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An elderly Black man plays an old piano in a lamplit room while a red Shiba Inu sits upright on the bench beside him. 13 / 31

Earl Started to Play and Maple Climbed Up to Sit Beside Him

AI imagered shiba inupianomusic room

Lamplight glows over the piano's open sheet music as Earl plays, his hands moving slowly along the keys and his head bent in concentration. His cardigan is a soft tan knit and his glasses sit low on his nose. On the bench beside him, Maple the red Shiba Inu sits upright with her paws neatly together, ears forward and dark eyes gazing across the room as if she were part of the performance. Bookshelves, a basket of blankets, a family photograph and a window with evening light complete the music room.

A dog on a piano bench is a charming sight, and many dogs do seem drawn to music and the person making it. Shiba Inus are alert, sensitive dogs, and some find loud or sudden notes startling, so soft, familiar pieces tend to go over best. Keep the piano lid closed when you are not playing so a curious paw doesn't land on the keys, and make sure she can't squeeze behind or beneath the instrument. If your dog seems uneasy, a quiet corner and a chew toy give her somewhere to relax. Many people find that playing music is a lovely way to keep the mind and hands active.

Maple has taken the role of audience, assistant and bench warmer all at once. She does not turn pages, but she does not leave either. Earl finishes one piece and, after a moment, starts the next.

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An elderly Black man in a cardigan wipes a dark car with a cloth while a red Shiba Inu jumps up to bite at a stream of water.Earl Was Rinsing the Car When Maple Went After the HoseAn elderly Black man in a cream cardigan paints at an easel in a backyard at dusk while a red Shiba Inu sleeps beside it.Earl Set Up His Easel at Dusk. Maple Settled In Right Beside It.An elderly Black man hangs a white sheet on a clothesline while a red Shiba Inu runs past with her mouth open.Earl Was Hanging Sheets on the Line. Maple Saw an Obstacle Course.An elderly Black man in a mustard cardigan scatters feed for hens on a dirt yard while a red Shiba Inu stands watching.Earl Fed the Hens While Maple Stood Behind Him, Watching Every Peck