There they are, sprawled out beneath chairs and tables, bellies pressed into the cool, sandy hollows. Their eyes gleam brightly, tails poised for action. As you sip your water, you can’t help but notice the leaders, the outsiders, and the disruptors of this canine society.

There’s a naturalness to their languid lounging. Sure, a commotion might flare up now and then, but the sweltering heat quickly quells it. For the most part, tranquillity reigns.

It makes me reflect on how I usually encounter dogs: tethered at the end of a leash or confined behind gates. Lately, I’ve seen them crammed into handbags, perched in strollers, or even wearing diapers—eghads!

That dogs are happily capable of adapting to humanities’ weirdness is a wonder. Truly, it is hard to picture a more obliging animal.