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A smiling older woman in a denim jacket sits on a truck tailgate beside a panting fawn Boxer next to a grassy field. 13 / 24

Ruth Let Down the Tailgate and Bruno Came Right Over

AI imageboxertailgatecountryside

Grass stretches out behind the old pickup truck, and Ruth sits on the open tailgate in a worn denim jacket, looking down at Bruno with a fond, crinkled smile. The Boxer stands close beside her, tongue hanging out in a happy pant, a brown leather collar around his neck and his dark eyes turned up toward her face. A fence post, a scatter of dry leaves, and a stand of trees mark the edge of the field. The tailgate is scuffed and dented from years of use. Both of them have the glow of having walked a good distance and earned a rest.

After a long outing, a dog like Bruno needs a break and a drink. Boxers are athletic and can overheat easily, because their short noses make panting less efficient, so frequent rests in the shade and plenty of fresh water are important on warm days. A tailgate can be a handy resting place, but a dog should never be left to jump down from a high height repeatedly, as it can strain his joints. Check his paws and coat for burrs and ticks after a walk through tall grass. Short, regular outings suit most dogs better than one very long hike.

Ruth gives Bruno a pat, and he leans into her hand. Out here, with the field going gold, they seem to have all the time in the world.

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