Desert Gardening 101
  • Home
  • About
  • Classes
  • Consultations
  • Speaking
  • Book
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube

Sodapop and the “Un” Forbidden Fruit

Double S Farms
forbidden fruit
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

This is the conclusion to a story that I wrote back in January about a dog and her battle with ‘forbidden fruit’.

Sodapop, who belongs to my youngest sister, Chicken Farmer, and her family – is the main character of this story.  Sodapop is the daughter of my dog, Missy (that really has nothing to do with the story, however).  

The ‘forbidden fruit’ for Sodapop was an apple.  However, it was not your ordinary apple….it was an old, shriveled up apple hanging on the top of an apple tree.

forbidden fruit

We weren’t sure what it is about this shriveled apple that made her want it so badly.  But most likely, it probably because it was out of her reach and that is what drove her crazy….

forbidden fruit

She was sorely tempted by the sight of the dried up apple and she did her best to reach it, jumping as high as she could, breaking small branches in the process.

forbidden fruit

As if one forbidden fruit was not enough….there were more hanging in the tree, taunting her.

forbidden fruit

But try as she might, all she ended up with were small apple branches for all her troubles.

Sodapop

It was small compensation for a lot of work….

*FAST FORWARD TO SUMMERTIME*

Now it is summer and the apple trees are now laden with delicious apples.  Now Sodapop has more apples then she knows what to do with.  First, she enjoyed eating the apples hanging on the lower branches of the apple trees.

apples

However, now that most of the lower apples have either been eaten by her or picked by the residents of Double S Farms, Sodapop has had to content herself with eating the apples that have fallen from the tree….

apples

I wonder if ‘forbidden’ apples taste better then ‘unforbidden’ apples?

**UPDATE – We recently learned that eating too many apples can be dangerous for dogs because their seeds contain small amounts of cyanide.  So, the apple trees will soon be fenced off to keep the dogs out.**

I hope you are all having a great week so far.  We are hoping for a start to our summer rainy season later this week and are keeping our fingers crossed 🙂

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/DSC02997.jpg 640 407 arizonaplantlady@gmail.com https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpg arizonaplantlady@gmail.com2010-07-07 17:30:002021-02-22 07:34:33Sodapop and the “Un” Forbidden Fruit
You might also like
drip_irrigation_installation Stomach Flu and Spring Flowers
anna_apple_tree A Bushel of Apples, a Pinch of Sugar and a Handful of Teenagers
edible-garden-azplantlady Flowers, Fruit, Veggies, a Few Bugs and Suckers
Ripening-Peaches-Desert-Garden Fruit Tree Suckers – How to Identify and Get Rid of Them
My Spring Garden in Winter My Spring Garden in Winter
Boho Farm and Home Arcadia Edible Garden Tour: Part 3
31 replies
  1. Teresa O
    Teresa O says:
    February 5, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    What a charming story, Noelle. Next to children, dogs are the best entertainment.

  2. villager
    villager says:
    February 5, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Hard to say what is motivating Sodapop, but I admire her for trying so hard to get the apple!

  3. Curbstone Valley Farm
    Curbstone Valley Farm says:
    February 5, 2010 at 6:56 pm

    Awww, she's cute! We have a dog that becomes similarly obsessed with tennis balls that get stuck under the sofa. She just can't focus on anything else!

  4. Meredith
    Meredith says:
    February 5, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    It seems a kind of strange behavior… but perhaps she is aerating the lower branches of the apple tree in the process. The title of the post is so cool. 😉

  5. Kate
    Kate says:
    February 5, 2010 at 7:32 pm

    Cute pics. 🙂 My dog loves to eat apples. He's big on lettuce, too. Not sure why though some days he's a healthier eater than I am!

  6. Liza
    Liza says:
    February 5, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    So, so adorable! Dogs are so funny. Great post Noelle!

  7. Janet
    Janet says:
    February 5, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Pretty funny. Maybe the apple twigs are tasty too.???

  8. Terra
    Terra says:
    February 5, 2010 at 8:38 pm

    Ah, the forbidden fruit is so tempting. This is a cute title for your post, and the dog is pretty. Perhaps she is a frustrated orchardist?

  9. tina
    tina says:
    February 5, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    Everytime I see a golden on a blog I just get all happy. Soda pop is a sweetie. She may smell that an animal has been on that apple and want to get that.

  10. Shady Gardener
    Shady Gardener says:
    February 5, 2010 at 8:51 pm

    Soda pop is a very pretty dog. Perhaps she's really a gardener at heart? Seems to me, she's pruning the tree… 😉

  11. gippslandgardener
    gippslandgardener says:
    February 5, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    What a beautiful dog Sodapop is! I wonder, does she do this every year or is it a one off?

  12. Autumn Belle
    Autumn Belle says:
    February 5, 2010 at 10:56 pm

    She's cute. Maybe she is doing some exercises or fitness training. But her antics certainly warm our hearts and put a smile in our faces 😛

  13. debsgarden
    debsgarden says:
    February 5, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    Sodapop is beautiful! Our black lab Jasmine would do a similar thing, trying to reach wild muscadines growing in trees. She ate the old shriveled ones that fell on the ground and would perform all sorts of maneuvers trying to reach the ones still on the vine.

  14. Grace Peterson
    Grace Peterson says:
    February 6, 2010 at 4:57 am

    How cute, Noelle. I wonder if Sodapop is praying for a strong gust of wind while he chews on that stick. 🙂

  15. Catherine@AGardenerinProgress
    Catherine@AGardenerinProgress says:
    February 6, 2010 at 5:17 am

    What a cutie! How funny that she wants such a dried up apple.
    Our dog has done that under a bird feeder that had peanut butter on it. She drove me so crazy with it, I finally took it down.

  16. Rebecca @ In The Garden
    Rebecca @ In The Garden says:
    February 6, 2010 at 6:23 am

    Great post, what a cutie pie! So nice that she's the daughter of your Missy. I have been dogless for a few years, and *finally* acquired a yellow girl of my own. 🙂 I am a little worried about my garden, I will post about her soon.

  17. Hortist
    Hortist says:
    February 6, 2010 at 11:34 am

    Nice story of the day 🙂

  18. Tatyana@MySecretGarden
    Tatyana@MySecretGarden says:
    February 6, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    It might be a smell. Or, maybe, she thinks those are toys!

  19. Kyna
    Kyna says:
    February 6, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    Haha, that was so cute! 😀

  20. Msrobin
    Msrobin says:
    February 7, 2010 at 2:33 am

    Awww, poor Sodapop. Give her an apple, would ya? LOL

  21. Andrea
    Andrea says:
    February 11, 2010 at 3:01 am

    hahaha what an amusing post. Poor Sodapop, better not Popsoda, too obvious! Your photos are really beautiful, making your posts wonderful everytime, even if it's only about a rotten apple.

  22. Rose
    Rose says:
    July 7, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    Sodapop is such a cutie! She reminds me so much of our Sophie who loved to pull off branches from the apple tree this spring to chew on. In the last month she's eaten so many green apples, I'm amazed she hasn't had a tummy ache:)

    I hope Kai's appointment goes well this week and that he can soon say goodbye to the wheelchair.

  23. Curbstone Valley Farm
    Curbstone Valley Farm says:
    July 7, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    How funny…I thought only deer tried that hard to steal the apples from the lower tree branches. Sodapop is adorable.

  24. Andrea
    Andrea says:
    July 8, 2010 at 12:27 am

    Hahaha, i saw my comment above on a previous date. I think the rotten apple has some smell which triggered her excitement. I haven't seen yellow apples on a tree yet, and that small tree seem to be so fertile to bear those many fruits. If i were there, Sodapop has a competitor with the fruits.

  25. Kiki
    Kiki says:
    July 9, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    What a sweet pup…adorable photos Noelle! What a cool tree too..very unique! Always a treat to see somthing new here..yay! thanks!
    Kiki~

  26. tina
    tina says:
    July 9, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    Too funny how Sodapop loves those apples. Must be great for her as they are very good for humans too! She looks happy.

  27. Rosey
    Rosey says:
    July 9, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I love dried fruit, why wouldn't this adorable pooch as well?

    That is a funny story. Loved it!

    Hope you have a good weekend, Noelle!

  28. Jenni
    Jenni says:
    July 10, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    Cute story Noelle and the apple tree looks abundant this year, mmmm all the delicious ways to eat the 'unforbidden' fruit 😉

  29. agrigirl
    agrigirl says:
    July 11, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    I can't quite figure that out about dogs. One of mine was completely wound up about something he couldn't get to last night also. This is my first visit here and I really like your blog.

  30. Meredith
    Meredith says:
    July 12, 2010 at 1:17 am

    I like the way you did this, Noelle, appending the new season's story continuation onto the old. Fun to see myself commenting way back when, as if we were in a very recent time capsule. 🙂

    As for Sodapop, I guess if I can get sick of tomatoes by September's end, I can understand a dog getting sick of apples — although most dogs I know love the things! Crossing my fingers for the rain to come pouring down just on schedule…

  31. Kathleen
    Kathleen says:
    July 12, 2010 at 5:10 am

    That's so interesting ~ I never knew dogs ate apples?!! I've never had one that did but I haven't had a Golden either. She's a beautiful dog and maybe an apple a day works for dogs too???

    Hope you're staying cool ~ I see the temps down there. Not so exciting as in the winter time!!

Comments are closed.

Get My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert

You’ll receive helpful tips from me in your inbox. I write these with you in mind to help you succeed in the desert garden. I will never share your information with anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Privacy Policy

Connect With Me!

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

noelle-johnson-az-plant-ladyNoelle Johnson: AZ PLANT LADY®

Author, Horticulturist, Landscape Consultant & Lover of Blue Pots

Check out my popular online classes!

Have a Question? Search Past Posts

Want More Tips? Connect with me in my Facebook Group!

 

Shrub Pruning Booklet: Say “No” to ball, square & cupcake-shaped shrubs!

Spiral-bound pruning guide booklet for shrubs

Product of the Month: Leather Gardening Gloves

 

Spring is the busiest time of year for pruning plants. Are your hands ready? A good pair of leather gloves is really important. My Bamllum gloves have a good grip and offer great protection.

 

Amazon Disclosure

AZ Plant Lady, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.

Privacy & Policy, Disclaimer & Disclosure

 

“…and the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Isaiah 35:1

© 2008-2025
Noelle Johnson
All Rights Reserved.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Popular Classes and Membership Club

desert gardening 101 class logo

Shop for My Recommended Garden Products:

Sign-Up For My Free Guide to Gardening in the Desert!

I promise not to sell or share your email with anyone ever!

*Please note that I cannot answer individual gardening questions.

Privacy Policy

Order My Newest Book!

The Water-Smart Garden Book

My Award-Winning Book!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
© Copyright 2025 - azplantlady.com       Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube
Link to: What Is Wrong With This Picture? Link to: What Is Wrong With This Picture? What Is Wrong With This Picture?pumpkin Link to: Natural Beauty Without The Fuss – Queen’s Wreath Link to: Natural Beauty Without The Fuss – Queen’s Wreath Queen's Wreath vineNatural Beauty Without The Fuss – Queen’s Wreath Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT