Browse ›
A smiling red merle Australian Shepherd on a leash stands beside an older man in a cream sweater near tables of vegetables. 6 / 32

Kenji Went to the Market for Peaches. Maple Went for Something Else Entirely.

AI imageaustralian shepherdfarmers marketoutdoors

Baskets of tomatoes, peaches, avocados, and zucchini line the rustic wooden table, and a canvas tote stuffed with fresh vegetables sits on the ground nearby. Kenji, in a cream cable-knit sweater and glasses, holds Maple's leash loosely and smiles down at her. Maple returns the look with a full, open-mouthed grin, her mismatched eyes, one blue and one amber, shining with pure delight. A basket of green beans, a watering can, and potted succulents fill in the scene, and the weathered fence behind them gives it all a small-town, homegrown feel.

Markets like this can be a wonderful outing for a well-mannered dog, but it is worth checking the rules first, since some markets do not allow pets for food safety reasons. If dogs are welcome, keep the leash short in crowded aisles and bring water on warm days. Watch what hits the ground, too. Grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, and the pits of stone fruits like peaches can all be dangerous for dogs, and corn cobs can cause blockages if swallowed. Avocado is another one many vets suggest avoiding. Busy, noisy places can also be a lot for some dogs, so short visits and plenty of praise help them build confidence. Mismatched eyes, by the way, are fairly common in Aussies and usually just part of their charm.

Kenji came for vegetables. Maple came for the smells, the people, and the attention. Both are going home happy.

More from this collection

All 32 →
An older man in an argyle sweater vest leans toward a red merle Aussie beside a record player and shelf of albums.Grandpa Put On His Favorite Old Record. His Aussie Had Thoughts About It.An older man in a navy sweater vest tucks a beige blanket around a red merle Aussie lying in a round gray dog bed.Every Night, Kenji Has One Last Job Before Lights Out
A red merle Aussie sits in the passenger seat of an old truck while an older man in a brown sweater holds the wheel.Kenji Said It Was Just a Quick Trip to Town. Maple Treated It Like a Parade.An older man in a brown cardigan cooks a pancake in a skillet while a red merle Australian Shepherd sits and watches.The First Pancake Always Goes to the Cook. Maple Has Other Plans for It.An older man in a green sweater vest paints at a wooden easel in a backyard as a red merle Aussie lies on the grass.Kenji Set Up His Easel to Paint the Garden. His Real Subject Was Lying in the Grass.An older man in an argyle sweater vest reads a book aloud on a couch while a red merle Australian Shepherd looks up at him.Kenji Started Reading Out Loud. By Chapter Two He Had an Audience of One.