Grandpa Hank Lay Down on the Grass for Just a Minute. That Was Hours Ago.
Stretched out on the backyard grass, Grandpa Hank has given in completely to the afternoon. His head rests on one arm, his eyes are closed, and his blue checked shirt and grey suspenders are rumpled from settling into the lawn. Curled tight against his chest, chin propped on his forearm, Pretzel is just as deeply asleep, her dappled body rolled into a neat little crescent. Behind them, a wooden fence, a blue watering can, and a few clay pots hint at gardening that has been postponed for a well-earned nap.
Dogs love a warm patch of sun, and lying on the grass with them can be a lovely way to unwind. A few seasonal tips help keep it pleasant. In warmer months, check the lawn for fleas and ticks and keep your dog on a vet-recommended preventive. Avoid napping on grass that's recently been treated with fertilizer or weed killer, and steer clear of areas where mushrooms pop up. Dogs can overheat even while resting, so shade and water should be nearby on hot days. A quick look over the coat afterward catches burrs and hitchhiking bugs.
Sometimes the best plan for a sunny afternoon is no plan at all. The garden can wait. Hank and Pretzel have found the softest bed in the whole yard, and neither one is in any hurry to leave it.
