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An older man with a white mustache lathers a wet French Bulldog standing in a metal tub of soapy water outdoors. 3 / 28

Domino Stood Still in the Tin Tub and Gus Did the Rest

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Soap bubbles cling to Domino's black and white coat as Grandpa Gus scrubs his chest with careful, weathered hands. The French Bulldog stands in an old galvanized tub of gray water, his bat ears pinned back and his dark eyes turned politely off to one side. Gus, in his olive fishing vest with scissors and tools tucked in the pockets, smiles with the tenderness of a man who has done this many times. The yard behind them is a patchwork of grass, fence and tangled greenery.

Frenchies do not need frequent baths, but they do need attention to their skin. The folds on their faces and bodies can trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to irritation or infection if they are not cleaned and dried carefully. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo made for dogs, never one made for people. Keep water out of his ears and nose, and be thorough when rinsing. Dry the skin folds well with a clean towel afterward. French Bulldogs also overheat easily, so wash them somewhere comfortable and avoid hot sun. If you see redness, a bad smell or constant scratching, talk to your vet.

Domino accepts the whole process with a look of patient suffering. Gus murmurs something encouraging and reaches for the rinse bucket. When the last of the suds is gone, a big towel and a warm sunny spot will be waiting. In a little while there will be a clean, fluffy dog who acts like nothing at all happened.

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An older man crouches by a pond holding a piece of bread near mallards while a pied French Bulldog sits beside him.Domino Sat Perfectly Still While Gus Fed the Ducks at the PondA smiling older man with a white mustache poses close beside a pied French Bulldog on a porch in soft light.Grandpa Gus and Domino Squeezed Into the Frame for a Porch SelfieAn older man in a cap and fishing vest walks a pied French Bulldog on a dirt road in golden evening light.Gus and Domino Took the Long Way Home Down the Country RoadAn older man in a flat cap reads a newspaper while a sleeping pied French Bulldog curls up on his lap.Gus Opened the Newspaper and Domino Had Other Plans for His Lap