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A grandpa in a ball cap smiles down at a leashed blue merle Border Collie beside market tables of tomatoes and beans. 21 / 22

A Whole Market Full of Fresh Tomatoes, and Skye Only Had Eyes for One Thing

AI imageborder colliefarmers marketsummer

The little farmers market has set up in front of an old porch-fronted building, and every table is overflowing: baskets of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bundles of green beans, potted herbs, and a crate of bright yellow peppers. A few bicycles lean against the railing, and a paper bag of something tasty waits on a table. Earl, in a faded ball cap and his trusty vest, has paused in the middle of it all to look down at Skye. She stands close at his knee on a short leash, her mouth open in a cheerful grin, her blue merle coat brushed and tidy for the outing. She seems far more interested in Earl than in any of the vegetables.

Bringing a dog to a busy outdoor market can be a great socialization opportunity, as long as the dog is comfortable around crowds, noise, and other animals. Check first whether pets are allowed, since some markets restrict them for food safety reasons. Keep the leash short so your dog does not wander into displays or other shoppers, and watch for dropped food on the ground, which can include onions, grapes, or other items harmful to dogs. Bring water on warm days and take breaks in the shade. Herding breeds may want to keep the group together, so staying close and calm helps them relax.

Earl will likely leave with a bag of tomatoes and a few new friends who stopped to admire his dog. Skye, as always, will consider the trip a success simply because he took her along.

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