Browse ›
An elderly Black man in a cable-knit cardigan brushes a red Shiba Inu on mossy back steps with a wooden brush. 27 / 31

Earl Brought Out the Brush. Maple Leaned In Without Being Asked.

AI imagered shiba inubrushingback steps

Earl sits on the old back steps with a wooden brush in his hand, running it slowly over Maple's back. His glasses and cable-knit cardigan give him a patient, scholarly look and his gray beard rests close to his chest as he concentrates on his task. Maple the red Shiba Inu stands in front of him with her head turned slightly, eyes half-shut in pleasure and her red-gold fur lifted in thick tufts. Behind them, sandals, a blue watering can and a few potted plants clutter the steps.

Brushing matters a great deal for a Shiba Inu. Their double coat has a soft undercoat beneath a stiffer outer layer, and they shed heavily a couple of times a year, which owners sometimes call blowing coat. During those weeks, daily brushing with a suitable brush or comb removes loose fur before it ends up all over the house. Brushing also lets you check for ticks, bumps or sore spots. Shibas usually should not be shaved, because the coat helps regulate temperature. Keep sessions short and relaxed with a treat afterward, and ask your vet or groomer about the best tools.

Maple appears to find the whole thing wonderful. She stands still, leaning ever so slightly into each stroke. Earl keeps brushing, and the pile of fur beside the steps keeps growing.

More from this collection

All 31 →
An elderly Black man in a cardigan does a crossword at a breakfast table while a red Shiba Inu stares at him from the side.Earl Was Stuck on a Crossword Clue. Maple Gave Him a Very Long Stare.An elderly Black man in a cardigan wraps a red Shiba Inu in a plaid blanket by a rain-streaked window and boots by the door.The Rain Soaked Maple Through on the Walk. Earl Had a Plan for That.
An elderly Black man in a cardigan kneels on a green yoga mat while a red Shiba Inu stretches forward on the mat beside him.Earl Rolled Out the Yoga Mat. Maple Showed Him the Best Stretch of All.An elderly Black man in a green cardigan sips lemonade through a straw on a porch while a red Shiba Inu smiles beside him.Earl Poured a Tall Lemonade for the Porch. Maple Showed Up With a Grin.An elderly Black man in a cardigan smiles at a red Shiba Inu with paws on his table of toast, berries and coffee on a patio.Earl Sat Down to Breakfast. Maple Had Already Taken Her Position at the Table.An elderly Black man in a cardigan and glasses smiles beside a red Shiba Inu with her mouth open on a porch.Earl Held Out the Camera for a Porch Selfie. Maple Had the Best Smile.