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An elderly man in a green vest sleeps in a hammock with a fawn Pug tucked against his chest under oak branches. 31 / 38

Between Two Oak Trees, Grandpa Ken Found the Perfect Spot for an Afternoon Rest

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Late sun filters through oak leaves and lands on a hammock strung between two wide trunks. Grandpa Ken is fast asleep in it, head tilted, mouth relaxed, a pair of glasses tucked into the front of his green sweater vest. Mochi is snuggled right against his chest with his chin on the fabric, wrinkled face squashed in a deeply sleepy frown, one folded ear drooping. Behind them the backyard looks quiet and lived in, with a weathered wooden fence, flowerpots, a watering can and a patch of grass.

A hammock nap is a lovely idea, and a few safety habits keep it relaxed for everyone. Hang the hammock low enough that a dog hopping in or out will not have far to fall, and check that the ropes and anchor points are sturdy. Pugs are small and not great at jumping, so a step stool or a helping hand is useful for getting down. Keep a bowl of fresh water close by, and choose a shady spot, because flat-faced dogs can overheat quickly in warm weather. Supervise rather than leave a dog alone in a hammock, since they can get tangled in the netting. A short outdoor rest also gives both nappers a little fresh air.

Somewhere in the leaves a bird is singing, but neither of these two is listening. The afternoon has simply been declared a nap, and both of them agreed.

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