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White-haired grandma in a quilted vest tossing feed to hens while a chocolate Dachshund walks beside her in the yard 1 / 31

Grandma Ruth Fed the Hens. Cocoa Made Sure Every Single One Was Watched.

AI imagedachshundchickensbackyard

Golden grains fall from Grandma Ruth's fingers, and the whole henhouse crowd rushes in. She crouches in her olive quilted vest with a warm smile, her white hair catching the daylight, while speckled brown hens peck busily around her boots. Right beside her, Cocoa the chocolate Dachshund trots along with his long ears swinging and his eyes on the action, plainly uncertain whether to be a helper or a hunter. A blue bucket, a wooden fence and a flower pot fill the yard behind them, and the dirt is dusted with feed. It is a busy, cheerful morning chore.

Dachshunds were bred to follow small animals, so a flock of chickens can wake up some strong instincts. Many Dachshunds are curious and bold, and a dog that chases birds can hurt them or get pecked in return. If you keep poultry, introduce your dog on a leash, reward calm behavior and keep him from sniffing feed bins and droppings, which can carry germs. Dachshunds also have long backs, so avoid letting yours jump from high spots while he is excited. A calm "sit" near the hens and a treat afterward can help him learn good manners. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about parasites from a barnyard.

Ruth keeps scattering feed and Cocoa keeps his distance, mostly. The hens, for their part, have decided to ignore him entirely.

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Smiling white-haired grandma in a vest at a porch table playing checkers while a chocolate Dachshund rests his chin on itGrandma Ruth Studied the Checkerboard. Cocoa Studied Grandma Ruth.Grandma in a navy vest scrubbing a wet chocolate Dachshund standing in a galvanized tub in a yardGrandma Ruth Filled the Old Tub. Cocoa Had Never Looked So Serious.
White-haired grandma holding an open book on a sofa with a long-haired chocolate Dachshund lying across a blanket beside herGrandma Ruth Opened a Book. Cocoa Settled In to Hear the Next Chapter.Smiling white-haired grandma in a navy vest sitting on a truck tailgate with a brown Dachshund looking up at herGrandma Ruth Took a Seat on the Tailgate. Cocoa Looked Up and Waited.Grandma in glasses and an olive vest hammering a wooden fence while a chocolate Dachshund holds a long stick in his mouthGrandma Ruth Went to Fix the Fence. Cocoa Brought the Lumber.White-haired grandma in a vest knitting on a sofa while a brown Dachshund lies caught in loops of white yarnGrandma Ruth Was Knitting Quietly Until Cocoa Found the Yarn