WHAT IS THANKSGIVING?

This is Nokona’s first Thanksgiving.  He was only a few months old last year so he doesn’t remember it much.  A few days ago, the little guy asked me about the holiday so I decided to teach him what a dog should know about Thanksgiving.  I think there are probably a few humans out there that need to be reminded about what this special season means too.

Let’s start with the beginning.  Thanksgiving is not about Pilgrims or suddenly being kind to cats.  (Jet, my foster mom, does say that being good to cats is a nice thing to do though.) 

No, I think this holiday is about a time for Thanks and Giving.  Let me give you some pointers (my personal checklist) to help you humans understand what canines are born knowing: the essentials in life are really the gifts of thanks and giving.

THANKS (for)                                                GIVING                                            

         Being rescued from the pound                  Give another rescued dog (like

         before being euthanized                           me) a home.

         Two meals a day instead of                      Give funds to buy ‘space’ in

 

in; the safe house I rest in                       a local shelter for a dog/cat to

                                                              sleep in 

         The warm, cuddly bed I sleep                   Give funds to buy ‘space’ in

in; the safe house I rest in                       a local shelter for a dog/cat to

                                                               sleep in

         The shiny fur that has replaced                  Give attention to a street dog

         my old mange-covered body                     and wash/treat fur their fur

         Playtime with my foster mom;                  Give your time. Put down the

the toys I get to chew on                          PDA, the iPod, turn off the TV &

      play with your pet.

         The grand love of my foster                      Give your support by fostering

         mom who treats me like I’m                     a dog or cat in 2011

         the best thing in her life

         For:____________________                  Give _____________________

        

So, here’s my lesson of the day… During this holiday, show your thanks by fulfilling all the assignments on your ‘giving’ list.  These gestures will taste better than any Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pie.

Okay, the question of the day is from Derby who asked:  Christmas is just around the corner. It’s time to start working on a list of gifts I want.  Any ideas?

Dear Derby:

Personally, I think you should be more concerned about what to give to your humans and fellow family pets during the holiday but if you must focus on you, consider watching the new TV show “You’re Pet Wants this Too".  It airs on the Animal Planet channel and features innovative gadgets and toys for pets.