Rose Reached for the Ripest Apple. Down Below, Yeti Was on a Mission.
A lantern glows by the shed as the orchard settles into dusk. Rose stands beneath a laden apple tree in a long, chunky oatmeal cardigan and jeans, reaching up to twist a shiny red apple from the branch, a wicker basket already half full on her arm. Around her feet, fallen apples dot the grass like scattered ornaments. Yeti has his nose buried right among them, his fluffy white tail curled high over his back as he sniffs each one with great seriousness. Garden tools lean against the fence, and the soft light makes the whole scene feel like the last golden minutes of a perfect fall day.
A few slices of fresh apple can be a crunchy, low-fat snack for many dogs, but how they're served matters. Always remove the core, stem, and seeds, since apple seeds contain compounds that release cyanide when chewed, and the core can be a choking hazard. Fallen fruit in an orchard brings its own concerns. Apples that have been lying on the ground can ferment, and fermented fruit can upset a dog's stomach or cause other problems. Moldy fruit is also risky, and rotting apples tend to attract stinging insects. Keep an eye on a dog who loves to graze, and steer him away from areas recently treated with pesticides. Offer a few clean, sliced pieces at home instead. As with any new food, start small and talk to your vet if you have concerns.
Rose is gathering apples for pies and applesauce. Yeti, ever the dedicated inspector, is making sure not a single one goes unsniffed.






