Browse ›
An elderly Black grandpa rakes autumn leaves in front of a house while a brindle French Bulldog leaps into the pile. 27 / 34

Grandpa Otis Raked a Perfect Pile. Bruno Had Already Picked His Moment.

AI imagefrench bulldogautumn leavesyard work

Orange and brown maple leaves are flying as Bruno launches himself into the pile Grandpa Otis has been raking. The brindle Frenchie is mid-leap with ears flapping and tongue out, every paw off the ground. Otis, in a golden cardigan over a plaid shirt, grips the rake and watches with an affectionate, amused grin. Behind them a porch lamp glows warmly against the dusky blue light of late afternoon, a potted plant sits by the door, and more leaves tumble across the pavement and lawn. It is a cheerful fall scene, with a dog who clearly regards leaf piles as his personal property.

Leaf piles are one of autumn's simple pleasures for dogs, but a few cautions are smart. Damp leaves can hide sharp sticks, thorns, or moldy patches, and some wild mushrooms in the yard are poisonous if eaten, so keep an eye on what a dog sniffs. Short bursts of playing suit a French Bulldog best, since his flat face makes it hard to cool down. Afterward, check his coat and paws for burrs and bits of debris and give him fresh water. Raking in a calm pattern and letting the dog have one big pile of his own makes the chore more fun for both of you.

The raking will have to start again, of course. With a leap like that, no one's complaining, least of all Otis.

More from this collection

All 34 →
An elderly Black grandpa in a brown cardigan dances in a kitchen while a brindle French Bulldog looks up, tail raised.Grandpa Otis Started Humming. Bruno Joined the Kitchen Dance Floor.An elderly Black grandpa in a tan cardigan tucks a light blanket around a brindle French Bulldog lying in a round dog bed.Grandpa Otis Smoothed the Blanket Corner. Bruno Gave a Sleepy Sigh.
An elderly Black grandpa in a green cardigan plants a seedling with a trowel while a brindle French Bulldog digs in the soil.Grandpa Otis Planted the Tomatoes. Bruno Started a Project of His Own.An elderly Black grandpa in a knit hat shovels a snowy driveway while a brindle French Bulldog plows through the snow.Grandpa Otis Shoveled the Driveway. Bruno Decided Snow Was Just Fun.An elderly Black grandpa in a green cardigan gently brushes a brindle French Bulldog sitting on porch steps.Grandpa Otis Picked Up the Brush. Bruno Held Still as a Statue.An elderly Black grandpa in a knit cardigan sits at a patio table with breakfast beside a brindle French Bulldog.Grandpa Otis Sat Down to Breakfast. Bruno Brought His Hopeful Face.