Grandpa Sat on the Tailgate and Pip Looked Up at Him
The fields roll out behind them, green and gold, as Grandpa sits on the dented tailgate of his old pickup with his hands loosely folded. Pip sits close by his boot, looking up at his face with soft, attentive eyes. His red plaid flannel and worn boots say he has worked this land for years.
The afternoon light is gentle, and the air must be full of the smell of grass and soil. Pip's little paws rest on the metal, her coat shining blue and gold in the sun.
Country settings are fun for small dogs, but they bring some safety needs. Tailgates can be tall for tiny legs, so lift her up and down rather than letting her jump. Fields can have burrs, ticks, and fox tails that cling to fur, and long grass can hide sharp objects. After a day outside, check her coat and paws carefully and brush out any hitchhikers. Yorkies are small, so keep them close in open land where hawks or other wildlife might be nearby, and ask your vet about tick prevention.
They sit side by side and look out at the fields. That is plenty of conversation. The sun slips a little lower over the rows, and the work can wait until tomorrow. Some of the best parts of a day come after the chores are finished and the engine is off.
