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Laughing grandmother with curly gray hair rakes autumn leaves as a tan dog leaps into the pile and a sable Corgi watches. 1 / 26

Grandma Raked the Perfect Leaf Pile. One Dog Jumped In, the Other Took Notes.

AI imagecorgiautumn leavesbackyard

Grandma Dot had a perfectly neat pile going, right up until the dogs got involved. She kneels by the leaves in a cozy oatmeal cardigan and plaid shirt, curly gray hair framing her face and reading glasses perched on her nose, laughing out loud as she leans on her rake. A tan, long-legged buddy has launched himself straight into the crunchy heap, paws flying and leaves scattering everywhere. Sitting nearby with far more dignity is Waffles, the sable Corgi, whose big ears are perked and whose face suggests she is supervising rather than participating. A bucket, worn garden gloves, potted mums and a plaid-blanketed chair complete the autumn yard.

Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, which explains their alert expression and their habit of keeping a close eye on everyone. They are smart, sturdy and energetic, and they need regular exercise and mental challenges to stay happy. Their long backs and short legs mean it is wise to discourage lots of jumping off high furniture. Leaf piles are great fun for dogs, but check them first for sticks, thorns or hidden debris. Damp leaves can grow mold, which may upset a dog's stomach if eaten, and leaf litter can hide ticks, so a quick coat check after playtime is a good idea.

The pile will need raking all over again. Judging by Dot's laugh, that was always part of the plan.

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