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An older man in red flannel reaches for a red apple on a tree as a small white Maltese sniffs fallen apples in the grass. 12 / 35

Grandpa Reached Up for the Best Apple on the Tree. Pearl Went for the Ground.

AI imagemalteseapple pickingautumn

Ripe red apples hang heavy on the branches, and plenty more have already tumbled into the grass. Grandpa Gus crouches beneath the tree in his red-and-black buffalo plaid, cradling an apple in his weathered hand as he twists it free from its stem. Down at his boots, Pearl is conducting her own harvest inspection. The little white Maltese has her nose pressed to the ground, sniffing one fallen apple after another with intense focus, her fluffy tail curled up over her back. Autumn leaves scatter across the yard, and a wooden planter box sits near the house.

Apples can be a crunchy, healthy treat for dogs in moderation, but there are a few important rules. Always remove the core and seeds before sharing, since seeds contain compounds that can be harmful and the core can be a choking hazard. Fallen apples that have started to rot or ferment are a bigger concern, as they can upset a dog's stomach or cause other problems, and they often attract bees and wasps. Keep an eye on your dog in an orchard or under fruit trees, and gather up windfalls regularly. Small, fresh slices are the safest way to share.

Pearl seems more interested in the smells than in taking a bite, which is just as well. Gus will probably cut her a clean little slice when they get back inside.

Apple season is all about simple pleasures: crisp fruit, cool air, and a small companion with a busy nose.

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