A Summer Afternoon in the Yard with the Dogs

A simple, sunny Sunday afternoon in Grand Rapids from August of 2002. We took the dogs out into the yard to burn off some energy. I remember heading down the paved driveway with our golden retriever, who was already carrying a red toy, eager to get started. The sun was bright and warm, a perfect late-summer day for being outside.

Our other dog, a black setter, was enjoying the day in a more relaxed way. I caught a photo of him just standing in the bright green grass, looking off to the side, with the sun lighting up his coat. The shadows from the trees were stretching across the lawn.

The main activity for the afternoon was a classic game of fetch. The golden retriever was tireless, running full speed across the field to chase down a white ball. It was just a quiet day at home, nothing planned, just making the most of the weather and spending time in the yard. These are the kinds of ordinary moments that stick with you.