It’s a Dog’s Life

Dogs, the great social ice breakers, the maraschino cherries of farmers market, something to which vendors and fellow shoppers take notice of, especially week after week and even more so if selling pet related products.  I don’t think I could ever go to a farmers market that didn’t allow dogs.Such lucky dogs--out for a walk, getting ready for a hike, going to play-date at the park, fresh from the groomers. Those snow-white Great Pyrenees, I marvel at knowing the two back at the farm are a constant battle with burdock and mats. It’s tough enough getting them to stay in the barn during a polar vortex let along every get them in a vehicle and off to a groomer. I wouldn’t wish that grooming job on my worst enemy.There are a few old buddies who will hang out under the tent with me on hot days while their hoomans shop.I’ve been at this long enough to watch as my weekly four-footed pals grow gray in the muzzle. You’d be surprised at how many people take their geriatric companions to the market one last time to say goodbye. I am equally guilty of breaking into an ugly cry the first-time customers show up with a sad face minus their pet.Puppies are the show-stoppers, easily doubling the time needed to make circuit around the market. And speaking of puppies, did you see that adorable ball of fur at Liberty Delight Farm last week?  She’ll grow up to be one of the hardest working “employees” of the farm as a Livestock Guardian Dogs.Livestock Guardian Dogs, a.k.a. LGDs and gentle giants, are an old-world breed that originated in mountainous regions where large flocks and herds needed protection from top-tier predators such as bears, large cats and wolves. The Great Pyrenees have an extra toe—double dewclaws—to give them more traction when standing on their rear to fight off attackers. Unlike herding dogs, LGDs do not provoke a flight response in an effort to move livestock.But as much as I love the weekly pooch parade, there are some faux paws that can land you in the dog house.While Central Farm Markets are pet-friendly, this week’s Dishing the Dirt is a reminder for patrons with pets to practice good dog etiquette when shopping with your dogs.Speaking with Michael Kelly, the dog trainer at market sponsor Old Towne Pet Resort, he stressed that dogs should be on a leash and under control at all times in public. “Even if your dog is friendly, it still needs to listen,” said Kelly who pointed out that dogs should not be permitted to indiscriminately go up to a stranger or another dog without permission from both handler and the target of interest.Vendors must follow strict sanitary guidelines to sample their products at the markets. If you want to share your crepe or breakfast sandwich with your dog, that’s fine but, please do not allow your dogs to sniff, touch, lick or eat samples placed out for people.Spring and fall are perfect times to bring along your pet to the market, but as the weather heats up, please leave your dogs at home. Black pavement can become blisteringly hot. While you may not notice the heat on your shod feet while standing in line for your favorites, too many times I’ve had to watch as pooches alternately pick up their paws in pain or struggle to reach the shade.Similarly, it is not cool to bring females in heat to the market (this has happened with embarrassing results).As I mentioned my love for puppies, Michael Kelly suggested forgoing puppy trips to the market until the dog is at least twelve weeks old. “While socializing puppies at an early age is great, you don’t want to do too much too fast,” said Kelly, adding “never force a puppy into something that makes them uncomfortable.”Perhaps the biggest pet peeve has to do with what dogs are taken outside to do. I realize my plywood sandwich board has plenty of residual calling cards from uncouth depositors, yet that is no excuse to allow new additions. Lifting of legs on signs, tables, bins, boxes and displays is definitely a no-no, but it happens. When your dog drops a log please use the contents of the little plastic bone clipped to your leash. If you don’t have a baggie, we’ll give you one. Not only does this include the market grounds, but the surrounding areas. We want to be good neighbors to all our surrounding communities.Thank you for your cooperation.