It Was Pouring Outside, and a Newfoundland Had Company at the Window
Rain is streaking down the glass, and nobody inside has any plans to go out in it. A big brown Newfoundland, whose thick coat looks like a warm bear's, gazes quietly out of the window with a thoughtful, slightly sad expression. At the lower corner of the frame a brown-and-white calf stands on her tiptoes, her pink nose tilted up to see what he is seeing. The trees outside are blurred in gray and green.
Newfoundlands are large, gentle dogs, famous for patience and a love of water. Their thick, oily double coat is made for cold, wet weather, so they usually shrug off rain better than most breeds, but it takes lots of brushing to prevent mats and a good deal of drying after a swim. They also drool and shed, so keep towels handy.
A rainy day is a good time to give indoor pets some enrichment. Short training games, a puzzle feeder or a treat hunt around the house can burn off energy when a walk is off the table. A dog that is bored indoors can be destructive, so mental exercise is a real help.
Some friendships do not need conversation, only a good window and a rainy afternoon. Clover seems content to watch the weather with her big, shaggy friend, and the rain is welcome to keep falling for as long as it likes. Warm indoors beats wet outdoors every time.
