Grandma Odessa Watered the Petunias. Copper Showed Up for His Share.
A metal watering can tilts in Grandma Odessa's hand, and a thin spray glitters over a bed of pink and purple flowers. She wears a light blue floral shirt over a gray tee, with silver curls, small earrings and an easy, focused expression. Copper stands right beside the flowers, mouth open in a happy pant, his red-gold face turned up toward her as though he is waiting for his own turn. A pair of gardening gloves lies near his front paw. Through the glass door behind them, a cozy living room is full of plants, newspapers and folded blankets.
Gardens are pleasant for dogs, but a few plants and products need care. Many common garden plants, including lilies for cats, azaleas, sago palms and some bulbs, can be toxic to pets, so check any plant you are unsure about before planting it where your dog can reach. Fertilizers, mulch made from cocoa shells, slug bait and weed killers can be dangerous, so store them well out of reach and follow the label. Offer fresh water and shade on warm days, and watch for dogs digging up fresh beds. Retrievers love to be involved and carry things, so a helpful job, like holding a glove, can keep them happily busy while you work.
Copper may not be much help with the actual watering. But the garden clearly grows better with an audience.
