Ken Went to the Farmers Market for Tomatoes. Duke Had a Different Agenda.
Saturday morning at the farmers market, and Duke is greeting it with a big open-mouthed grin. The fawn Boxer trots along the grassy aisle on a black leash, his white chest and dark muzzle catching the light, while Grandpa Ken holds the lead and smiles down at him. Ken is dressed for the outing in a plaid shirt, olive sweater vest, and khakis. Around them, wooden tables are piled high with baskets of tomatoes, greens, peppers, and pumpkins, cardboard boxes of fresh produce wait under the stalls, and white canopies shade the busy little market.
Farmers markets can be a great outing for a social dog, but they're also full of people, smells, and distractions. Before bringing a dog, check whether pets are allowed, and keep your dog on a short leash so it doesn't sniff or lick produce on low tables. Boxers are friendly and enthusiastic, so practicing calm greetings ahead of time helps a lot. Bring water, especially on warm days, since Boxers can overheat quickly. Watch for dropped food like onions, grapes, or corn cobs, which can be harmful to dogs, and give your pet a break somewhere quiet if it seems overwhelmed.
Ken may have come for fresh vegetables, but Duke clearly came for the atmosphere. Between the friendly vendors, the earthy smells, and plenty of admiring passersby, it's shaping up to be the best part of his week.
