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Grandmother in glasses whittles a stick on wooden porch steps as shavings fall and a scruffy Jack Russell watches closely. 29 / 40

Abuela Sat Down to Whittle a Stick. Chispa Appointed Herself the Inspector.

AI imagejack russell terrierwhittlingporch steps

Curl by curl, pale wood shavings drop from Abuela Rosa's blade and pile up on her apron and the porch boards below. She sits on the weathered steps in a gray shirt, glasses low and brow focused, turning a rough branch in her hands as she slowly coaxes a shape out of it. Behind her, the porch is a happy jumble of a woven basket, stacked kindling, terracotta pots, a pair of work gloves and old shoes. Leaning in close, Chispa has her scruffy face just inches from the action, eyes tracking every falling sliver as if trying to figure out what exactly her person is making.

Whittling is a lovely, calm hobby for many older adults. It keeps the hands busy, builds fine motor skill and can be wonderfully meditative. With a dog nearby, a few safety habits help. Sharp knives should always be closed or stored away when not in use, and it is smart to whittle in a spot where a dog cannot bump your hands. Wood shavings and small chunks can be tempting to chew, but splinters can injure a dog's mouth or digestive tract, so sweep them up afterward. Some woods, such as black walnut, can be harmful to dogs, so it pays to know what you are carving.

Whatever takes shape from that branch, a little bird, a spoon or a walking stick, Chispa has supervised every curl of it. That surely deserves a mention in the finished piece.

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