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A grandmother kneels to plant a tomato seedling as a white Maltese with dirty paws digs a hole right beside her. 31 / 32

Abuela Was Planting Tomatoes. Copito Decided Every Plant Needed a Bigger Hole.

AI imagemaltesegardeningtomatoes

Every tomato seedling needs a hole, and Copito has volunteered to dig them all. Abuela Rosa kneels in the garden bed in a blue T-shirt and floral apron, pressing soil around a tender young plant with her bare hands. Right beside her, Copito is digging with full enthusiasm, his front paws coated in dark earth and a little spray of dirt flying behind him. His white coat is not so white anymore around the legs. Tall tomato plants rise on the right, a blue watering can and a clay pot wait nearby, and a porch light glows on the house wall as evening comes on.

Gardens are fun for dogs, but some plants and products are worth knowing about. Tomato plants themselves, especially the leaves, stems, and green unripe fruit, contain compounds that can upset a dog's stomach, so it is best to discourage nibbling. Some fertilizers, especially those containing bone meal or blood meal, attract dogs and can cause digestive trouble if eaten, and snail baits and certain insecticides can be very dangerous. Consider fencing off vegetable beds or giving your dog a designated digging spot with buried toys. If your dog eats something from the garden that worries you, call your vet.

Copito will need a bath tonight, and Rosa will need to replant a few things he rearranged. But somewhere in that freshly turned soil, a summer full of tomatoes is getting started, with plenty of help.

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