Gus Weighed His Next Checkers Move While Domino Studied the Board

The red and black pieces are lined up, and Gus is thinking about his next move. He sits at a weathered porch table in his green fishing vest and plaid shirt, hand hovering over the board, white mustache tidy. Across from him, Domino the pied French Bulldog rests his chin on the table's edge and studies the board with big dark eyes, as if calculating his own strategy. A steel thermos, a hat and a pair of work boots sit along the porch, and a wooden railing frames the garden beyond.

Board games like checkers are a classic way to keep the mind active, and sharing them with a dog nearby adds to the fun. Dogs cannot play, but they love being near their people and may sit and watch with great focus. Keep small game pieces away from his mouth, since they can be a choking hazard. If he is too curious, give him a chew toy or a snack mat to keep him busy. French Bulldogs are people-oriented, sometimes stubborn and often silly, which makes them excellent companions for slow afternoons. Fresh water and a cool spot under the table help if the day is warm.

Gus finally slides a piece forward. Domino doesn't flinch. Perhaps he approves, or perhaps he is hoping for a snack at the end. The game is slow and it isn't a rush. On a porch, with a friend, even a game you might lose feels like a prize.