Lately at the farmer’s market on Saturday at Crystal Springs, more people are bringing their four legged friends. Dogs are welcome all season and until lately there has not been a problem with them, even when they are there in fairly large numbers.

However, I have noticed that a number of dog owners are taking their dogs in to the individual structures. The larger dogs are able to place their heads on counters and sniff the vegetables and other food and in some cases are allowed to sniff and touch produce that is stored below the tables.

Saturday while I was shopping a lady with a large white dog who was wearing a makeshift harness, which gave her little control, came into Spears vegetable tent. The dog not only placed her head on the counters and sniffed vegetables, she also was allowed to walk around the tent and sniff other customers who were waiting in line as the owner chatted with her friends. Several other dogs, of similar size were in other vendors areas Saturday morning and being allowed to place their heads in vegetable bins and on tables with food.

I am a dog owner and a dog lover. I do not have any problem with dogs being brought to the farmer’s market. What I do have a problem with is unsupervised dogs being allowed in the individual tents and allowed to sniff and touch food. I would respectfully ask that dog owners who cannot control their dogs either leave them in their cars or it is hot then do as I do, leave them at home.

Nan Rand
Brunswick