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An older man in plaid holds a leashed white Maltese at a busy farmers market with produce stalls behind them. 26 / 35

Grandpa Went to the Farmers Market for Tomatoes. Pearl Was There for the Smells.

AI imagemaltesefarmers marketweekend outing

Saturday morning at the farmers market is bustling with color. Crates of ripe tomatoes, baskets of cucumbers and peppers, burlap sacks of potatoes, and bunches of fresh greens fill the stalls beneath white canopy tents. Grandpa Gus stands at the edge of the crowd in his blue and red plaid shirt, a gentle smile on his lined face. Pearl sits right in front of him on her leash, her fluffy white head turned toward the stalls and her nose clearly busy sorting out all the new smells. A canvas tote hangs from one of the tables, and shoppers browse in the background.

Farmers markets can be wonderful outings for well-socialized dogs, but it's worth checking ahead, since not every market allows pets. If yours does, keep your dog on a short leash so they don't sniff or nibble at produce or get stepped on in a crowd. Small dogs like the Maltese can easily be overlooked in busy spaces, so some owners prefer to carry them through the most crowded areas. Bring water, watch for hot pavement, and keep an eye out for dropped food, especially grapes, onions, and other items that can be harmful to dogs.

Pearl seems to be taking it all in with calm curiosity, perfectly happy to stay by Gus's side. He looks proud to show her off to anyone who stops to say hello.

Fresh produce is great, but the best thing at this market might just be the small white dog sitting by the potato sacks.

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