Bizet had his Pearl Fishers (apologies to those readers who aren’t fans of opera) but I definitely have two canine apple eaters.

I have never seen trees as full of apples as in 2015. More apples than leaves in the pictures I snapped to share, an unbelievable sight. In fact, that very tree was so laden it split off a huge branch. Perfect apples – small but disease-free fruit lies there just waiting for me to find the time. Pickin’s easy but oh! then the work begins. (However enjoyable and how marvelous the end product.) And where’s the time?

I knew Minor would hit the apples wherever he found a willing tree. I’d seen him enjoy one of the very few – almost drooping to his level – in the orchard where my produce is scant indeed.

Minor has always had a few favorites which are obviously remembered from year to year. (But a friend “found” a new tree for me last year, overflowing with sweet perfect apples. I’m not telling Minor.) He has a good-enough one which he visits regularly (I’d be lucky – and grateful – to find any undamaged there, on the ground or within reach). Trouble is the apples fall into a bed of burrs.

Minor’s shared his treasure with Quillow and now both dogs come in at day’s end full of mats which are stubbornly embedded around heads and necks – for the most part – and don’t want to give up their dog. Extraction is painful so we do it in small bits and starts.

Pain is one thing. Quickly forgotten. Pleasure is something else and continues to entice. Back they go to their favored spot.

How many apples can a dog eat in one day? How many apples SHOULD a dog eat in a single day?

Well, I’m in charge of the “pick-up” department and so far the apples are having no ill effect. I even continue to share my fruit with them at lunch .

To be honest, I’m getting used to reaching down to pet a dog and feeling things I’d rather not. Sometimes I try to pull – to greater canine annoyance. Other times, I figure it – and they – can wait.

Apples are a healthful food. We’ve known that since Eve. Good for us without question but not exactly calorie free. One hundred for a large one says my ancient (and falling apart and taped-back-together) Joy of Cooking. It would require effort (and I’d probably get sick first) but I could eat enough apples in a day to gain weight.

My (tree) apples are hardly large but I am unaware of weight gain or a new pudginess among the dogs.

Actually, now that I do stop to reflect, they are quite selective munchers and should be given credit for their restraint. The trees here may offer an all-you-can-eat buffet and the season is short but, unlike far too many of my fellow humans, both dogs have the common sense to know when to stop.

They know the trees are there and they can get a treat when they desire. They do. But that’s it. A few hours later might be time for a second helping. Or not.

I wish I had that will power. Only that isn’t of course what it is. It’s an ability to sample and stop (something, I hasten to add, Minor has shown no ability to do when food indoors is involved).

I’ve read that eating something sugary makes you want even more. I can believe it.

Any reason we can’t be as wise as our dogs?

Then again, I wonder if Bizet’s fishers ever thought they had enough pearls.

Susan Crossett has lived outside Cassadaga for more than 20 years. A lifetime of writing led to these columns as well as two novels. Her Reason for Being was published in 2008 with Love in Three Acts appearing in 2014. Information on all the Musings, the books and the author may be found at Susancrossett.