Dogs are important members of many households. That’s why in the past here on Houzz, we’ve compiled readers’ images of their furry friends at home, in the office or on the jobsite, and we’ve even shown you how chihuahuas can teach you a thing or two about design.
But during summer, as we tend to leave our homes for weekend trips and vacations, dogs play an even more essential role in our lives. They become our constant companions, braving the heat, soaking up the sunshine and frolicking in the sand right there next to us on the beach. So we asked for your best photos of your dogs enjoying summer, and, as of this writing, you all shared well over 450 photos and stories. All of them are worth looking at if you have the time, but here are 35 of them that made our day particularly better — mostly they just made us jealous.
But during summer, as we tend to leave our homes for weekend trips and vacations, dogs play an even more essential role in our lives. They become our constant companions, braving the heat, soaking up the sunshine and frolicking in the sand right there next to us on the beach. So we asked for your best photos of your dogs enjoying summer, and, as of this writing, you all shared well over 450 photos and stories. All of them are worth looking at if you have the time, but here are 35 of them that made our day particularly better — mostly they just made us jealous.
Buddies for Life
It’s important to have a companion during summer activities. Just ask punkylemons’ pups, Honey and Chase, seen here enjoying a recent summer evening.
It’s important to have a companion during summer activities. Just ask punkylemons’ pups, Honey and Chase, seen here enjoying a recent summer evening.
Bgoodhouse took Pippa and Petite, both “Frenchies,” on summer holiday in Paris from their home in Stinson Beach, California. (Hey, I’ve never even been to Paris!)
Then there’s Benton and Lydia, who have been “enjoying their two favorite things,” owner Samantha says: “backyard romps and road trips!”
From ckelley738: “Our Springer Spaniel puppy, Elmer, loves getting a ride on the lawn mower and helping garden.”
Maxwell, a Vizsla, keeps momahen’s 2-year-old son in sight. Plus, he loves the water. “We take him to dog beaches at least two times a week,” momahen says.
Can you believe this is the first beach vacation for brothers Hank and Django? Owner C Willis has a couple of future beach bums on hand.
Cpergl’s Jake and Zack love the beach, too. And they kind of blend in with seagulls.
Gracie goes on every paddleboard trip with owner ulzbirdies.
“Ceilidh loves everything to do with the water,” says pavlovanova. “Last year she mastered paddleboarding at the cottage, and this year her new sport is windsurfing.”
Of course, summer days can be exhausting. That’s why it’s always good to have a nap buddy. Here, loreli1262’s 3-year-old grandson and 2-year-old Shih Tzu, named Mouse, snooze after a long day.
The Right Outfit
Everyone knows that the right outfit — or costume — is vital to being comfortable on sweltering days. Here Erin Glover’s dog shows off how to look presentable at a swim party.
Everyone knows that the right outfit — or costume — is vital to being comfortable on sweltering days. Here Erin Glover’s dog shows off how to look presentable at a swim party.
And here’s another one of Glover’s dogs after what we can only assume was one too many margaritas.
Mktdesigns’ pup knows to come prepared for a day reading on the beach.
“Royal Ascot is the highlight of
the English summer season, and Zoey, my husband’s guide dog, obeys the
Royal Enclosure dress code on Ladies Day,” says judithjadams.
Here kimu9486’s dogs dressed for the occasion of a backyard summer luau.
Calvin, this Boston terrier, looks dapper no matter what the weather. “He makes us laugh all year round,” says jwidmann56. “Watching him is more fun than going on vacation!”
Maddie, mascherin’s 5-year-old Vizsla, is always up for an adventure. And, um, always clearly thrilled.
Water World
With all that fur in the summertime, dogs should have the option of taking a running leap into the nearest body of water. That’s something Torque here knows all too well. “Torque can swim for hours,” says Clemleddy Construction. “She loves wearing a life jacket!” Good thing, too, because the size of that grin would sink her like a stone.
With all that fur in the summertime, dogs should have the option of taking a running leap into the nearest body of water. That’s something Torque here knows all too well. “Torque can swim for hours,” says Clemleddy Construction. “She loves wearing a life jacket!” Good thing, too, because the size of that grin would sink her like a stone.
Dogs love all bodies of water equally. “My two never met water they didn’t want to jump into,” says appytrails.
“Including water bowls, mud puddles etc. Fortunately, we have some
lovely swimming spots on our property and on state land right behind our
house.”
From Elizabeth Romero:
“Our ‘Poomation’, Cooper, and his buddy Bubba having a pool party! Both
rescue dogs, hanging in the LBC.” That’s Long Beach, California, for
the uninitiated.
Here hbrichard’s dog, Sydney, shows how to do the perfect doggy paddle — and take a much-needed nap after.
Jennahealy82’s 90-pound golden retriever, Bradford, takes in a spa treatment.
Klcsantee can’t keep Lily out of the pool. But who would want to?
Now this just isn’t fair! Lynnette Higgins Souders’
5-month-old Maltese, Tiki, boogie boards at Yoks Beach in Makaha, Oahu!
That is, when not riding a Harley, Souders says. Come on!
You won’t find many people
swimming in chilly Lake Superior, but that’s fine with Kenai, a young
English golden retriever. “True to her breed,” says owner sortatrek,
“Kenai loves to swim year-round in ‘The Big Lake,’ even taking quick
dips when there are ice chunks floating close by. In the summer Superior
is still frigidly cold, but her undercoat keeps her toasty warm.”
Showing Good Form
It’s important to have good form in summer while doing any number of activities, from napping to surfing to shaking the beach water from your hair. Here “Penny perfects the act of doing nothing,” says momirlan. “Pure Zen.”
It’s important to have good form in summer while doing any number of activities, from napping to surfing to shaking the beach water from your hair. Here “Penny perfects the act of doing nothing,” says momirlan. “Pure Zen.”
Whoa. What is going on here? Rkcameron’s spaniel, Wally, presents his extreme shake-off.
Momo Gee’s rescue dog exhibits the perfect form when diving into a pool.
And here Momo Gee’s other pup is, well, um, I’m not sure what this dog is doing, but the form is perfect.
From liz5160:
“Honey loves fetching the tennis ball! If she could, she’d do it day
and night! She always greets visitors carrying a ball to see if they’d
like to play too.”
If this face greeted me, I’d play along too.
If this face greeted me, I’d play along too.
Jaymes, an almost 4-year-old pup, loves water, says owner amschoch. The term “jumping for joy” seems appropriate here.
And of course the art of puppy dog eyes is crucial to master. Here Kalie Hamlin’s dog, Nyla, nails the look while chewing on a toy in the yard.
Here’s rkcameron’s
Wally again, mastering the art of looking innocent after stealing his
owner’s seat. “As a condo dweller, I practically live on my deck during
the short but steamy Ottawa summer, watching the world go by and dozing
in the sun,” says rkcameron. “Wally the spaniel loves it too, and has no
qualms about stealing my spot the minute I step away.”
