My Life with Dogs: Part II: Dog Proofing

 

Question: What does a part-time musher/garden use an old dog sled for? Fencing, of course.

In July my friend, Sheila, watered my tomatoes while we were on vacation. Upon my return, she asked, "What is with the chicken wire?" 

Well, I have found that it is extremely challenging to be a gardener and a dog owner at the same time. My dogs are very interested in gardening. Stratus is the most enthusiastic gardener at our house. He prefers to unplant and relocate young plants. After finding more than one new tomato plant in the middle of the yard, I had to come up with a plan. 

Solution: Chicken wire, dog sled, and zip-ties. 

This worked really well until the tomatoes started to look a lot like tennis balls. Lucy has become much more interested.

Now the tomatoes are turning red and in steps, Walla Walla, our fruit and vegetable eater. Walla seems to understand that when fruits became ripe it is best to eat it fresh, right off the vine. Last summer, she beat me to most of the raspberries and strawberries, now she is after the cherry tomatoes. 

Solution: more chicken wire.