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An elderly Black man in a cardigan plants tomato seedlings while a red Shiba Inu digs in the soil beside him. 7 / 31

Earl Planted a Row of Tomatoes. Maple Planted Nothing, but She Dug a Lot.

AI imagered shiba inugardeningtomato seedlings

Fresh soil is turned over in the garden bed, and Earl kneels beside a young tomato seedling, gently patting the earth around the stem. His glasses sit low on his nose and his cable-knit cardigan sleeve is dusted with dirt. A few feet away, Maple the red Shiba Inu has her front paws deep in a hole of her own, nose to the ground and her curled tail high in the air. Behind them a watering can, clay pots and the side of the house make a peaceful scene.

Digging is a natural instinct for many dogs, and it can be hard to curb. Giving her her own digging spot, such as a corner of the yard or a sandbox with a few buried toys, can redirect the energy. Tomato plants deserve care too: the leaves and stems of the plant are toxic to dogs if eaten, and fertilizers and mulches can be harmful, so check what you use. A fence or border around garden beds keeps paws away from seedlings. If she eats something from the garden, call your vet right away.

Maple is working hard, and it looks like she has no intention of stopping. Earl glances over with a smile and keeps planting. There will be tomatoes in summer, and probably a few extra holes. Gardening is always better with company.

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