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An elderly man in glasses scrubs a wet dark red Golden Retriever with a sponge in a large metal tub of suds outdoors. 6 / 20

Henry Filled the Old Tub with Suds. Copper Stood in It Like a Gentleman.

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The old metal tub is full of suds, and Copper stands in the middle of it, soaked from nose to tail, with his long red fur plastered flat and his dark eyes turned toward the camera. Henry kneels beside the tub in a gray sweater vest and glasses, working a blue sponge gently over his shoulder with a soft, concentrated smile. A garden hose coils across the grass, a shovel leans against the fence, and a blue bucket sits among the flowerpots in a yard that has clearly seen a lot of work.

Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that sheds and collects mud, so regular grooming matters more than frequent baths. Many dogs do well with a bath every month or two, or when they are dirty or smelly, using a shampoo made for dogs, since human products can dry out their skin. Use lukewarm water, keep soap out of the eyes and ears, and rinse until no suds remain. Dry him well, including between the toes and under the legs, because damp fur can irritate the skin. Brushing before the bath removes loose hair and helps prevent mats. Goldens usually take bath time with good humor, especially with a treat and a calm voice. If your dog has itchy skin, redness, or a lot of shedding, talk to your vet.

Henry works slowly and Copper stands patiently. The reward at the end is a good shake, and nobody nearby will stay dry.

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