Tuckered

Barley, a dog, lies on a dog bed with a big, panting smile.

It’s cheating, in a way, that a dog who has been worn out by a long walk happens to also look like they’re very, very happy. Quirk of our coevolution, no doubt - we love a species that has a big smile, even if we willfully misread what that smile means. For my part, it’s an extra little treat I receive when Barley gets enough exercise, so even if I know her “smile” isn’t always a smile in human terms, I know it’s signaling that she’s getting enough exercise and is keeping healthy.