Grandpa Planted Tomatoes. The Golden Dug a Hole of Her Own
Gus kneels in the garden soil, holding a young tomato plant upright with one hand and tucking dirt around it with the other. His expression is gentle and focused. Right next to him, Biscuit has plunged her front paws into the earth and is digging with great enthusiasm, her golden fur smudged with dark soil. A small trowel lies on the ground, and the blue-gray fence and a watering can wait behind them in the sun.
Digging is a natural dog behavior, and many dogs find it deeply satisfying. A garden can be tempting, though, and a few common plants are poisonous to pets, including some bulbs and ornamental plants, so it helps to check with your vet about what is safe in your area. Tomato plants themselves, especially the green stems and leaves, can upset a dog's stomach if eaten. Fertilizers and garden chemicals should be stored out of reach and used with care. If your dog loves to dig, a dedicated digging spot with loose soil and buried toys can keep your flower beds intact. Gloves and a damp towel for paws make cleanup easier afterward.
The tomato will have a good start, and Biscuit's hole is probably going to get a good start too. In a garden with a golden Retriever, two kinds of planting seem to go on at once.
