Grandpa Gus Set Up His Easel in the Yard. Waffles Settled In for the Show.

A landscape of green trees and soft sky is taking shape on Grandpa Gus's canvas, and he is adding the finishing touches with a thin brush. He sits on a small folding stool in his fishing vest and plaid shirt, glasses perched on his nose, a palette of blues, greens, and yellows balanced in his other hand. At his feet, Waffles has stretched out across the grass with his chin on his paws and his eyes half closed. The fawn French Bulldog looks like a perfectly relaxed art critic. Behind them a garden hose, a teal watering can, clay pots, and a wooden fence frame the little corner of the yard.

Painting outdoors is a relaxing hobby, and a dog is happy to join as long as the supplies are safe. Many art paints, thinners, and brush cleaners are toxic to pets, so keep lids on and water jars out of reach, and wipe up any drips on the grass. Frenchies overheat easily, so pick a shady spot and keep a bowl of fresh water close by. A blanket under him can help keep fur clean on damp lawns. If your dog likes to wander, a leash tied to your stool or a fenced yard keeps him safe. For older adults, creative hobbies keep hands and mind active. Ask your vet about outdoor safety for flat-faced breeds.

Gus steps back to look at his work, then at the sleeping dog beside it. He thinks the best part of the picture is the one that is not on the canvas.