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A grandpa in overalls sits at the end of a dock with bare feet in the water beside a golden Retriever. 18 / 33

Grandpa Rolled Up His Jeans at the Lake. The Dog Waded In

AI imagegolden retrieverlake docksummer

The water is cool and calm, and Gus has rolled up his jeans and let his bare feet dangle just below the surface. He sits at the edge of the old dock with his hands folded and his eyes closed, enjoying the sun. Biscuit stands in the shallows beside him with her mouth open in a happy pant, looking up at his face. A blue bucket, coiled hoses, and a pile of garden odds and ends crowd the boards behind them.

Water is a favorite place for many golden Retrievers, and they tend to enjoy paddling and splashing even when they are not swimming. A few simple precautions help keep it fun. Watch for slippery wood and algae on docks, keep fresh drinking water handy because lake water can contain bacteria or algae that make dogs sick, and rinse your dog after a swim to remove dirt. A dog that has been in the water for a while will tire, so take breaks, and a canine life vest is a smart option for deeper water. Dry the ears well, because damp ears can bother some dogs, and talk to your vet if your dog is prone to ear trouble.

There is no schedule here, just the sound of water against old boards. If you want to know what a good afternoon looks like, this is a pretty fine example.

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