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A smiling silver-haired woman in a cardigan crouches at a produce stand holding the leash of a gold and white Shih Tzu. 2 / 38

Dottie Stopped at the Produce Stand. Teddy Spotted Something Else Entirely.

AI imageshih tzufarmers marketevening outing

String lights glow over the farmers market as dusk falls, and the stands are piled high with baskets of lemons, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and leafy greens. Dottie has crouched down beside one of the tables in her cozy cream cardigan, leash in hand and a big, delighted smile on her face. Teddy stands in front of her, fluffy gold and white fur parted down the middle, looking up and off to the side as if something delicious just caught his attention. Wooden crates, baskets, and potted herbs crowd the walkway around them.

Farmers markets can be a great outing for a social dog, with new smells, friendly faces, and plenty to see. Before going, it is worth checking whether the market allows pets, since some do not because of food safety rules. A short, secure leash is best in crowded aisles, and small dogs like Shih Tzus can be easy for busy shoppers to overlook, so staying close helps prevent stepped-on paws. Bring water, especially on warm days, because Shih Tzus are a short-nosed breed and can overheat more easily than many dogs. Keep an eye on dropped food too. Things like grapes, onions, and certain other produce are not safe for dogs, and market floors can hold all sorts of tempting scraps.

Teddy seems to be enjoying the sights almost as much as Dottie is enjoying the fresh produce. A little shopping trip feels like a grand adventure when you are this close to the ground.

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