It’s inevitable. If you’re a writer and a dog lover, at some point, you’re going to write about your dog. I could probably resist if I had any dog but I have Sadie! World’s best dog. Ha (ask any dog owner and they’ll tell you their pet is the best.)
Gardening is a pretty solitary activity so I’m always grateful to have Sadie’s companionship as I spend endless hours in the garden. She never argues, doesn’t whine, is unfailing enthusiastic about – everything! and is just fun to have around.
Sadie and I have an unwritten agreement about her place in the garden. Her part is to not dig big holes, to try to step lightly on the plants, to not eat them and to chase squirrels and chipmunks. My part is to give her food, water, take her for daily walks and provide as much love, time and attention as I possibly can.
For the most part, Sadie keeps her part of the bargain. She’s a Wire Haired Pointing Griffon, a WHPG. She was bred for hunting so chasing anything that moves in the garden is part of her nature. I can’t say that she’s ever caught anything. Ever. But it doesn’t keep her from trying, which is all fine with me. She also has a light step and a gentle mouth, which is great both for the plants and for any visiting grandchildren.
The only time Sadie and I have words about her being in the garden is when she has friends over to play, like her “cousin” Friday. In a frenzy of joy and chasing madness Sadie forgets all about our unwritten agreement and just goes nuts. So, play dates are held at the nearest dog park. It works.
SPCA suggests that you don’t include plants that are harmful to dogs in your garden. In theory this is an excellent idea. In actuality, I’d have to dig up my whole garden to comply. Azaleas, aloes, arum, black walnut, boxwood….and on and on and on. And those are only the “A’s and B’s.”
In all of her nine years, Sadie has never eaten anything in the garden that made her sick. Other dogs might. In general, whether or not you can successfully garden with a dog depends on the dog – and the gardener. Paths and fences help, raised beds or containers for delicate plants help as well. But, basically, it just depends on the dog. If she’s a digger, a fence jumper, a strange-thing-eater, you’ll probably not co-exist in the garden very well. Fortunately for me, Sadie seemed to be bred not only for hunting but for gardening as well. Lucky for both of us. Best dog in the world.