Browse ›
An elderly Black man in a knit cardigan carries a red Shiba Inu in his arms beside wooden porch steps. 3 / 31

Maple Stopped Walking Halfway Home. Earl Knew Just What to Do.

AI imagered shiba inuporch stepslong walk

The walk was long, and Earl has decided to finish it his own way, with Maple tucked firmly in his arms. He wears a chunky cable-knit cardigan over a blue shirt, and his gray beard crinkles with a tender smile as he looks down at his dog. Maple, her rust-red coat and cream chest soft against his sweater, watches the camera with calm dark eyes, her curled tail drooping over his arm. Wooden porch steps, a clay pot and the winter-bare yard make an unfussy background.

Shibas are energetic dogs that thrive on daily walks, and a brisk stroll is great for their health and mood. They are also famously stubborn, so sometimes they simply stop and refuse to go on. It helps to build up distance gradually, bring water and take breaks. Always keep a Shiba on a leash outdoors, because they can be escape artists with a strong prey drive. After a long walk, check her paws and pads for anything stuck, offer water and let her rest. If she limps or seems unusually tired, call your vet.

Maple does not appear to mind being carried one bit, even if she is perfectly able to walk. Earl is happy to help, with a strong grip and a gentle look. Home is only a few more steps up. A warm bowl of water will be waiting.

More from this collection

All 31 →
An elderly Black man works on a jigsaw puzzle at a kitchen table while a red Shiba Inu sits on a chair watching the pieces.Earl Was Down to the Last Few Pieces. Maple Had Been Watching All Morning.An elderly Black man in a rocking chair whittles wood while a red Shiba Inu sits close, watching the shavings fall.Earl Was Whittling on the Porch. Maple Was Sitting Very, Very Close.
A smiling elderly Black man in a cardigan stands behind a red Shiba Inu on a leash in a market garden with vegetable tables.Earl Took Maple to the Market. She Picked the Pace and He Followed.An elderly Black man in a cardigan plants tomato seedlings while a red Shiba Inu digs in the soil beside him.Earl Planted a Row of Tomatoes. Maple Planted Nothing, but She Dug a Lot.An elderly Black man in a green cardigan gently tucks a blanket around a red Shiba Inu lying in a round dog bed.Earl Smoothed the Blanket Over Maple. She Looked Up at Him Like This.An elderly Black man in a cardigan smiles down at a red Shiba Inu with an open mouth in a bright kitchen.Earl Hummed an Old Song in the Kitchen. Maple Couldn't Hold Back Her Grin.