Domino Led the Way Through the Pumpkin Patch and Gus Followed Along
Orange pumpkins dot the dirt like lanterns, and Gus is taking his time. He strolls through the patch in a dark cap, green fishing vest and sturdy boots, looking down fondly at Domino. The pied French Bulldog trots at his side on a thin leash, tongue out, bat ears up and a determined look on his face. Behind them, a wooden fence, raised garden beds and a few potted succulents frame the scene, and vines wander across the ground with their curling green leaves.
A pumpkin patch is a fun fall outing, but a few things need watching. Keep your Frenchie on a leash, and watch out for rotting pumpkins, which can have mold, and for wasps and bees attracted to the sweet smell. Plain, cooked pumpkin without spices is sometimes used in dog diets, but ask your vet before offering it, and keep raw stems and vines away from his mouth. Flat-faced dogs tire quickly, and the sun can still be strong in early fall, so provide shade and water. Check his coat and paws for burrs or ticks afterward. A short, easy stroll and plenty of rest breaks make for a good outing.
Gus pauses at a particularly round pumpkin and nods. Domino sniffs the ground and gives his own verdict. The air is cool, the soil is soft and the afternoon is ahead of them. Choosing the best pumpkin takes time, which is exactly what the two of them are happy to spend.






