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A brown Newfoundland walks across a yard at dusk with five yellow ducklings perched in a line on his back. 35 / 36

The Newfoundland Walked Very Slowly. He Had Five Passengers on Board.

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Under the glow of the evening porch light, a big brown Newfoundland walks slowly across the lawn, and riding on his shaggy back is a row of five yellow ducklings. Each one sits upright, balancing on tiny orange feet as the dog moves. His face is calm and a little tired, his ears hang low and his eyes look straight ahead. A wooden fence, a pile of garden tools and a few plants fade into the dusk behind them.

Newfoundlands are known as gentle giants, and their calm, patient nature has made them popular family dogs. They are strong, with thick, oily coats designed to repel cold water, and they need regular brushing. Because they are so large and heavy, they should move carefully around small animals. A duckling's feet and legs are delicate, and riding on a moving animal's back is risky, as a tumble could cause injury. It is much safer for small birds to stay close to the ground. If you have a gentle giant at home and want to raise ducklings, ask your vet for advice.

The dog walks as if he is carrying the most breakable thing in the world, which, in a way, he is. His steps are slow and careful, and his shoulders stay level. The ducklings sit in a line like tiny passengers on a very fuzzy train. The yard grows dim and the lights come on one by one, but this slow procession is in no rush. It is a quiet end to the day.

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A white and tan Jack Russell Terrier sleeps in a woven hammock beside a row of yellow ducklings.The Terrier Never Stops Moving. Then the Ducklings Lined Up Beside Him.A white and tan Jack Russell Terrier walks through a flowery meadow followed by a line of yellow ducklings.The Jack Russell Marched Through the Meadow With a Very Long Tail Behind HimA red wire-haired Dachshund sleeps on a striped rug beside a row of yellow ducklings.The Dachshund Fell Asleep, and the Ducklings Lined Up Next to His NoseA silver-gray Weimaraner lies on a blue plaid blanket beside a staggered line of yellow ducklings.The Weimaraner Lay Down, and Six Ducklings Settled In Front of Him