30 Dogs and Cats Who Are Living Their Best Lives This Summer
As summer winds down, it’s easy to want to turn our attention toward fall, focus on what’s next. But before we do, let’s take a moment to savor one of summer’s joys — more time with our pets! We asked you to share your best photos of your pets celebrating summer. We wish we could include them all, but here are 30 summer-loving cats and dogs that caught our eye.
Getting Out and About
1. In many parts of the country, summer means showstopping color in the garden and nature. Here, “Lupine and Beatrix [are] savoring the Colorado wildflowers,”
2. Just a few blocks from their house in Livingston, Montana, Donald’s malamute Pakak takes a dip in the Yellowstone River. Pakak “means ‘mischievous/digging’ in Inupiaq,” Donald says. Makes you wonder what else this pup got up to on the outing.
3. Here, trilliums cat Howie Squeaker shows us how hiking is done, tackling a steep set of stairs in Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland, Canada.
4. For some lucky dogs, a place to exercise and stretch their legs can be as close as the backyard. For Amber Hopman’s Australian Shepherd Tucker, close access to open space means he can play fetch for hours in the backyard.
5. Cathy Rickley’s beagle April goes wherever her family goes — including paddleboarding. “Beagles are not great swimmers, so she has a life jacket,” Rickley says.
6. lcdsmith’s pup also gets a life jacket while out on the water. On this occasion, he or she gets to join in on summer fishing.
7. Candice Mouchet’s dog Gizmo beats the summer heat by dock diving. Was Gizmo also the model for that banner?
Exploring the Garden
8. Pixie spends summer helping her owner plant cherry tomatoes on their deck, “where she keeps an eye on their growth,” Composer says. “Sometimes she ‘borrows’ the empty plastic pots.”
9. For other pets, the garden is a place for exploration and discovery. Here we see one of Onthemarsh’s “feline kids” patrolling the garden, surely stalking something that’s caught its eye.
10. Other times, the garden is just a great place to get away from it all. Dianebrownold’s pup seems surprised that its hiding spot among the foliage has been discovered.
11. At Michelle’s local nursery, the potted herbs have at least one very enthusiastic fan — and probably only one that can get away with using them for a pillow.
Enjoying Pool Time
12. From H W: “My chihuahua, Tank, all refreshed on a hot summer’s day.”
13. While some dogs will jump into the pool at any opportunity, others might prefer to stay a little drier. “Cheeto loves his floaty,” owner Casa Costalota says.
14. Meanwhile, Cathy Roberts’ 1-year-old Winstone goes all in. Looks like he’s intent on the task at hand.
15. Other pups just need their own space to rinse off. Owner Paige Riopelle explains that “Blue likes to stay cool in a pool.”
16. Though we see Sandy standing by the pool’s edge in this photo, owner melissagreenstein says her dog loves to swim — often jumping in from the rocky waterfall!
17. From T Y: “We have a big pool in the backyard but Bear loves this one.” We love it too!
Lounging Around
18. We all have our favorite outdoor lounge spots. For K Perry’s dog Louie, it’s on the picnic table in the shade. Who wouldn’t mind taking in summer from this perch?
19. In these last few weeks of summer, it’s all about basking in the warm weather before things cool down for the rest of the year. “Jasper loves hanging out on the balconies and soaking up the sun,” owner Andrea Johnstone says.
20. Here’s a dog that knows its way to its owner’s heart. From hamilton1987: “Mojito’s favorite spot — whatever time of year — is wherever I am!”
21. Lounging poolside is often best done with a buddy. Here we see HU-61018551’s two pups Armani and Valentina, taking in the view together.
22. Still, other dogs might enjoy some solitude. KC C’s dog Fury is taking poolside relaxation to the limit. Please, don’t get up because of us!
23. Not everyone loves the full blast of summer sun. Here, psychdesign’s pooch Penny enjoys poolside lounging from the shady comfort of a patio umbrella.
24. Josie is all smiles here. Her owner i801711 writes that “Josie loves sunbathing on the back deck.”
25. In another shot from Onthemarsh, we see another of the “feline kids,” taking in the yard from a rustic wood Adirondack chair.
26. After a full day of frolicking, swimming and enjoying the season, you’re bound to need some R&R. As uploader T Hudden says of this photo, “It’s a dog’s life!”
Striking a Pose
27. Shelby Bytwerk says her pug Sammy loves to be outside and keep an eye on things this time of year.
28. What would summer vacation in Maine be without a lobster boil? From the looks of it, Kendrah’s pup is ready to dig in.
29. Sheri Schneider’s dog Chica made sure to dress her best for a ride in the Fourth of July parade. Those pink shades perfectly complement her white fur and pink ears.
30. Stacia Soeldner’s pooch Eddie enjoys time on his favorite green couch, even if it’s not exactly where he wants to be. “Eddie is longing to be outside,” she says. Just look at that face!