'Leaf it to the dogs': 21 Pups jumping into fall with seasonal zoomies

Celeste Mello • Writer and Editor

Sep 16, 2026 12:15 PM EDT

Humans announce fall by checking the calendar, ordering something with cinnamon on it, and buying pumpkins. Dogs, instead, feel the air cooler and the ground covered with crunchy leaves, and decide they have to run to them. Yes, tear down that pile of leaves, little doggo.

A pile of leaves can look decorative to us, but to a dog, it is an invitation. There are no strict rules. Should they jump into it, dig through it, roll across it, or sprint directly over the top? The correct answer is all four. Preferably, just right after someone has finished raking. Where humans see an afternoon of yard work, dogs see a seasonal attraction made especially for them. There is no respect for organized leaf piles. Their outdoor adventures include joyful destruction and impressive leaps.

The fall zoomies are the best kind of zoomies. Something about crisp air seems to add another setting to a dog's usual speed. They race across yards, launch themselves into leaves, without worrying about the mess they make with the leaves in their human's backyard. Leaves are for playing. And the resulting pictures capture ears in flight and enough excitement to make the season feel like it's the best time of the year.

Dogs also bring autumn indoors. You suddenly see mud on the floor with the shape of sweet paws. You can't be mad at them, but you cleaned the floor just five minutes ago. The leaves attach to the tails and end up in your kitchen. Your wet pup can return from a walk and shake directly beside you. We couldn't say it is a calm and cozy way of welcoming the season, but it's their way of doing so. And it's certainly livelier than just buying candles and wearing light sweaters. Let the humans handle the sweaters and the warm drinks. Meanwhile, dogs are playing outdoors, making fall feel a lot happier.

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