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A smiling grandma with a silver braid holds a calico cat among market tables of vegetables, baskets and bags of lemons. 5 / 32

At the Farmers Market, Dottie Wasn't Sure Who Was Shopping for Whom

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Crates of cucumbers, tomatoes and leafy greens line the tables behind her, and a net bag of yellow lemons sits ready beside a basket. Dottie, with her silver braid and denim shirt, beams as she cradles Marigold in both arms, as if the cat were the best thing she had found all morning. Marigold, mostly white with orange and black patches, looks off to the side with alert eyes, ears turned toward the sounds of the market. A potted plant and a blue tarp add the cheerful mess of a busy stall.

Farmers markets are a feast for the senses, and a cat's nose will pick up far more than ours. Still, they can be stressful: crowds, new smells and sudden noises can overwhelm a cat that isn't used to them. If you bring a pet, a secure harness or carrier is a must, along with a calm approach and a quiet corner to retreat to. Many markets have rules about animals near food, so check ahead. Also remember that some foods you buy there are not safe for cats, including onions and garlic, so keep the shopping bags off the floor.

Marigold seems to be handling the excitement very well. Held close, she watches the bustle with the calm of an old market hand. Dottie will probably spend more time chatting than buying, and the cat doesn't mind a bit.

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A grandma with a silver braid smiles in a warm kitchen while a calico cat stands on the floor with her tail raised.Dottie Hummed a Tune at the Stove. Marigold Had Been Waiting for This.A grandma with a silver braid plays an old upright piano while a calico cat sits on the bench next to her.Dottie Sat Down at the Old Piano. Marigold Joined Her on the Bench.
A grandma with a silver braid leans over a rocking chair to smile at a calico cat sleeping on a rug on the floor below.Dottie Went to Sit in Her Rocking Chair and Found a Surprise UnderneathA grandma in a denim shirt holds an ice cream cone while a calico cat lies on the table, gazing up at it.Dottie Held Up an Ice Cream Cone. Marigold Locked Eyes With It.A grandma with a silver braid flips pancakes in a skillet on a gas stove while a calico cat watches from nearby.Marigold Waited Politely at the Stove While Dottie Flipped the PancakesA grandma with a silver braid washes a soapy calico cat in an old metal tub in a yard strewn with autumn leaves.Dottie Rolled Out the Old Tub. Marigold Knew Exactly What That Meant.