to mind the ride one bit. Harold, meanwhile, looks like he would carry this dog anywhere. After a good long walk together, the last few steps home are the sweetest part of the trip.

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A white-haired grandpa brushes the fluffy coat of a red and white Border Collie lying on wooden back steps.Grandpa Brought Out the Brush. Copper Turned the Back Steps Into a Spa.A white-haired grandpa sprays a garden hose as a wet red and white Border Collie lunges to bite at the water by an old car.Grandpa Turned On the Hose to Wash the Car. Copper Had Been Waiting for That.
A red and white Border Collie stands in the foreground of a pumpkin patch while a white-haired grandpa smiles behind him.Grandpa Went to Pick a Pumpkin. Copper Made Sure He Was the Star of the Patch.A white-haired grandpa works on a jigsaw puzzle at a kitchen table while a red and white Border Collie sits beside it.Grandpa Was Stuck on One Puzzle Piece. Copper Looked Like He Knew Where It Was.A white-haired grandpa holds a sandwich on a wooden bench while a red and white Border Collie sits next to him smiling.Grandpa Sat on the Bench With a Sandwich. Copper Sat Down Right Beside Him.A white-haired grandpa sits on a wooden dock with his bare feet in the water beside a damp red and white Border Collie.Grandpa Rolled Up His Pants and Dipped His Feet in the Lake. Copper Went Further.