I’m already feeling that “holiday buzz,” during which it’s easy to fall into feeling pressured about the special dinners and the houseguests and the gift list. I’m not immune, but one of the ways I try to counteract it is to stop and savor the multiple things that I am thankful for. Here’s my own list, at least as it relates to my life with animals. I will read yours with pleasure and gratitude when I settle down several times a day with a cup of warm tea, and Tootsie snuggled on my tummy.
I am grateful for Maggie’s ridiculous postures on the couch when she tries to seduce us into rubbing her belly for yet another fifteen minutes. Every time she goes all bendy on us, turning her body into something resembling a furry paperclip, Jim and I can’t resist laughing.
I am grateful for Tootsie’s responsiveness to her recall cue, so that we can take her outside and finally, after seven years in a prison cell, give her some freedom and autonomy.
I am grateful that the huge lump that was excised an hour ago from in between Willie’s toes is probably a cyst instead of a tumor. Yes, it’s true that it looked a lot like the malignant tumor that was removed from his uncle’s leg years ago, but I’m going with the cyst diagnosis for now. I am grateful that a martini tonight might help me concentrate of the cyst probability.
I am grateful for the support of my super agent, Jennifer Gates, who as I write is shepherding my memoir through the world of high powered publishing. Jennifer is one of the best things that has ever happened to me—The Other End of the Leash would never have happened without her, and she has been even more essential to me while I worked on my memoir. Stay tuned, I might have some news about that soon (paws crossed all around).
I am grateful for my friend and partner Jim in a million ways, but I’ll focus now on all the times he read drafts of my memoir and gave me insightful feedback. I am a lucky woman.
And, from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to you, dear readers, who enrich my life and allow this fascinating, global conversation about two of the world’s most interesting animals—people and dogs. In addition, I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention that there is a sale going on now on my website; I hope it allows some of you to stock up. (I have always resisted commercial comments on this blog, but my staff feels the need to remind me that, sometimes, people appreciate being told.) Think of it as a thank you for supporting the perspective that our relationship with dogs should be a joyful and cooperative one.
I look forward to cozying up and reading what you are grateful for right now. I hope you and yours have a long list.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: It’ll be interesting keeping Willie’s paw dry and clean for the next week or so. The incision has to stay open to drain, and it’s a muddy mess outside now. We’ll get creative with socks and vet wrap no doubt. I’ll keep you posted. Luckily he doesn’t seem to be licking it much, but I’ll have to keep a close eye on it. He is not a dog who would quickly learn to tolerate a cone, but I have one of the ‘neck roll’ types that I can use if need be. I’m going with socks and vet wrap when we’re inside for now; we’ll see how it goes.
Willie is not grateful for the sock:
Happy Thanksgiving!
Carolyn H. says
I am grateful for things that make my heart smile – usually dogs and people.
I am grateful for things that challenge and expand my thinking – usually dogs and people.
I am grateful for things that teach me about living – usually dogs and people.
I am grateful for things that provide the opportunity for introspection and soul-searching – do I need to repeat it again?
Trisha says
Heart Smile? Love it! Thanks Carolyn.
Clementine says
I am grated for our most amazing BelgianMalinois, who haprovento be ten best family dog, cuddler, worker bee and more. They warned me about Belgians. They were wrong.
lynn says
I love that photo of your family, Trish. And your writing, which has been transformative, comforting, and eye-opening for me.
Took my young and silly dog up to the hills today for a hike. She has not exactly figured out this whole “hiking off-leash” thing yet, and thinks the point is to sprint as fast as she can away from me, then screech to a halt and flip around, then sprint as fast as she can back to me. While doing any part of this, she tends to get completely over-excited and start simply zooming in circles, so it is basically just a huge explosion of canine joy. Good for the heart as well as all the muscles involved in laughing.
Debby Gray says
I am grateful for those who even in a world that seems to be oozing bad news at every turn, there are those who work in a positive way to bring peace to our fractious world.
I am grateful for my dog MeMe and grateful for the fact that I can barely smell the Eau De Skunk from her most recent encounter a month ago.
I am grateful for good neighbors and good friends.
I am grateful for this blog which brings me so many insights about dogs and humans and their interactions.
I am grateful there is so much more to be grateful for!
Linda says
In addition to amazing family and friends, and the 2 older springer spaniels who have given me countless hours of love and laughter, I am so thankful to the MAESSR organization(of whom I have adopted from and volunteer for) for believing that I was the best mommy for little Boo 8 months ago. He was a way too skinny, anxious, OCD, 2 year old, whose foster mom said he wasn’t ready to adopt out yet but she thought he would be great with me. Little did I know that after a few challenging months of giving him love, patience, discipline – in that order – an absolutely amazing dog would be mine for his lifetime – there are not enough words. He goes from being an amazing companion, finder, retriever, field boy outside to a, yes, I never thought I would see it in a Springer – lap dog! I am so thankful for MAESSR believing that I would give this little boy the best home!
Kat says
I am grateful that all of my Thanksgiving shopping is done despite several last minute changes of plan and required additions to the menu. I’m thankful that my family is able to laugh at the absurdity that comes with last minute changes of plan and newly required menu items and that even though our Thanksgiving no longer bears any resemblance to the day we’d planned and were looking forward to we’re all able to go with the flow and still enjoy things.
I’m grateful for Ranger and all the love he spreads through his therapy dog work and for his steady companionship. I’m grateful for Finna and all she’s taught me and for how far she’s come even if she still has a long way to go.
I’m thankful that when The Great Catsby decides to bolt out the door I can send Ranger and Finna to round him up and bring him back inside. I think it is beautiful to watch them herd the cat as a team although I suspect he has a much different view on the subject. And lest someone think he’s unhappy as an indoor only cat he seems to actively enjoy being herded by one dog since he’ll sit in the middle of the yard outside the door and wait for me to send a dog. He just gets frustrated if I send both because it’s two against one, lol.
And I’m grateful that Meowzart is much more tolerant of the dogs than he used to be. I know it was completely unfair of us to bring canine monsters into his peaceful life.
And finally I’m thankful for this blog and for all the things I’ve learned from you, Trisha, and from the many thoughtful comments.
LisaW says
I’m thankful for being asked to take a minute and think about gratitude.
I’m grateful that my dog Olive would start every night upstairs but soon come downstairs where I was sleeping after my hip replacement and snuggle into my shoulder for the night. She made me feel truly loved.
I’m grateful that I can now move upstairs with the rest of the family and my healing is coming along well.
I’m grateful that the two people and two dogs who make up our family can adjust to a different rhythm when one of us is not up to snuff, and as a group, we can slow down or start over if one of us needs help.
I’m thankful that there is a good restaurant nearby that puts together delicious turkey dinners to go, and we will be enjoying them with friends.
I’m grateful I found your books and your blog and you and all of us who share our lives with each other through this medium called the internet. Thank you.
Susan Bassett says
Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for the many seemingly small things that make up each day. The hummingbirds who survived the huge windstorm, the warm rough tongue that awakens me when breakfast is two minutes after stomach time, new snow on the mountains, sunshine, and friends near and far. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Sharon Anderson says
I am grateful for being drawn into the world of rescued dogs – for Jo-Jo, Stevie, Odie, Lily, Remmie, and foster dogs Jenny, Dakota, and little deaf Oliver (he is still looking for a forever home!). I am grateful for Another Chance for English Setters, Our English Setter Rescue, Every Dog Counts Rescue, Fluffy Dog Rescue, and several other minor players. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help dogs find their way to loving, kind homes.
Gordon says
I thankful that, even though this past year has presented some enormous challenges, I’m still able to be thankful.
Mary Stevens says
As always, I’m thankful for my dogs! They are the best part of my world.
Also, a great trick for keeping a paw dry is Press’N’Seal wrap. Not regular plastic wrap but the Press’N’Seal sticks to any bandage and to itself yet can be easily peeled away. Hope it helps!
widogmom says
I am grateful for my husband and my dogs, who are wonderful hiking, camping, and couch companions; I am grateful that my mule, Pete, who is ~ 33 years old, has wonderful caregivers and a great herd to be part of; at this moment, I am grateful that the worst of the snow missed us; I am grateful that there are wonderful, helpful resources for dog owners on the web (lookin’ at you, Dr. McConnell!); I am grateful for the comments of other dog owners, who are most always helpful and constructive.
Speaking of which, Glad Press N Seal is terrific for keeping bandages dry for short trips outside, and it’s disposable. Good luck with Willie’s recovery and Happy Thanksgiving!
Luisa says
For outside, those sled-d0g style booties work great and last forever. Use one while the other dries… quick link (I’m sure there are a million more). Kept my border collie’s cast clean and dry.
http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/petsupplies/Boots-For-Dogs
Gail says
I’m grateful for Shiloh, our rescue GSD who has taught me patience and a whole new world of dog training. And I’m grateful for folks like Patricia McConnell, Sophia Yin, Ian Dunbar, Debbie Jacobs and my wonderful trainer (Ellen Rassiger) for providing me the information I so desperately need to keep my pup feeling safe and making her the best girl she can be. She’s getting there one furry paw at a time. It’s never easy but you make it just a tad easier by being there and understanding how difficult it can be to provide a fearful pup a safe place in this world.
Lois Steckelis says
And, you should be grateful for that area rug, it’s vibrantly BEAUTIFUL!
Alison says
I am grateful for Calvin, our Border Collie/Shepherd mix, who is afraid of strangers (and many other things), and has an impressive (and unfortunate) bite history. He has brought immeasurable joy and friendship to me, taught me more than I knew was possible, and shown me the way to my true calling in life, which is all about dogs. Even if I’m only ever able to realize that calling through being his human, I will have lived well. I’m also so grateful for your work and writing, Patricia. Thank you for sharing it so generously.
Nerissa says
I recently had to say goodbye to my first dog. Over 12 years of delightful companionship. I am thankful for those 12 years, his love, the bond formed, & all the memories I get to relive now. I am thankful for Sampson.
Catherine says
I’m grateful that my 3 men and all 8 dogs are healthy. Mostly grateful that northern Vermont has been very warm while I house train the new Havanese puppy.
Bruce says
I am grateful for many things, including this thought-provoking and heartwarming blog. Dog-specific gratitude includes:
Red Dog’s pure and unadulterated joy of life: racing around the dog park at warp speed; hiking for hours in the woods; recalling exuberantly (um, almost always); leaping into my lap for a snuggle; and, when she is done for the day, curling up like a short-haired croissant on the couch, usually pressed against at least one human and a dog or two.
Sammy’s increasing comfort with the world: she has become quite the social butterfly when we are out and about; she occasionally initiates play at the dog park; and has become sooo much better about not barking her fool head off when we have visitors (she did great with the nephews at Thanksgiving).
I am grateful that dogs remind us to enjoy the simple pleasures of life: Splashing through a puddle! Chasing a ball! Greeting our loved ones! Stretching! The warmth of the sun!
Dogs live their life in exclamation points.
Frances says
We don’t have Thanksgiving in the UK, but I wake up grateful every day – a whole day to do as I like and no office looming! And today I am particularly grateful because I have finally tackled all the filing and the paper work and got it very nearly up to date. Sophy is grateful that I finally gave in and agreed with her that it was far too wet and windy for a walk this afternoon. Pippin-cat is grateful for the sole use of a warm sofa, now all the visitors have gone home. Tilly-cat is making the most of a pile of clean clothes up in my bedroom. And Poppy is waiting to be grateful for me putting my computer away so that she can get back onto my lap!
Theresa B says
I am thankful for my Aussie pups breeder…. We lost one of our Aussies Kodak unexpectedly last year at the young age of 8yrs, we were devastated. ironically the week he passed his breeder text me to let me know she was picking up his “brother”, the human parents were divorcing an no longer wanted him… Even though our hearts were heavy and we weren’t quite ready (they looked almost identical) after a few mths we decided to bring “Max” into our family…. We believe he is a gift from “Kodak”. His silly antics and sweet personality keep us laughing daily! He is healing our hearts and bringing the joy back Into our lives. Our other Aussie Rosco whom we rescued three years ago is also blossoming, even though he is 9yrs he’s showing a side we never knew… Dogs are such a blessing and no matter the age they continue to amaze!! We now realize Older dogs are worth taking a chance on!! We are grateful everyday!! ??
Rachel says
I am greatful for a cat sleeping on my lap and 2 dogs sleeping on the couch next to me. I am greatful that my very fearful girl, Breeze, is able to truly relax and not be shut down as she snoozes on the couch on her back after 3 years. I am greatful for the people that cheer me on, and lift me up. And most of all I am greatful for my husband who is working and allowing me to take some much needed time off from work to find myself again.
Ron Bevacqua says
I am so thankful for my wife and family. And I am blessed to be able to be around dogs every day as a professional dog trainer. When I think of these blessings …….LOVE IS THE WAY I WALK IN GRATITUDE!
Mireille says
What a perfect ladylike pose Maggie has! Lovely, she got me smiling allright! Pfff keeping our fingers crossed that it is indeed a being cyst for Willy.
What I am grateful for? I’ve given it a lot of thinking in those past days, especially since someone told me he noticed a profound change about me – for the good. And I think Spot played a significant role in that.
Spot is not a perfect dog, far from it. He is a difficult dog, leash puller, avid hunter, suffering from severe Siberian Husky deafness (yeah, I know you said something but hey, there are much more interesting things going on over there…) and he is reactive on leash to lots of other dogs..
And yet… I love him dearly and I just know he loves me. Although I am not a perfect owner as well. I have lost my patience with him,yelled at him, yanked his leash, got really frustrated with him. In part because last year I had a serious back injury and his leash pulling was hurting me. At the time I sat crying in the night, because I couldn’t see how I could keep my dog if my injury didn’t get better. I felt I had to choose between my dogs and my health.
But slowly, step by step, things have gotten better. My back is a lot better, Spot is not as extreme pulling. Real progress started when I saw again what a sweet dog he is. When I allowed that into our training, instead of focussing on his stubbornness and the imperfections of my training capacities. When I began thinking of it as a mutual journey.
I realised that our love, in spite of our mutual imperfections, is stronger than ever. And somehow, deep down in me, something went “click” and I could finally love myself despite my own imperfections.
And I am also grateful to you Trisha, for this blog helps me especially finally helping me find a way to teach loose leash walking in a manner that WORKS for my sibes ;-).
Grateful for the Dutch dog forum which gave me 3 dear dog-loving friends. Grateful to Shadow, for making me smile, playing with me, working like a champion in dog scent classes (which also boosted my confidence – I can train a dog!)
Kathy says
I’m grateful after living alone all my adult life and after retiring at age 65, I finally could have a pup , which I had wanted all my life! I waited because my job kept me away from home a lot. Having Lola is even more wonderful than I had imagined. All my know-it-all “when I get my dog I’m not gonna ” rants have gone right out the window. She owns the couch, she owns the bed, I’ve fixed her up a window seat in my craft room so she can enjoy looking out the window while I spend time at my desk. She was supposed to be a little runt 15 pound cattle dog mix…and now 2 and a half years later that very fit and athletic little monkey, at 43 pounds, owns my heart! Like fee is good!
lak says
I am grateful for my dog NOEL, who I rescued 3 years ago, but who had rescued me in so many ways. Truly grateful everyday for this wonderful animal! I am also grateful I found this blog. Thank you.
Jennifer Whiten says
I am grateful for the blessing of a beautiful new marriage at 45 years old, and for a special dog that came into my life about 6 months ago. She is a young liscensed autism service dog, that, due to a variety of circumstances did not work out for her previous owner and special needs boy, She was miraculously given to me. I train dogs, but I can assure you this sweet girl is teaching me every day. I truley thank God that I get to be in her precense every day.
Bless you all this Christmas.