Browse ›
Laughing grandmother sweeps autumn leaves with a straw broom as a Jack Russell Terrier leaps through the pile beside her. 20 / 40

Abuela Swept Every Leaf Into One Neat Pile. Chispa Had Been Waiting for Exactly That.

AI imagejack russell terrierautumn leavespatio

Every leaf Abuela Rosa sweeps into a neat little pile is about to be undone. Armed with an old straw broom, she works across the patio in a plaid shirt and floral apron, glasses on and laughing out loud. Brown and orange maple leaves carpet the ground, scattered around pots, a basket of tools and a pair of slippers by the door. And mid-leap in the middle of it all is Chispa, front paws lifted, ears perked and eyes bright, bounding straight into the freshly gathered leaves with the confidence of a dog who believes this whole chore was designed just for her. The warm glow of the porch lamp makes the evening feel cozy.

Jumping in leaf piles is pure joy for many dogs, and it is a good way for a high-energy terrier to burn off steam. Before letting a pup play, it helps to check the pile for sticks, thorny branches or hidden debris. Damp leaves can grow mold that may upset a dog's stomach if eaten, so discourage munching. Leaf piles can also hide ticks, so a quick check of the coat afterward is a smart habit, along with regular tick prevention. And if you ever burn leaves, keep dogs well away from the fire and the smoke.

Rosa might be sweeping the same spot for a while. Judging by her laugh, she does not mind starting over as many times as it takes.

More from this collection

All 40 →
Grandmother in a green cardigan plays an old upright piano while a Jack Russell Terrier sits beside her on the bench.Abuela Sat Down at the Old Piano. She Wasn't the Only One on the Bench.Grandmother in glasses holds a fishing rod on a weathered wooden dock while a Jack Russell Terrier gazes out at the water.Abuela Cast Her Line Off the Old Dock. Her Fishing Partner Took the Job Seriously.
Grandmother in glasses sits wrapped in a patchwork quilt by a glowing fireplace with a Jack Russell Terrier on her lap.The Fire Was Lit and the Quilt Came Out. Abuela Had Room for One More.Smiling grandmother in a denim shirt sits at the wheel of an old pickup with a Jack Russell Terrier in the passenger seat.Abuela Fired Up the Old Pickup for a Grocery Run. Her Copilot Was Already Aboard.Grandmother in a plaid shirt and floral apron carries a scruffy Jack Russell Terrier in her arms near the porch steps.Chispa Ran the Whole Walk. Then She Saw the Porch Steps and Changed Her Mind.Barefoot grandmother rests in a wooden rocking chair in warm evening light while a Jack Russell Terrier sleeps on the floor.The Sun Was Going Down and the Rocking Chair Was Creaking. Then Everything Went Still.