The downhill holiday slide has begun: Cook everything you can think of for Thanksgiving dinner! Get an early start on Christmas cards to get them on sale! Order Christmas presents that have to be mailed soon! Decide what to give to everyone else, including the dogs! Start Christmas cooking! Work on future blogs about good Christmas books for dog lovers, and avoiding canine stress over the holidays! Be joyous and full of cheer!
Or, the only important thing: Give thanks. Be thankful. Celebrate Thanks Giving. That’s my focus today, and I’ll keep the warm light of gratitude shining within me throughout the end of the year. I hope you’ll join me to celebrate the true and beautiful spirit of this week’s holiday: Giving Thanks.
First, and always, I am thankful for my husband, partner, friend, lover, and man with the greatest eyebrows ever, Jim Billings. Here’s a photo recently taken a few weeks ago by Steve Dahlgren, a great local photographer who specializes in dogs, but is not so bad at using us two-legs as subjects either:
We just turned 74 together, (Born on the same day, same year. Yup, really.), and I am thankful every day of my life that we found each other, twenty-two years ago.
I am thankful for family. Just a few days ago I made last-minute decision to fly to San Antonio to be at my eldest sister’s new book launch and 80th birthday celebration. Wendy Barker is a celebrated poet and creative writing teacher, and I am over the moon proud to be her sister. I left at 6:30 AM Friday morning, met my niece, Wendy Piatt (and singer Sweetlove), who also came (from LA, also at the last minute, no small thing), flew home Saturday morning at 5:31 AM. It was magical. Here they both are, before Wendy’s reading:
And from Jim’s side of the family, here’s granddaughter Quinne at a Halloween party, who we got to visit in upstate New York, along with son Shane, daughter-in-law Rachael, and grand kids Taylor and Quinne:
And, of course, the family members who represent why I began this blog in 2008, Skip and Maggie (photo also by Steve Dahlgren):
Watching them play is the best part of my day. (Okay, getting in bed at night–did I mention I’m 74?–is a close second.) I don’t have words to say how much I love Maggie’s expressive face. If any dog had a sense of humor, she does.
There’s so much more. So, so much. But I need to move on today, to working on my novel, to getting some boring but important techie stuff dealt with, to working the dogs, and to interviewing someone for my post coming up on December 12th. Although it’s hard to stop, I am going to leave you with only two more photographs.
You may recall that we rehomed Nellie, the perfect cat, because we couldn’t provide her with the life she deserved. I miss her every day. Every single day. And, I am thankful that she is in such a perfect home, and is so happy. I will be grateful to friends Bonita and Fredericka for taking her back as long as I live.
Here’s what we get in return: A stream of beautiful birds at our feeders all day long. They are going to bankrupt me, but they bring me joy throughout the day. Chickadees, Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Downy WPs, Hairy WPs, Red-bellied WPs, Doves, Finches, Bluejays, Sparrows, and who knows else will surprise us over the winter. Here’s a White-Breasted Nuthatch and a Downy Female at their favorite feeding station.
There is time, always, for one more statement of gratitude: It’s to you, dear readers, who inspire and challenge and delight me every week. I wish I had a photo of you all!!!
I hope you have the time to join me, and let our international, dog-loving village know what you are grateful for. Even just one little thing. I will read every thing you write, over and over again.
With love and gratitude,
Trisha
Chris Carilli says
I am thankful that 8 years ago I was able to fulfill a childhood dream and “buy the farm”, and that my dear boyfriend puts up with all the chaos, critters and my “crazy dog friends”.
Cathy Withall says
I am grateful for a stable home, our four amazing dogs, our field where they can run safely, and for my beyond wonderful, supportive husband who trails round the country with me while I chase my dreams of competing in agility at Crufts. He is one of those rare gifts, who has supported me through difficult times, and has taken joy in watching me grow in confidence through the years until I can do things that once upon a time I would never have dreamed of.
Abigail Karth says
I am just thankful. My life is good. My children are good and my dog and my cat they are good. What more can I ask!
Lisa Small says
I am so thankful for our 4 yo 12 lb Irish Jack Russell terrier Phoebe. She makes us chuckle every day, keeps me as nimble as a 75 yo 2-leg can be, and fills our hearts with joy.
MelF says
What a beautiful post of gratitude. I love the picture of you and your husband Jim. What a beautiful photo! I love that your sister is publishing a book at 80! Of course, I am sure she has more, but still, what an inspiration!
I think writing a list of things I am grateful for is in store this week. It will begin with my family and my dogs. (I am a little jealous of the Titmice visiting your feeders. I would love that!)
Jan Z says
I am thankful for my dogs, who continue to ground me and keep me mostly sane (lol) through all the ups and downs and curves in the roads we travel. Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, Trisha, for your posts and perspective on so many things. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Jim and all of your family.
P. J. Grath says
All of your photos are wonderful, but I love, love, love the one of you and Jim! It gave me a broad, happy smile. I lost the love of my life last spring, but when I see happy old couples still enjoying life together, I don’t feel bitter but instead I remember all the years my love and I were fortunate to have together and the beautiful life we were able to make, and I feel joy that other people are having that, also. Yes, I give thanks for all the years we had, as long as we had each other, and now I give thanks for family and friends who care for me and support me in my solitude-with-puppy, the 11-month-old Aussie my dear husband gave me only weeks before he was called away from me. Life isn’t always easy, but there has been and there continues to be joy in the morning. I am 74, also, and thankful for the good health that allows me to get out in the fields and woods of Michigan and the desert range of southeast Arizona, dog running joyfully ahead and coming back again and again to check up on me.
Lainy Young says
I am thankful for my family and friends and esp. my dogs who keep me going, tho they’re getting older, still manage to make me smile everyday. I am also thankful for you Trish, for your knowledge and that you share that knowledge with all of us.
Happy holidays to you, Jim Maggie and Skip.
Lisa says
I am beyond grateful that our 15-year-old Cairn terrier is recuperating at home with us this morning after a successful surgery yesterday to remove a soft tissue sarcoma from his foreleg. His amazing oncologic surgeon, Joanne Tuohy, was able to remove the tumor AND save the function of his leg, even though the tumor was wrapped around tendons. He is a tough little guy and doing great. This is all a wonderful answer to prayers from his fan club!
MinnesotaMary says
My gratitude is for my continued ability to give to the community, a thing that brings my heart so much joy. Providing doggy love through pet therapy to hospice patients, fostering dogs so they can find a great home, and helping out my friends and neighbors when they need.
Terry Long says
At age 70 I am grateful that over 30 years ago I stumbled upon the world of professional dog trainers that led me to my post- Corporate America career in dogs and their people. Such a stroke of good luck I am forever grateful for. We are a passionate bunch, and as I looked at your happy photo, I smile as many other happy faces cross my memory of all the time we spent together working for the dogs. It is who we are and for that I am grateful.
Terry Cuyler says
I am also 74 …and a half and I’m thankful for the health to hike and camp with my old Labrador in the Sierra Nevadas. He’s 13.5 but hanging in there I’m thankful for my new granddaughter Quinn who will have her first Christmas with us this year. My husband and I have had 47 years together and still going.
I’m thankful I got to meet you several times at APDT conferences when I was a working dog trainer – now retired. So fun. I’m kinda of a ‘groupy’.
Robbin says
I love the pictures and your comments!I am grateful for grandbabies that make me smile, and my little border collie that fills my day with laughter with her mischief. For naturein all its glory, and family and friends that help me make it through the hard things.
Debbie Shelton says
Next week, I will have practiced as a nurse practitioner for 30 years caring for some of the poorest patients in Northeast Arkansas. I am so thankful for such a nurturing, giving career. Four years ago, we brought an 8 month old female German Shepherd into our empty nest. I am so thankful for Josie. She was a terror with an incredible prey drive. However, it was through her training and recoup from a tough, early life that I met a trainer and learned the incredible secrets of obedience, play and the actual joy of dog ownership. I have had dogs all of my life and never knew the basics! I am so grateful for the opportunity to have a trusting, loving relationship with my Josie who is my best friend! I have devoured all the suggested readings from this blog along with all your books. Please know how thankful I am for those who God blessed with the compassion, passion, writing skills and motivation to teach the rest of us the true joy of dogs,
Nana~Mary says
Hi Trisha,
I am thankful to be in this life. I’m a Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma SURVIVOR, 9+ years! I was put into a research study and got the GOOD drug! It wasn’t an easy road to travel, as the immunotherapy nearly killed me. But I’m still here, for better or worse!
I’m thankful for my family, my awesome husband of 47 years, three amazing adults, the best daughter-in-law one could ask for, and two darling granddaughters. They all keep me full of hope and laughter.
I’m thankful for my canine “children,” a 9 year old Cavalier King Charles and a 2 year old West Highland Terrorist!! They make me laugh every day and keep me moving. The Cavi has health issues, but she’s holding her own. The Westie? Well, she’s a Westie. She’s just a breath of fresh air that I love with every part of my heart.
I’m thankful for you, dear Trisha! You have taught me so much about dogs, and you’ve brought a wonderful group of readers into my vision who have shown me so much about their lives. I also love the fact that I am familiar with the places you mention in your blog, as we live in the same general area of Wisconsin.
And now, it’s time to start prepping for Thanksgiving dinner. It will be a small group this year, as our son and his family will be out of town and our daughter will be working a shift at the hospital. But the four of us left at the table will be happy to share the meal together, and we’ll be thankful for all of God’s blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope this holiday season is magical for you all!
Cathy Landon says
I am thankful for so many things, especially my kids, grandkids and dogs but I am also thankful for the people who study and share their knowledge about dogs with me. You are one of them. I saw you speak at the APDT conference years ago and your wisdom and down to earth approach to living with and teaching our dogs was invaluable. For too many reasons to list here, you and your colleagues changed my life. Thank you!!
Barbara Long says
I am grateful that my mother, at 93, is CNN still going strong. Ambrose, my big, mushy Gordon Setter is aging gracefully at almost 14. My English Cocker, Rhona, turning into a great dog and loves training. I have gotten some health issues under control this year and am feeling better than I have in ages.
Thank you for all you do for dogs and their people.
Orietta says
I’m grateful being alive, in apparent good health, with a family who cares about me and my dog who reminds me every day that we must be joyful every single morning when we open our eyes to a new day! Happy Thanksgiving week to all of you!
LisaW says
I did the “Tootsie experiment” and covered up Jim’s eyebrows. They sure do make an admirable difference. You are a very handsome couple.
I am thankful that this year of transition is coming to a close, and we are all still healthy, safe, and mostly sound. Thankfully, we had the choice of moving from one beautiful place to another and landing in a welcoming community with such geographical and artistic beauty and found a house with so much character that we almost seem dull!
I’m thankful after a few wrong turns, I found a job I really like that challenges my critical and creative brain, and I get to work with a bunch of people that truly love what they do. (If anyone has a chance to work with/for a philosopher, I highly recommend it.)
I’m thankful that after almost 14 years (wow), Olive is still spunky and opinionated as ever and is more and more snuggly everyday. Her resilience is a constant amazement as is her cleverness. We were able to move gradually, so she has come to realize this isn’t a vacation house, and she seems to really like it here.
I’m thankful for my husband of one year and my partner of almost 43 years. And, I’m thankful we are going to have a little birthday lunch tomorrow with my mom who will be 99. (We decided surprising her was too risky 😉
And last but not least, I’m thankful that my bff since third grade and her family are coming to visit for the weekend. They’ll be our first guests and one of the reasons we moved a bit closer to friends and family.
And, I’m thankful I get to write it all down here. Happy Thankful Season everyone.
Michelle says
I am thankful for YOU, your past, present, and future, your generous sharing of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. You have made me a better dog mom!
Charlotte Kasner says
Congratulations and what wonderful pictures.
I am convinced that dogs have a sense of humour too and I don’t care if anyone thinks that it anthropomorphic!
Dom says
I am grateful for so many thing but for this post, I am grateful to you! Starting with “the Other End of the Leash” which changed my relationship with all dogs thereafter, to you blog which gives me a boost of knowledge and sense of community. I am not in the training business and my friends are not at all interested in the doggy details. 😁. You have 15 years on me and you are a constant inspiration of living life fully. I am an only child with no elders of my own so thank you for your honesty of the challenges of aging and working through it. You’ve had a big positive impact on my life.
Anne-Marie says
I am thankful for the wonderful animals I have had, and the new dog that is in my future. I am also thankful for family and friends, lovely places I have lived and traveled to. So many things really, including this blog and all the wonderful people that commented.
Kat says
I’m thankful for these two https://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/52429013763/in/album-72177720302293037/ Falkor Bash and D’Artagnan and for all the joy and adventures they’ve brought me and so many others. They get us out to explore and I’m often surprised when I share the photos from these adventures just how many people are enjoying following along as we explore new parks and trails. I’m thankful that I discovered that I can tell more about how 7 year old D’Artagnan is feeling by how 20 month old Falkor treats him; when Falkor is extremely respectful it’s time D’Artagnan has another visit with his ortho vet for some chiropractic massage. And I’m very thankful for his ortho vet and her magic hands. After his last visit he felt so good he was the one begging Falkor for some more race and wrestle! I’m thankful that D’Artagnan is a wise and empathetic Therapy Dog. I love watching people’s faces when they see him. I’m thankful for being able to make the world a little better by my actions and my choices. And I’m thankful for you and your blog, although maybe not as thankful as my dogs are. This community has made me a much better partner to my dogs.
Tiffany Yates Martin says
I don’t comment often, but I’ve been a fan for quite a while, and yours are one of a very few newsletters I read fully every week. Thank you for sharing your work and your passion for dogs–it’s helped me understand my own so much better.
Sabena says
I’m thankful for my beautiful dog Bindi. I adore her and she brings so much joy into my life. I’m very appreciative of you and other wise dog people who help me be as good a companion as I can be to my four legged. Thank you.
I’m thankful for dear friends and family, and for a healthy body.
Lynn Ungar says
What wonderful photos!
Thankful for so many things, but I’ll limit myself to two: The wonderful LIMA Beings community that continues to inspire and challenge me to bring LIMA principles into all of my life. And my hilarious, brilliant, eager, headstrong, naughty, athletic, affectionate Demon Spawn puppy.
Linda Lipinski says
Thankful for another inspirational post from you!
Barb Stanek says
Thanks for you, Trish! You have given me years — perhaps decades — of useful info, a shared love of dogs and humans, and a generous dose of humor and good will! I remember the first seminar of yours that I went to. I think it was in Wausau, and you brought dogs and helpers! Then there were the books and facinating radio program with Larry — I knew people who didn’t even have pets who enjoyed the broadcast! The last seminar that I attended will stay with me forever. Not only were you brilliant, but it was the first time that I heard the incomparable Ken Ramirez. What treasured gifts you have given me, Trish. Thank you.
Trisha says
Awww, Barb you are so kind!
Nana~Mary says
For Kat –
Thanks for including the pictures…I’ve always wondered what D’Artagnan looked like!
Rebecca Ruggiero says
This is my first time posting, but I have been a fan for a long time, like many others. I am thankful for all the ways you share your wisdom in such a kind, honest, and insightful way. I have heard you speak a few times, including many years ago (in Vermont, I think?) when you were using an old-fashioned slide projector to show pictures, and somehow the projector fell over and your slides scattered over the floor. You handled this minor catastrophe with humor and grace–gave everyone an unexpected coffee break while a few of us helped pick up and sort your slides. I remember you mentioning Luke during that talk, and your love for him (and all your dogs) shone through as you helped us learn more about how to understand how dogs communicate. Truly, you’re an inspiration!
Tonight I met a dear friend at our emergency clinic and sat with her as she said good-bye to her heart dog of the past 15.5 years. It was gut-wrenching, yet she was so grateful for the decade and a half of joyous love that she had shared with her best friend. I am thankful that I was able to simply sit with her during these hard moments.
And I am thankful for my family, including a husband who, despite claiming not to be a “dog person,” lovingly shares our house with a pack of four dogs, and even lets them share the bed.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Maxwell Muir says
Looking good Tricia and Jim!
Greetings from Scotland!
Me o creamy treats says
Thankful for another inspirational post from you!