No dogs, please: Hayden farmers market wants pups left at home

"We have posted signs, asked nicely, and now we are asking for your help," says a letter posted on its Facebook page directed at "market friends and visitors."

"We are dog owners. We get it! Your best friend wants to go with you... everywhere. Unfortunately, the Saturday market is not a dog-friendly space."

The letter goes on to say the market has become a hub of activity and grown exponentially over the last few years, and that Saturdays are crowded and noisy. 

"Even the best trained dogs can become stressed and uncomfortable," the letter said. "Dog leashes can become a tripping hazard or cause issues with wheelchairs and strollers. And no vendor wants their products be the target of a pup raising his leg at the wrong time."

According to the letter, dogs have bitten people at the market. There have been dog fights and products have been lost.

"Please leave your pets at home. Our markets are held on private property, and we will ask you to leave if you choose to ignore the many posted signs," the letter said

"Well-behaved pets" are welcome at the Wednesday market at Riverstone.

The Kootenai County Farmers' Market is 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the southeast corner of U.S. 95 and Prairie Avenue in Hayden. It runs through October.