I often begin my day writing about what I am thankful for, but this time of year I like to put that gratitude out into the universe. However, this time I’m going to take a page from one of my favorite local columnists, John Roach, who writes for Madison Magazine. Recently he wrote about what he is NOT thankful for, and I laughed so hard reading it I was inspired to create a dog lover’s version.
WHAT I’M NOT THANKFUL FOR:
I’m not thankful for the moment when I hear that distinctive gagging sound and look up to see my dog hunched up like a Halloween cat about to regurgitate last night’s dinner onto the bedspread.
I’m not thankful for the white hairs all over the black pants that I put on before going out to dinner which only need five seconds to gather dog hairs like a black hole sucking up a space ship in a bad Sci Fi movie.
I’m not thankful for the realization that, in spite of over 25 years of experience, I still said “Wait” three times in a row to rocket–propelled Willie, rather than saying it just once. (As I advise in all my writing about basic dog training. Ahem.)
I’m not thankful for the camera refusing to record (low battery, memory card full, forgot to take off lens cap–circle one) when THE behavior of the year is occurring directly in front of me and yes, I missed it. Again.
That said, there is so very, very much I have to be thankful for. Here’s just a little bit of it:
I’m thankful for you, for helping to create this international inquiry into dog behavior and our relationship with one of the world’s most interesting species. I’ve had several “outsiders” email me privately to praise the large number of articulate and informed blog readers who add to the post with their thoughtful comments. Lucky me. Last time I checked, there were about 45,000 of you. Wow.
I’m thankful for living in a place about which Frank Llyod Wright said: “Nothing picks you up in its arms and so gently, almost lovingly, cradles you as do these southwestern Wisconsin hills.”
I’m thankful for Willie’s expressive eyes, Maggie’s silly ears and the sweetness of Tootsie’s face.
I’m thankful for being surrounded by an amazing community of friends and neighbors, including our dear friends B & F who live lightly on the earth, and dry their laundry in the breeze instead of a clothes dryer. Even in winter. Really.
I’m thankful for leaders who had the wisdom to preserve vast tracts of land, like national parks and preserves, and thankful for those who are fighting right now to preserve our environment, with the understanding that everyone needs clean air, clean water and a healthy ecosystem.
I’m thankful for the diversity of the people in the United States of America, in the belief that it makes us stronger and better in so very many ways.
There’s so much more, but I’ll end with my deeply-felt, eye-filling, heart-swelling love of dogs, and my gratitude that some miracle has occurred that allows us to have our lives expanded and enriched by one of nature’s most miraculous relationships.
What about you? I plan to spend no small amount of time this week, cuddled on the couch with my laptop, a cup of tea and several dogs, reading about what YOU are thankful for. And don’t hesitate to add what you are NOT thankful for! (Note: All “Not thankful” comments will be sent through a ‘funny filter,” the funnier the better.)
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: We are being welcomed to the day by gorgeous sunrises on an almost daily basis. Here’s one from last week:
Here’s to a wonderful week for all of you.
Gratefully,
Trisha
Vicki in Michigan says
With you. Thank you for all of your thoughtful posts about our wonderful amazing dogs. Gotta love them…………….
ps — I hang my laundry, too, but in the basement in the winter, not outside. 🙂
LisaW says
I’m struggling with writing appropriate NOT Thankful mentions, but here are a few:
I’m NOT Thankful for having to take down our outside shower this weekend. This was my first summer having an outside shower and it saved us all from my hot summer of nature- and nurture-related hot flashes. I used it into mid-October, and I’ll miss it.
I’m NOT Thankful for how quickly time is flying by. I wish I had heeded my mom’s warning not to rush things when I was a teenager longing to be a “grown up.”
Back to my comfort zone of what I AM Thankful for:
I AM Thankful for Trisha, this blog, and all the commentators. It is my go-to place for education, enlightenment, laughs, and helpful tips on living with my two amazingly wonderful and challenging dogs.
I AM Thankful that I have the resources and resiliency to have a home, good food, long-loved friends, love, and a well-worn life.
I AM Thankful that I live in a state that is called “The Brave Little State.” While some people call it a bubble, I call it a deliberate home place.
I AM Thankful that I have the ability to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a determined New Year.
In Full Appreciation,
LisaW
Kat says
I’ll probably have more when I have more room and time to type. Meanwhile, I’m thankful for a dog that loves to sit on my shoulder and share my activities. I am NOT thankful that said dog weighs about 65 lbs. https://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/22994137480/in/photolist-zziQrC-B2UXYd
Cat Warren says
I’m NOT thankful for those moments when a complete stranger determinedly moves toward the dog with that look and stride that says, “I WILL pet you, whether you enjoy it or not,” and we have to have a long conversation about why some dogs just “vant to be left alone” or ignored if you are a complete stranger to them.
I’m NOT thankful for the way those beautiful fall leaves can hide a plethora of dog poop, and I know it’s my fault for not picking up on a daily basis.
I’m NOT thankful for the times I hear the oft-but-not-always chained Rottweiler in the neighbor’s back yard barking, and I know how lonely both he and his sad owner are.
I’m thankful for dear friends, for family, for the values that many of us share. Because we will need those values and those friends.
I’m thankful for a sense of humor, and laughter. Because we need them.
I’m thankful for you, Trisha McConnell, because I’ve learned so much from you, and I continue to learn. And because your kindness and patience shines through, and it reminds me to be kind. Even if I’ll never be patient.
Andy says
I’m NOT thankful for defective poop bags. That’s BBB-complaint worthy!
I AM thankful that I live in a place where if someone falls down, three people will (usually) rush in to help them up, regardless of who they are or what they look like.
I AM thankful that one of my heroes, Trisha McConnell, was so kind to me, a stranger, nearly two years ago when my dear Duchess passed away. A friend is going through the same thing now and it reminded me of how much that meant to me.
Bruce says
Trisha, beautiful picture of the southern Wisconsin hills! Red Dog could run for days.
I am also thankful for the beauty around me, as described 150 years ago by John Greenleaf Whittier:
Up from the meadows rich with corn,
Clear in the cool September morn,
The clustered spires of Frederick stand
Green-walled by the hills of Maryland.
Round about them orchards sweep,
Apple- and peach-tree fruited deep,
Fair as a garden of the Lord
Less poetically, I am thankful (and humbled) that Sandy overcame her fears and decided that I am her person.
I am thankful for Red Dog’s hyperkinetic expressions of joy, and for her croissant-curl-must-be-touching-one-of-the-humans snuggles.
I am NOT thankful for the usual stuff I suppose – entropy and petty annoyances, mostly. The fact that I have so little to complain about should probably go in the thankful column.
Quiche says
NOT thankful:
-the halfway feral/definitely stray/vaguely friendly but 100% untreated for pests/hmmm cats that relish pooping in my gardens
-the dog’s beliefs re: cat poops (The Greatest Edible Arrangement of All)
-the onslaught of static-charged packing materials that explode out of boxes and then cling to surfaces with the tenacity of an H. plecostomus
Thankful/NOT thankful balance: I LOVE my keeshond’s coat for the beauty, the warmth, the plushness, the not-doggy-smell, but simultaneously I am not thrilled that a single hair spans the gamut of black and white therefore showing up very obviously on every single garment I own and the entirety of every upholstered object in the house.
Thankful:
-this blog, which has been a source of sound information and practical advice and wonderful balance and perspective in all of my dog ventures, so much of it from Trisha and so much from the commenters
-Friendsgivings, which are as sweet and as restorative as I could ever want and so much un-stressful FUN, paired with the well-trodden warm paths of family gatherings
-candles that are delicious and savory, not cloying
-my buoyant, athletic, clever dog!
Adrienne Karoly says
I am not thankful for the dry summer we had which turned our beautiful pond into a mud pit and chased away all the wildlife. But I a thankful for the beautiful endless sunny days I enjoyed outdoors with my dog Zasu during the this time.
I am not thankful for having to negotiate the tourist filled streets and traffic all summer here in vacation land. But I am thankful for their contribution to our economy.
And I am so thankful not just this season but every day for my wonderful husband, my sweet, smart poodle Zasu and for making my home in Maine, formerly a New Yorker from Long Island.
Crandellpop says
Thankful for dogs who remind me how wonderful I am and a cat who reminds me I could be better.
Thankful for dogs who force me outside in all weather and remind me how great it is just to run around and be goobers. Thankful for books and fireplaces and someone to share them with.
Not so thankful for paws and legs and tummies caked with Pacific Northwest mud. Not so thankful for people who think dogs are filthy (not the same as dirty, see above).
Not thankfully for fleas, intestinal parasites, and salmon poisoning.
I’m struggling to find things I’m not thankful for. Thankful for that.
Frances says
Not thankful for dank days and dark afternoons, but very thankful that I have a warm dry house with heavy curtains, and can snuggle with the cats and dogs.
Not thankful at all for the trials and tribulations of running our Residents Association, but aware it has made me closer friends with my fellow sufferers, and that the problems are trivial compared to those that many people face day in, day out.
Very thankful that my family, friends and animals are all well, even as the humans progress into their 7th decade and the animals into advancing years.
And supremely grateful that I am retired, with an income that may not mean I can do absolutely anything I want to do, but that is enough that I rarely have to do anything I don’t want!
Gayla says
I’m thankful to have grown to understand that happiness is a decision, that attitude is everything, and that the only love I can truly “have” is that which I feel and give to others.
Not thankful that I’m not smart enough to invent and market some of my ideas. I’m pretty sure that ‘cat crap flavored dog treats’ would be a money maker!
Trisha says
Loving loving loving every one of these so far. Actually am reading them over and over again. Quiche, get together with Gayla? Surely you two can figure out how to monetize “The Greatest Edible Arrangement of All.”
Barb Stanek says
I am grateful for the opportunity to think back over experiences to search out lessons learned and wisdom gained.
I am grateful for my dog who went undiagnosed for 3.5 years with chronic pancreatitis. She has taught me that if one perseveres, a good outcome can result, and I learned more about nutrition for dogs than I ever wanted to learn.
I am grateful for the same dog who, once she was physically stabilized, developed aggressive behavior to both of my other dogs. I learned about the calming effects of pharmaceuticals and that medication is medication, whether for a physical or mental malady.
I am grateful for the same dog’s wonderful personality and great gift of pet therapy skills which she has shared with young and old humans alike through all of her life.
I am grateful that all of my dogs are in my life and bring me unconditional love every day, despite my short comings. My life overflows with richness because of them.
Debbie says
Omg! I’m not the only one with a black trouser white hair issue. I’m getting to the stage where I’m beginning to think I should put on my black work trousers after I’ve locked the door to leave the house. Even if I don’t touch Harvey, somehow, they end up stuck to the trousers! Thankful for him coming back when called…whenever he chooses to do that! (We’re working on it!)
Susan Blahnik says
I am thankful I somehow found this website so I can get tips to help us with our newly acquired rescue dog who has some aggression issues. She is a great additon to our family and we love her and glad we can give her a good home after what she went through. I know it will take time. She is getting better, so any help I can get is so appreciated. I am now thankful for her comfort, company and also for good family and good friends and the wonderful nature that is out our door on the water.
Sue says
Thankful for my doggies lovely long slender legs – after all she is an elegant greyhound (well, most of the time!)
Not thankful for said long legs when at 3am in they are digging into my back and I’m about to fall out of bed (elegant greyhound usually starts the night curled up and then she slowly stretches out…), have to get up, go into cold kitchen to get a treat so that I can encourage the doggie to move over and give me more space.
Thankful that I’ve got the South Downs right on my door step and lovely fields & golf course for morning walks with sea views only about 10 minutes walk away.
Not thankful that I still have to get in the car and drive up to the golf course because doggie can’t walk the 10 minutes on the hard road due to her greyhound corns… (Oh and thankful that we’re allowed to walk on the golf course – along with loads of other dog walkers every morning…)
Thankful for being given the car a couple of years ago so I can actually drive the dog to where-ever we want to go.
Not thankful for the warning light that has just come on on the dashboard, meaning yet another trip to the garage and yet more expenses…
Renee says
Ticks. I am not thankful for ticks of any kind. I suppose they play an important role in the food chain but I can’t help thinking that this is one species that would not be missed.
In that same vein, I am not thankful for Asian Ladybird Beatles. They smell bad, they bite, and we now know they can cause painful problems for our dogs: http://thebark.com/content/dogs-mouths-damaged-ladybugs. I am thankful, though, that I live in a shady neighborhood where we don’t see them in large numbers.
I anticipate that, again this winter, I won’t be thankful for the poopsicles that are left behind by less-than-thoughtful neighbors for my dog to scavenge on our walks. Even dogs who normally don’t indulge have a hard time resisting the frozen ones.
I am thankful for so many things, here are a few:
My dog, Colby, who can pull me out of the blackest mood with her antics and her pure joy and love of life.
All the dogs who preceded her and trained me so well.
The day in 1994 when my vet recommended that I consult with Trisha McConnell about my dog’s “car phobia”. That first encounter had a huge impact on my relationship with that dog and all that followed. Thank you, Trisha, for everything you have done to enhance our understanding and improve our relationships with our dogs.
Jann Becker says
My late mother said that what we needed was a navy blue cat.
We had to say goodbye to our generator of orange hair last week, a Golden/Lab mix. He appeared to be in pain 5 hours after a dose that was supposed to last for 8, and was whining from the pain or sleeping from the tramadol. I’d read somewhere “Better a week too early than a day too late.” While this was definitely a dog with issues, I am thankful for having known him, and when there was a rumble of thunder Friday I thought “uh-oh” followed by “Andy’s not here to be scared and his sister’s okay with it.”
Penni says
Thankful for my husband who lets me know how much I am loved every day!
Jim Payne says
Not thankful for daylight saving time that has really fouled up our basset hound alarm clock. He thinks 3:30 is breakfast.
Thankful that that same basset hound that came to us so scared, is becomming a part of out family.
Jenny H says
I am thankful for good friends, my children and a wonderful husband — and og course the dogs green grass, trees and fresh air 🙂
Diane says
I am NOT thankful for the hours and hours of time spent at work instead of with my sweet dog friend!
I am grateful for the hours of time at work as that allows me to take care of him with food, shelter,pain relief and weekly swims as his joints get older.
I’m grateful for balance and simple pleasures. I wish these for all….if you have a dog as a friend, my wishes read true.
I am thankful for this opportunity to learn from you all.
J says
Thankful for the mostly blind and partly deaf border collie whose tail is always wagging, even after he crashes into something, a lesson on dark days. Thankful for the unconditional love of both dogs, the cat who reminds me I can always do better, and the husband who offers a perfect mixture of both. Thankful that the good green grass still grows. In spite of everything.
Fiona Joyce says
I am thankful for the acceptance, trust and joy our 4 rescue BC’s give us in spite of all their ‘ baggage’.
Thankful for the lessons our blind dog ( no retinas so blind from birth)have shown us, nothing is impossible. To see her running free in park, trusting her instincts, skirting trees, chasing birds. All things are possible if you step out and try.
Thankful for beautiful rain that’s helping to alive even the drought in our country.
I am not thankful to strangers who insist on wanting to pet your dogs even though they try to move away from said stranger.
I am not thankful for holiday season where so many people abandon their dogs and our rescue kennels overflow with sad, hungry BC’s
Elizabeth says
I am thankful that my husband loves to give me flowers. i am not thankful for the cats, who despite years of contrary evidence, insist on eating them and then decorating the floor with the resulting vomit.
I am thankful that we live close to wonderful wild areas where the dogs can run. I am not thankful for porcupines and skunks, although I understand their perspective.
I am thankful that hunting season is done and gunshot-aversive Daisy can go for walks again. Rosa is thankful that hunting season is over, her sister can walk with her again, and she can stop wearing that stupid bright orange sweater.
Happy Thanksgiving, American friends!
Peter says
I’m thankful for people like Susie who rescued our Tadhg (and hundreds of other dogs over the years.). And I’m thankful for Dog’s Best Friend for training me and him, and for Megan, our dog walker who loves him so much.
I’m not thankful for Monday morning at 2:30 when he was whining to get out and I had to get out of bed to let him out. Or for 2:30 Tuesday morning when I dreamed he was barking, and I got out of bed and it turns out I woke him up.
Bill J Widmann says
I am thankful and grateful for the 5 dogs that have been a part of my life for the past 30+ years. There have only been 25 days out of those years where a dog was not a part of my life. I am thankful for having had the companionship of two rescue border collies over the most recent 12 of those years. And especially thankful for finding a 12 week old border collie pup who is now filling the hole left by the loss of his predecessors in a short 7 week period. Jake is teaching me patience and tolerance as we work together on his training. And we rejoice in his exuberance and silliness.
Susan S says
-I’m thankful that my young dog almost invariably sits like a person when he gets up on the furniture. It endears him to anyone visiting & still makes us smile after two years of it.
-I’m thankful that where we live there are many places we can let our dogs run free safely, because they’re dogs who need to run.
-I’m thankful that the young dog is able to get almost any dog he meets play with him. Many people tell us their dog hasn’t played so well in years. He’s fun, I guess, & his ability to communicate with new dogs makes our walks stress-free.
-Re ticks: I’m not thankful that when the ticks the dogs pick up on their runs can’t attach because the dogs have been treated they sometimes migrate to me.
-I’m not thankful that the deer & rabbit poop the dogs find on their runs look so much like kibble but taste so much better.
Shirley says
I’m thankful that you have shared this and all your other blogs. My eyes filled with tears as I read this because I just lost my 15 year old long haired dachshund, for whom I am forever grateful. I would have my black pants full of dog hair anytime.
Stephanie says
I’m thankful for black dogs whose hair doesn’t show on my black clothes.
I’m super thankful for trainers who devote their lives to helping humans live with pups more successfully.
Karen Johnston says
Not thankful for overactive fear wiring in many species, including self and Rottie.
Or for startled guests getting a scary bark.
Thankful for the “neutral like Switzerland” phrase from a distant post here, rattling through my mind for months as I obsess on relationship between excitement and fear/ reactivity. And the deep warmth and kindness in that whole thread of son and dog that still gives me chills.
Deeply thankful for the examples of other owners who have much harder dogs and find ways to persist.
Deeply thankful for the persistent kindness, flexibility, nonjudment and encouragement of our trainer. Sunshine. Face licks. Ducks that just arrived for the winter.
Ellen Barry says
spelling bee/wordplay geek here: it’s “tract” of land, not “track” of land. Tract refers to: an area of indefinite extent, typically a large one. Same as: digestive tract, referring to the entire intestinal system. I am grateful for the opportunity to express my tiny pet peeve related to incorrect word usage, which is becoming rampant in the internet age.
(I hope that it was an autocorrect problem).
and I hope your faithful readers will not excoriate me for being a noodge.
I am grateful for this blog, which is always inspiring and interesting.
Christine says
Thankful for friends, family and sweet wonderful children and grandchildren
Thankful for my beloved Pembrokes – all six of you!
Not Thankful for all the hair shed on me and throughout the house.
Not Thankful for ticks and fleas and rats in the barn.
Thankful for the opportunity to be able to play with said Pembrokes in so many sports, and their willingness to play and forgiveness of my poor handling skills!
Thankful for my patient trainers
Thankful to have just now found this wonderful blog!
Barbara says
Not thankful for soggy toys dropped in my lap , for coffee spilled by a dog launching on or off my lap
Thankful for warm snuggles , puppy breath, the way one of our dogs alerts to
Hubby’s medical condition, for the wonderful positive trainers in my life, for having fun with my dogs in canine nose work. For friends and family and that I have enough.
Andrea says
I must say, I like this whole “Thankful, not Thankful” concept. I feel acknowledging what doesn’t make us grateful, makes us less more appreciative of life’s blessings. So in spirit, I will follow suit.
I am NOT thankful for ticks, mosquitoes and hornets/wasps/yellow jackets.
I am NOT thankful for moments when I am laughing or talking and one of my dogs, who is nearby, decides to stick her tongue in my mouth.
I am NOT thankful when these Wisconsin winter temps make my skin crack (and bleed, unless I lotion them regularly).
I am NOT thankful when my dogs run towards the door to go back inside the minute they are done going potty, in the cold and/or rain (or not wanting to go potty because it began to rain).
I am NOT thankful for having to let my dogs out again before bed, because they drank water from the shower the entire time I bathed them.
I am thankful for your books and knowledge sharing, in general.
I am thankful for all the support I receive from my rescue friends and my trainer friends, and for positive reinforcement training.
I am thankful for everything my dogs teach me.
I am thankful for dogs who make me laugh, like when they can play on a dime or they insist on curling up on my lap even though they are too big to be a lap dog.
I am thankful for so many things, but at the end of the day, I’m thankful for the little things (I.e. free coffee at work, sharing a snack with my husband, getting a text from a friend) because I believe it is the little things in life that makes the big picture so beautiful.
Trisha says
Ellen Barry: I love you for your correction! I changed it already. And, I’d love to claim an ‘autocorrect’ problem, but not sure I can. Of course I should know it’s “tract” not “track,” but did I still type the wrong thing? Uh, probably. Keep it up, please!
Katy says
I am not thankful for for Yuki-dog’s delicate GI tract, which is the reason for the perfect circle of brown spots in the basement (I am a bit in awe of the perfectness of the circle, though).
I am not thankful for Allie-dog climbing into the laps of my students and french kissing them during my office hours (though I am thankful that she chooses do so to students who seem to find it amusing and adorable).
I am not thankful that autumn weather has brought a return of night anxiety to my 15 year old Claire-dog, because I could really use some sleep. Last night I found myself wondering if I could just dose all of us with her tramadol.
I am thankful for neighbors and friends who text me and propose walks with the dogs, who dog-sit when I have to travel, and who are always ready for a trip to the ice cream parlor, even when it is cold outside.
I am thankful for my students who honestly want to learn and who remind me regularly that I can make a positive difference in the world.
I am thankful for the internet, which allows us to connect with people like the ones on this blog, and give us a bigger community.
And of course, I am thankful for the dogs and the bearded dragon who bring me such joy, companionship, and fun.
Gayle Hunter says
I am NOT thankful for the randomly but strategically placed litter covered cat poop; because dog food and chewies are not nearly filling enough, that I discover painfully upon awakening because everyone needs to go out RIGHT NOW (at 4am).
I am thankful for discovering a new depth of relationship with my dogs and a tiny glimpse into their amazing olfactory world through Nosework. (And for all the friends we’ve made along that journey).
Paige says
Not thankful for shorter days. Even the long days go by too quickly.
Thankful for new beginnings…families that blend and change.
Thankful for work that challenges and allows me to help others. (As a Hospice Nurse I could wear white pants and not worry about pyr hair)
Thankful for time with my dad who survived his transplant. Even though cancer has returned he is doing great fairly well and reminds me how precious time is.
Thankful for this group.
Kat says
I am Not thankful that the prospect of a day spent trying to coordinate a Thanksgiving fun time with my mother-in-law prompted me to remind my adult and nearly adult children that they needed to help me keep my stress under control. I am Thankful that said children replied to this reminder with canine calming signals which totally cracked me up. I am Thankful that our psycho bitch from hell prompted all of us to learn calming signals. I am Not thankful that her early life damaged her to the extent that we had to learn calming signals to help her. I am Thankful that the older cat Meowzart now feels secure enough with psycho bitch Finna to come downstairs even when she’s inside. I am Not thankful that this increased comfort with her means she thinks she can treat Meowzart like she does the younger cat, The Great Catsby, and try to chase him. The Great Catsby treats it as a fun game Meowzart thinks it is terrifying. I am Thankful that the critters live harmoniously for the most part. I am not sure whether or not I am thankful that when the cats have a squabble both dogs feel a compelling need to put a stop to it; sometimes it results in peace other times it means the dogs squabble over who gets to make the cats stop fighting. Most of all I am Thankful for all those who love me whether they have two legs, four legs, or fins and for all they joy we share. (And I’m thankful that right now no one is sitting on my shoulder, arms, or lap meaning I was able to type easily)
Kathy R says
I am Not thankful for the inconsiderate use of fireworks that turn my Border Collies into shivering jello. However, for my 13 yo., the ticking sound my siding makes as it cools on these cold nights does the same thing.
I am Not thankful for the leaves still falling from the tree in my backyard that stick like Velcro to my dogs fur until they are in the house then magically release requiring daily vacuuming/sweeping.
(I am thankful for the great vacuum cleaner I have that does a good job cleaning all the leaves and fur)
Also not thankful for those same leaves making it difficult to see the dogs poo. (And I do pick up every day)
I Am thankful for the people I work with as a foster for a Border Collie rescue. They are an amazing group of volunteers.
I Am thankful for the vast amount of information and help available on the internet that allowed me to treat my oldest dogs allergy to the yeast her skin was producing. After losing most of her fur she is now back to a beautiful coat with no drugs, just a new diet.
I am thankful for my foster failure, a now 5 1/2 month old Border Collie puppy, I was able to adopt. She is keeping me and my 2 other BC’s ages 13 & 9 active and happy! I’d be even more thankful if she would “get” the whole pooping should be done outside thing!
And, I am thankful for the great tips, advice in your blog and books you have out there Patricia. They are a great tool.
Anna Halford says
Not-thankful :
– Colleagues’ inaccuracy in throwing toys for my dog, Loki, resulting in a small fortune of dog toys lost in the lake
– Shortage of open spaces in Goma, DRC, where Loki the lurcher can stretch out his legs as he needs to
– People thinking that banging on car windows to make the dog bark is funny
Thankful:
– Loki’s nearly-effortless transition from a small Scottish island to a large Congolese city
– Colleagues who like to play with my dog
– Online dog-toy shops
– The policeman who gamely agreed, despite his fear of dogs, to try feeding Loki a biscuit, and who giggled like a little boy as he did so.
Mary Scholz says
I am just thankful for my dogs. I cannot imagine a life without them. Everything else is insignificant.
The Dog Listener says
I am NOT thankful for my foster dogs’ consistent belief that room-sized rugs are the ultimate pee pad. No matter how many foster dogs I’ve had (I’m currently fostering #18 and #19), how many replacement rugs I buy, and how many real pee pads I put out–not to mention frequent trips outside and a dog door into the back yard–the dogs always prefer the rugs.
I AM thankful that I can provide long-term foster care for senior dogs too old and sick to be adopted. They don’t take much more time than caring for my own dogs–except when they pee on the rug.
martha says
Good day all. gettin’ chilly up here in Toronto.CANADA
My Thankfulness
*A few Good Friends of various ages who appreciate and understand my wildly querky sense of humour and my passion for kindnessess to others.
*My most excellent sons.
*That at my age I have the ” Dog of my heart” *MacDuff. my own pup. now 4 years old. a black lab, but bet his mama is part hound whhhooowhoooooo. *My hiking companion in all weather,a snuggler of his own accord. welcome sharee of Popsicles and apples.
~~~~~~~~~☆
now the unthankful part
time. where did it go?? wha’ happened????
my health sh*t BUT I still #getoutstayoutexplore daily.
Not interested in cold weather anymore. Though quite happy with snow. big blizzards. cutting winds. but nasty cold and dampness (which has barely started here) (our Autumn has been an extended magnificence) that,i can do without!
not thankful that I lost the spare car keys and now must pay a freaking amount of money to get a new set! drat
btw
Thankful that each day I can find a bit of sunshine.
Thankful to see so many that adore their canine companion.
All my best
Kelly Schlesinger says
I am thankful for my two friendly border collies and for my visiting family members who all adore them.
I am not thankful that the family lets the young BC crawl all over them and yet thankful that they all call him a “snuggle bunny.”
I am not thankful for the epilepsy that plagues BC’s and that my older dog has suffered with it for eight years. I am thankful for the great vets and drugs that have allowed me to have him for these eight years.
I am thankful to you, Patrica McConnell, for sharing your knowledge and humor with us all, and for this blog and the wonderful people who post such interesting things and make me laugh.