Ruth Planted the Tomatoes While Bruno Dug a Hole of His Own
Ruth kneels in the vegetable bed in a blue plaid shirt and gardening gloves, gently settling a tomato seedling into freshly turned soil. Her face is bright behind her glasses, and her smile shows how much she enjoys the job. Right next to her, Bruno is digging his own hole with real dedication, front paws deep in the dirt, tongue out and eyes on her face as if to ask whether this is the right technique. Green stakes stand ready along the bed, a metal watering can waits at the side, and a small trowel lies in the dirt. Wooden fences and a few laundry lines fill the evening backdrop.
Many dogs dig, and Boxers can be especially enthusiastic about it. Digging is natural and often a way to burn energy or imitate their person. A gentle approach is to give him a dig spot of his own, such as a patch of loose soil or a sandbox, and reward him for using it. Keep an eye on the garden itself. Tomato plants, leaves, and stems can upset a dog's stomach, and fertilizers and mulch can be unsafe, so keep him away from them and from any garden chemicals. Gardening is also a gentle activity for older adults, who enjoy the fresh air and the chance to watch things grow.
The seedling is going in just right. As for the second hole, Bruno looks very proud of his work.
