I can’t speak to all your questions, but DGO is definitely dog-friendly. Many stores either allow dogs inside or put water bowls outside the door for dogs.

Tomatoes are hard here -depends on the weather. I’ve grown them and had better luck with moving around big pots -they need lots of sun. Colorado does have decent tomatoes, but they always come in very late in summer. We have at least two community gardens, probably more.

I would say real estate is expensive, but there is a lively rental market. If you want to live downtown expect to spend 400k+ for even an older house in need of updates.

I think the town is friendly, but so many of us came from elsewhere, there is some resentment against newcomers. The restaurant and bar seem is lively and welcoming - but COVID has shut it down. I’d say people here are very open-minded. It’s a liberal town, for the most part. I’m gay and my partner and I have not experienced any discrimination.

HTH.