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An elderly man in a green sweater plants tomato seedlings in a raised bed while a black pug digs in the soil beside him. 29 / 36

Grandpa Was Planting Tomatoes. His Helper Was Working in Reverse.

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Grandpa is putting tomato seedlings in, and Mochi is busy taking dirt out. Kneeling in a raised garden bed, Grandpa wears a green cable-knit sweater over a blue shirt and presses soil around a young plant with his bare hand, smiling down at his helper. Right beside him, the black pug digs with enthusiasm, front paws scattering fresh earth, curly tail up, nose nearly buried in his own little crater. Seedlings stand in neat rows, a coiled hose lies along the fence, and potted plants and garden tools are scattered around the yard.

Digging is a natural, instinctive behavior for many dogs. They may dig to cool off, to investigate interesting smells, to bury things, or simply because it's fun. Instead of fighting it, some gardeners set aside a small digging corner filled with loose soil or sand and bury a toy there to encourage the habit in the right place. It's also good to know that tomato plants, specifically the leaves and stems, contain compounds that can upset a dog's stomach if eaten in quantity, though ripe tomatoes are generally considered less of a concern. Keep fertilizers and garden chemicals stored safely, and if your dog chews something worrying, talk to your vet.

This year's garden may have a few extra holes, but Grandpa doesn't look the least bit annoyed. Every gardener needs an assistant, and Mochi is nothing if not enthusiastic.

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