27 Dandy Dirty Doggos in Desperate Need of a Warm Bath

Melissa Knudson • Writer

Nov 12, 2026 12:15 PM EST

Touching grass is just not good enough anymore.

When did we stop making mud pies and, most importantly, why?

As adults, we are not supposed to miss those types of things; I know. Playing in the dirt, getting covered in mud, and enjoying nature to the fullest is usually a kid's activity. Or, at least, it used to be when I was one. Getting your pants green because of the grass, and having your white shirts stained forever, was our parents' worst nightmare, as well as our most fun afternoon activity. But now, we even run away from a few drops of rain. I get it, we are grown-ups; we can't precisely get to the office looking like we just went on a hike through the jungle.

That said, now and then I really miss it. Not worrying about your clothes, or your hair, or your skin, while having fun in a field of mud and puddles. I really do believe that is a big part of what is missing in our adulthood. To take a break from everyday seriousness, to do more than touch grass. To get our hands dirty and remember what it used to be like to actually reconnect with nature. In that way, this collection of wise doggos has a lot to teach us. They run outside with one objective and one objective only: to have as much fun as possible. So what if that gets them covered in all sorts of dirt? They look dirty, they need a bath, and it will take hours for their pawrents to get them clean, but they made use of it all very happily.

Give the gift of kindness this holiday season by donating to our Giving Tuesday fundraiser to help homeless pets and animals in need! It's time to pay your cat tax!

01

via marguerite mcleay
02

via Scott Mcpherson
03

via ✌CJ Stanley
04

via Julie Stevens
05

via Tammy Wagner Cardwell
06

via Tracey Baker
07

via Suzanne Smith
08

via Elizabeth Cieslak
09

via Mel
10

via Willow
11

via Sheri Keeney
12

via Contact Hillcrest
13

via Ladyke
14

via 𝑭𝒂́𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒂
15

via flora fauna
16

via Saruhhhhh
17

via Natalie Battistuz
18

via Karen Insua
19

via Virginia Gerrish
20

via Angelique Siemerink
21

via MORE THAN
22

via MORE THAN
23

via Isabelle Carlsson
24

via Karla K. Wood
25

via Pamela Salvetti
26

via Katie Stevens
27

via Cee Arr
It is all part of the package deal. Being a pawrent means getting your hands dirty, and you bathtub even more. I can assure you there is no treat in the world that will keep these little furry babies from their well-needed mud bath, or any other activity involving some type of dirt. I’m sure that all that time and money you spent at dog grooming is starting to feel like a distant dream, but look at how joyful they seem. Undoubtedly, happiness has many layers, and as it seems, mud, dirt, and some colorful unrequested house decoration are a great part of it.
As the week slowly comes to an end, and stress keeps getting worse, follow this fluffy example. Turn the electronics off for a second and step outside. Feel the sun, or rain on your skin. Take a second to recognize the wind. Let things be a little muddy if they must, and see how all trouble starts to feel just a little less important. Alternatively, adopt a puppy. That also cures all stress and gives you the perfect excuse to get to the mud pies again.