Grandpa Ken Brought Mochi to the Farmers Market. She Was Shopping for Something Else.
String lights glow beneath a canopy, and crates of tomatoes, avocados, lemons, peppers, and leafy greens are stacked high along a row of market stalls. Grandpa Ken, in a cream cable sweater and glasses, has paused in the middle of his shopping to bend down and rest a hand on Mochi's back. The little Yorkie wears a navy harness clipped to a leash, and she is standing tall on the pavement, nose lifted, eyes fixed on something off to the side. There are so many smells here, from ripe fruit to fresh bread to other dogs, and she clearly intends to catalog every one of them.
Outdoor markets can be a fun outing for a well-socialized dog, but it helps to plan ahead. Check first whether dogs are welcome, since rules vary by market and some do not allow pets near food stalls. Keep your dog on a short, non-retractable leash so they stay close in a crowd, and watch where little paws go, because busy shoppers may not notice a tiny dog underfoot. Dropped food, corn cobs, grapes, and skewers can all be hazards, so keep an eye on the ground. Bring water on warm days, and if your dog seems overwhelmed by the noise or crowds, it is perfectly fine to head home early. Small dogs can also ride in a carrier.
Mochi looks thoroughly entertained by her evening out. Ken may leave with a bag of fresh produce, but she will leave with a whole new collection of favorite smells.






