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An older woman in a green cardigan sips from a mug on porch steps while a fawn Boxer gazes toward the camera. 20 / 24

Ruth Sat Down With Her Coffee, and Bruno Gave Her That Look

AI imageboxermorning coffeeporch

Warm early light slants across the old porch steps, where Ruth sits in a moss green cardigan with a white mug raised to her lips, her reading glasses perched on her silver hair. On the porch rail behind her are pots of herbs and flowers, and the yard beyond glows gold. Bruno takes up the front of the picture, his big gray-muzzled face turned toward the camera, his brown eyes soft and a little sad, his ears drooped, and his leather collar hanging slightly loose. It is the kind of face that can make anyone give up half a breakfast without noticing.

Boxers are known for their expressive faces, and their wrinkled brows are often how they get what they want. Many dogs learn quickly that a long, soulful stare near the breakfast table can lead to attention or a treat. It helps to keep a routine, with a walk and a meal early in the morning, so the dog is satisfied before you settle with your coffee. Keep hot drinks out of reach of a hopeful nose, and remember that caffeine is toxic to dogs, so spilled coffee should be cleaned up quickly. If you are concerned your dog has swallowed something harmful, call your vet.

Ruth takes another sip, and Bruno sighs. She knows exactly what that look is asking, and the porch stays peaceful anyway.

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An older woman in a gray cardigan gazes out at the rain from a covered porch beside a fawn Boxer looking the same way.Rain Fell Softly and Ruth and Bruno Watched Without a WordAn older woman in a green cardigan sorts old photographs on a table while a fawn Boxer rests his chin and sniffs them.Ruth Spread Out the Old Photographs and Bruno Leaned In to Study ThemAn older woman in a green cardigan flips a pancake in a skillet while a fawn Boxer sits close by and watches.Ruth Flipped the Pancakes. Bruno Never Took His Eyes Off Them.An older woman in a green sweater wraps in a quilt beside a fawn Boxer resting his head near a crackling fireplace.The Fire Was Warm and the Quilt Was Big. Bruno Picked His Spot.