Athena Meets Some Farmers

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to visit the farmer's market on the weekends to pick out fresh produce.  Although many of the local markets in Portland have been open for a few weekends now, we have been so busy that we haven't made a trip to one yet.  Seeing as this summer is our first with Athena, I've been excited to find dog-friendly markets where we can take her along with us.

This weekend was the perfect time to hit up not one, but TWO local markets!  On Saturday we visited the very dog-friendly Gresham Farmer's Market where Athena got more loot than the humans.  She ended up getting a new 2' leash from BeBop USA which manufactures pet products in Gresham, Oregon and has a booth at the market.  We bought the super short leash specifically for outings like those to the farmer's market because it allows us more control in a busy environment where lots of people and dogs are all around.  Athena also got some yummy treats from Kiss My Biscuit who makes grain-free, corn-free, soy-free, salt-free, sugar-free, color-free treats.  Actually, every treat made from Kiss My Biscuit only has three ingredients!  Athena thought that these treats we absolutely scrumptious and has been enjoying them as her training rewards throughout the weekend.

On Sunday we went to the Montavilla Farmer's Market which is another dog-friendly market in the area right up the street from our favorite pet store where Athena has class.  Athena got some puppy smooches and enjoyed smelling all of the flowers that she passed by.

Surprisingly, Athena was on her very best behavior at both markets that we went to.  Although the markets were very crowded and full of people, strollers, and lots of other dogs, Athena kept her cool the entire time.  We practiced lots of "leave it" when closely passing other dogs in the aisles and even had to practice one "off" when Athena put her paws up on a table selling homemade pies...oops!  At least we only had that one incident...

We will definitely be bringing Athena to the market more often throughout the summer and having her wear her backpack so that she can carry her own goodies (and ours too if there's any room).  Do you ever take your dog to the local market?