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A white-haired woman in a beige quilted vest plants a tomato seedling as a white Bichon Frise digs in the soil beside her. 32 / 39

Grandma Ruth Was Planting Tomatoes. Cotton Decided the Garden Needed More Holes.

AI imagebichon frisegardeningbackyard

Evening has come to the garden, and a porch light glows warmly behind the tomato plants. Ruth kneels in the loose brown soil wearing a beige quilted vest over a navy shirt, carefully pressing a small tomato seedling into place with both hands. Right next to her, Cotton is hard at work on a project of his own. Front paws deep in the dirt and nose nearly in the hole, the Bichon is digging with total dedication, his white coat already dusted with earth. A garden hose, gloves, a trowel, and a wicker basket are scattered along the path.

Digging is a completely natural behavior for dogs. Some dig to cool off, some to bury treasures, and some simply because it is fun or because they are copying what their person is doing. In the garden, though, there are a few things to watch for. Tomato plants themselves, especially the leaves, stems, and unripe green fruit, contain compounds that can upset a dog's stomach, so it is best to discourage nibbling. Fertilizers, compost, snail bait, and some mulches can also be harmful. Giving your dog a designated digging spot, like a small sandbox, can save your flower beds and keep everyone happy. If your dog eats something questionable in the garden, call your vet.

Ruth's tomatoes may need a little rescuing from her enthusiastic helper, but she does not seem to mind. Gardening, after all, is always more fun with company, even the muddy-pawed kind.

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A smiling white-haired woman sits at a patio breakfast table as a white Bichon Frise in a red collar looks up at her.Grandma Set the Patio Table for Breakfast. Cotton Noticed the Croissant First.A laughing white-haired woman in a green quilted vest reaches out as a happy white Bichon Frise leaps up in a backyard.Grandma Ruth Reached for the Ball. Cotton Couldn't Wait Another Second.A gray-haired woman in a quilted vest scatters grain on a coop floor among hens while a white Bichon Frise stands beside her.Grandma Ruth Brought Cotton Into the Chicken Coop at Feeding Time.A white-haired woman in a green vest fills in a crossword with a pencil while a fluffy white Bichon Frise sits at the table.Grandma Was Stuck on Seven Across. Cotton Hopped Up to the Table to Help.