I often write about what I’m thankful for throughout the year, but a holiday titled “Thanksgiving” focuses a person’s attention. I’ve spent a lot of time swaddled with thanks since last Thursday, and I don’t want to give it up. So I’m asking you to grace us with your list, understanding that lists change every day. But right now, at this moment in time, tell us what you are thankful for, big and small, long-term or fleeting. I’ll add your comments to what I am thankful for. Truly.
First, Last and Forever, I am grateful to Jim–my husband, my friend, my witness, my partner, my lover, my farmer, my never-complaining-about-the-dogs-taking-over-our-lives man. I would be lost without you.
I am thankful for the love between Maggie and Skip. One of my goals for 2020 was to find a new dog who was a good sheepdog and who got along well with Maggie. Skip and Maggie flirted like cartoon characters in a Disney movie when they first met, and played like best friends until Skip’s rude play style put Maggie off. (One of his nicknames is D___ Head because he thought body slamming Maggie was REALLY FUN!!!).
Getting them back to playing together actually took months of work (more on that soon, I promise), but now they play tug and a new game–“Run with a toy in both our mouths as long as we can.” They mouth fence and paw each other in the living room so sweetly that I half expect them to light up a cigarette when they’re done. Their love affair has brought me more joy than I can say, and I will always be thankful for it.
I am thankful for many seemingly small things, like my Sweet Pea tea cup. It’s just a thing, an object, and no doubt, clumsy as I am, it’ll break someday and life will go on. But it makes me happy and reminds me every day that true happiness is often found in appreciating the “little things.”
I am thankful for Nellie and her daughter Polly. Nellie is perhaps the most social, engaging cat I have ever known. She loves company, says hello to everyone, hangs out when we have guests outdoors, goes on walks with us, and insists on inspecting the interior of every delivery van that pulls into the driveway. (We’ve learned to do a “Nellie check” before any vehicle drives away.) I wish she could be in the house more, she would love to be. But between my allergies and Skip’s cat stalking behavior, that’s not an option. Her stunningly beautiful daughter Polly, aka Ghost Kitty, keeps her good company when we can’t, and the two of them add to our lives immeasurably.
I am thankful for flowers, and the color they provide, like this Africa Violet blooming in the living room. How is it that it has sparkles on the petals? That’s a real thing, I didn’t add anything–some of the cells on the petals are dome-shaped and scatter light. The flower sparkles in the sun like a 5 year old girl who gets to pick out her own clothes for the day. How amazing is that? It’s just one of life’s little miracles, like fireflies and bioluminescent plankton that should not go unappreciated by us mortals.
I am thankful for our flock. I love sheep, they are admirable animals–they are much tougher and smarter than believed, except by those of us who need to get them into a trailer. This is the matriarch, Lady Godiva, mother of Lady Baa and Beyonce, and a more noble and gracious ewe has never existed. Actually, I suspect that her title should be “Former Matriach.” She has been fading lately, spending time away from the flock (never a good sign). She’s had pneumonia three times in the last 6 months, and I try to split her off from the flock when I work the sheep with the dogs. I am contemplating finding her a pet home (along with Meryl Sheep, who is also very old). She deserves a good retirement, although I will be soppy mess if I send her away.
Here are two of her daughters, Lady Baa Baa and Beyonce, along with the wise and wily Meryl Sheep. Lady Baa Baa inherited her mother’s gentle, noble nature (unless protecting a lamb), but Beyonce and Meryl (middle and far right) would like to write their own scripts, thank you very much. And Beyonce gets more beautiful as she ages. Of course she does.
I could go on. But there are scones to make, emails to answer, books to review, and dogs to train. Here is my last photograph for this week, another African Violet, whose color and tenacity (it’s been blooming nonstop since February) are a symbol to me of the light and life that always exist, no matter how dark the times.
You, dear readers, have been a source of light and life for me through this grim and challenging year. I know this is a trite expression this time of year; I have recently been thanked by Walgreens for our intimate relationship. But I truly mean it. When Jim asks me when I am really going to retire, I explain that this forum is one of my villages, an important one. Many of you, and your dogs, feel like friends. (I would name you, but then I’d leave someone out and feel awful about it all week.)
So thank you for being on this journey with me. I am so very, very grateful.
S says
I am grateful for you, Patricia. You have provided me with such wisdom and insight into dogs in general, and my dog specifically. I really love how open and generous you are with us.
Trisha says
You are too kind S. And really, I am so far from the person I would like to be… but I am trying. All we can do, right?
Margaret says
Challenge accepted. My dogs, first and foremost, along with my cat. Retirement, which means time to spend with them. Our daily walks around Fidler Pond–an old gravel pit turned park. Or the Pumpkinvine, once a railroad. Or the Millrace, once a hydraulic canal (anyone else sensing a theme here?) Friends old and new to walk-and-talk with. If all socializing must be done outdoors it’s best to keep moving in cold weather.
Time to train. A house to live in and take care of. Books to read.
A President-elect who has dogs, and plays with them.
lak says
I am grateful I am recovering from COVID. I am grateful for the internet so when I could finally lift my head off the pillow I could stay in touch with the world. I am grateful for my dog )the greatest dog in the northern hemisphere) who is such a good sleeper that she slept 18 hours a day next to my bed during my recovery, and never pestered me for her much loved walk. I am grateful for all the blogs I follow including this one that has taught me so much about dogs, and sheep. I am grateful for another day in this crazy wild beautiful world!
Trisha says
lak: Oh lordy, thank heavens you are recovering. Sending hugs and cyber chicken soup.
Laura says
I’m, like many others, thankful for this blog. It has provided fun, laughter, and insight over the years and I can’t put into words how much it has meant to me. I’m thankful for my husband Adam. He’s so kind to everyone, and it is his kindness towards other people and animals especially, that make me love him. He has been absolutely wonderful through this entire process of Seamus’s death, even though I know he is grieving too. I’m thankful for my health, that so far, my family has been spared from Covid. I’m praying daily that this continues, as I don’t think I could take someone being in the hospital right now. Please keep my identical twin sister, who is my best friend, in your prayers? She works in a Skilled Nursing Facility, and the entire third floor has Covid patients on it. Still, she cheerfully goes to work every day.
I’m, last but certainly not least, thankful for my dogs. All of my dogs. From my childhood pet, Laddie, who would stand guard in the street as I crossed, barking and stopping any car which came down the road, to Marlin, who taught me what a guide dog could do in my life, to Torpedo, who showed me what it meant to be a quietly loyal pup, and to my Seamus, who was my bright and shining boy, right up until the end. I love them all, and I know that there will be more fuzzy partners in time. Still, even though things are still sad, I’m so thankful that my family is currently safe and healthy, and that all of them are here with me now. Hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving, and give all the pups scratches from me.
Kat says
Thankful first and foremost for my husband who has gracefully accepted the reality of love me love my critters and merely sighs and loves the whatever new one I’ve brought into the house as fiercely as I do. And for my adult children who understand that critters are people, too. Of course I have to mention all the critters that have lived with me throughout my life; they’ve enriched my life immeasurably and taught me so much.
I’m thankful for all the creative ways we’ve dreamed up to try to keep doing what we do as a Therapy Dog team and Therapy Dogs International Chapter. There is a life-sized cardboard D’Artagnan living at a retirement community now and by all reports bringing many smiles. There’s a photo of the real dog with his cardboard doppelganger on Therapy Dogs International Chapter 270’s Facebook page that makes me laugh. D’Artagnan is underwhelmed by his look alike.
I’m grateful that I’ve found ways to continue to engage people in outdoor education field trips despite not being able to do our usual school field trips. Our Family Field Trip Learning Adventures are on Keta Legacy Foundation’s Facebook page. And I’m very grateful for the Parks and Trails Challenge that inspired so many of the learning adventures. A local kids magazine challenged people to visit all 212 parks and popular trails in our county in a year. We’re currently at number 225 because we discovered so many that were missed by the official list. We have one more on the official list left to visit. Getting out and exploring new places was a true sanity saver in 2020. You can see all my photo albums on the Facebook Page 2020 Parks & Trails Challenge Group. We live in a very beautiful place and every so often I capture a photo that almost does it justice.
It’s apparent that despite my many mixed feelings about the site I need to be thankful for Facebook since it has allowed me to stay in touch with and provide content for so many of the things I am passionate about.
And finally I am thankful for the smell of fresh bread, clean cat, wet dog, and air after the rain. I’m thankful for my beautiful Big Leaf Maple trees and the thick carpet of leaves that enriches my soil, provides shelter and food for so many small things and crunches and swishes so wonderfully underfoot. And thankful for my Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, and Blue Spruce that keeps my world from being monochrome in the grey months.
Debby Gray says
I am thankful that in this time of stress and loss there is still so much to be thankful for.
There were the 3 people who knowing I’d be going solo for Thanksgiving offered to “bring me a plate”.
I’m thankful for the electronic marvels that among other things bring us this blog. And for the wisdom that you, Trisha, share with us which then inspire the insights we share with each other. I’m grateful for the several Zoom communities I’m a part of.
I’m grateful to the people who rescued the starving wandering dog who crawled up on their porch and who now snuggles at my side.
Lainy says
Friends and family, my dogs, my health, retirement, beautiful sunrises that give promise of a new day, spectacular sunsets for the peace they instill, my perfect little house, this blog and you for sharing your incredible knowledge.
Wendy S. Katz says
Most of all I’m thankful for every healthy new day with my sweet almost-12-year-old dog who has been burdened with chronic respiratory issues. Her sassiness, intelligence and eloquence in kindly expressing her opinions make me laugh and bring me joy.
I’m grateful for kind neighbors, caring friends and supportive colleagues. I’m thankful again and again for the opportunity to share in the journeys of people who truly care about doing the best for troubled dogs.
I’m thankful for central heating as I sit with my tea, enjoying the first snowfall of the season. I’m grateful for the technology that allows us to stay connected with one another even when we can’t be together in person. I’m thankful for the ability to make tasty things to eat.
I’m thankful for gardens and the many gifts and pleasures they provide. I’m thankful we still have wild places to visit. I’m thankful for my cyclamen, which decided to re-bloom instead of going dormant, offering a cloud of butterfly-like blossoms while the orchids are dormant (I’ve been looking for AGES for an African Violet, but the garden centers offer mainly orchids these days).
Erin Thomsen says
Can’t wait to hear more on how to train “good” play… Vs body slamming. Oof.
Mary Beth Stevens says
So, SO many things to be thankful for! But just the other day I was thinking about our first dog, Suzie, and how very much her addition to our family brought to our lives. I clearly remember bringing her home from her foster home, then sitting in the middle of the living room with her and thinking, “I have absolutely no idea what to do with you.” Thanks to books (yours!) and a terrific trainer, we got over the hump and the learning started – maybe me more than her! Helping her (and then our second dog, Tippy) learn to be the best dogs they could be and being part of giving them the best life possible has been tremendously rewarding. And the insights I’ve gained into critter behavior have helped broaden the way I view my fellow two-leggers. So along with all of my other blessings of love, friends, home, and good health, I’m grateful for what I’ve gained from learning to think like my dogs. I am blessed beyond measure.
LisaW says
I have much gratitude for this village that you’ve made space for, Trisha. This place of trust. I was starting to write a long story of gratitude and realized that it really is trusting that the people in this space will listen, hear, and help when they can. We have a bond that is much like our bond with our dogs. You can’t always know why, but you trust that it’s there for you — tacitly or right out loud. I rely on it more than I knew. You, the myriad visitors, the dogs, the knowledge, the stories, the emotions, and the trust I have in all of it. Thank you.
MaryAnn says
So thankful for all those who love and care for animals. Your gentleness will conquer the world . . . eventually !!! Never despair !!!
Trisha says
Thanks Erin. I’m working on it already… but fyi, it’s more “manage” than “train.”
KC Wilson says
Thank you for this blog, Patricia. I first came to appreciate you through “Calling All Pets” and have been a fan ever since. For that, I am thankful. I am thankful for all the pets in my life and what they taught me, although, at the moment I am without any. I am safe and warm in my home, my husband is always supportive, my grown kids are well and supporting themselves. I have a good network of friends to connect with remotely during this time of Covid.
Trisha says
You nailed it LisaW when talking about trust. My intention for this space was one of curiosity, respect and compassion, and it feels important, and good, that that feels true here. And what is trust without respect, compassion and a dash of curiosity for the heck of it? It does require attention: What you don’t see are the comments I don’t post, which almost always result in an email sent directly to the writer asking if they would like to reframe, restate their thoughts. But the credit goes to the thoughtful and insightful readers who take the time to comment. All we really have is our time, and I’m so very grateful for the people who spend some of theirs here.
Adrienne K. says
I could spend way too much time here if I listed everything I am grateful for. I will start with my husband who is always there for me, who never let me down, who thinks just as I do when it comes to our pets. I am grateful for being as old as I am and enjoying retirement with the person I love in a place where we used to vacation which is now our home. I owe a big thanks to the many, many people who were there for us in our Twelve Step Program who showed us a better way. I am grateful for my brother and his family and all my extended family. As previously mentioned I too am indebted to the technology that keeps us connected even though I sometimes struggle to understand it. I am in awe of all the love my husband and I have received over the years from our many pets long gone but who remain in our hearts. And finally, today and every day I am grateful for our sweet poodle Zasu. She is an incredibly smart, perfect companion. Thank you Trisha for all you do to keep us engaged and together.
Terri Jambor says
The Pandemic has made me realize the important things in life, family and friends. The trips, dinners out and shopping trips are all so trivial compared to the time spent with my husband and our two dogs and one cat. The Zooming with family and friends has brought us all closer together. Knowing how much our pets love having us around all the time, and the joy and love they bring us, are things that cannot be bought. They are priceless. I cannot see me ever returning to my life before the Pandemic. Being at home with those I love and good books are all I need to be happy, not dinners out, shopping or traveling.
Margo says
Thank you Trish…. I love your blog!
BARB STANEK says
Oh, my goodness. I am so glad to count one of my many blessings with you. My nineteen month old Starshine is a multifaced blessing. She joined me and her 9 year old brother as an 8 week old pup. I have not had a dog who is so reasonable! She effortlessly displays qualities that make both Sawyer, her brother, and me better because she lives with us.
Sawyer has a story too long to detail in this post. However, his behavior repitoire at nine included not knowing how to play, not wanting to be touched, and not knowing how to enjoy the company of another dog. Not that he was aggressive or reactive. He was quiet about his distain for canine company. When Star would come to sit next to him, he would simply get up and move.
Here’s where Star’s magic starts to shine. She quietly gets up, follows him to the new spot, and lies down touching him. After about 5 seconds, Sawyer again gets up, moves, and you get the idea.
Fast forward to two weeks ago. Star sat next to Sawyer, touching his hip. He raised his head, looked at me, and then put his head back down. Star lay down too. For the first time since he left his litter, Sawyer cuddled with another dog. Melt my heart. Good job, Sawyer and Starshine.
This morning, Sawyer and Star played with a toy together for the first time. Be still my heart. They played in the best dog way that we all love to watch. After about ten minutes, they started to run. Yes, in the house. So I opened the door, and they took the toy out together and ran! Did I mention that Sawyer doesn’t run with other dogs?
I’m so glad to share these stories with you all. I am also grateful that whatever time Sawyer has left will be spent with another dog that he loves and wants to be withl. Thank you, Starshine.
Alex says
I broke my toe yesterday. As I sat on the floor groaning after catching it in the door and falling I just thought “oh thank you!” Thank you for this dog who came sprinting up the stairs and is now licking my face, this dog who I thought was going to die for six straight months this year. Thank you for this glorious house we just bought, where hopefully we will raise a family. Thank you for my husband that I just married, who I trust completely to take care of me and bring me to urgent care and then mock me for not sitting down when he told me to take a break from unpacking. Thank you thank you that we are all healthy. Thank you that I am safe, in a way that I never imagined I could feel a decade ago. Thank you that I am hobbled *after* the election work of this fall. Thank you for my other dog that is willing to forgo running and walks and agility for awhile until I can walk normally again and who will *consider* acting less cranky while I’m ouchie. Thank you that I am privileged and blessed in a thousand different ways. Thank you for you and this community, who understand when I say that my dogs’ joy in having a giant backyard to frolic in is worth 10 broken toes. Thank you for writing this blog that brings me a smile each and every week. Love <3
Elaine Wallace says
I am so grateful for this blog. So many times it has centered me
I am also grateful for my daughter taking me in while I recover from Covid
I am also incredibly grateful for my friend Adrienne for taking care of my dogs the entire time I have been sick
Barbara Cook says
I am thankful for surviving cancer treatments this year without any terrible side effects. I am also thankful for the wonderful nurses at the Cancer Centre here in London, Ontario. I am thankful for my wonderful husband, partner, friend, chauffeur, care giver who makes me laugh all the time. I am thankful for Face Time so that I can visit with my little granddaughter who lives on Vancouver Island. I am thankful for my daughter and her wonderful dogs who visit with me every week. I am thankful for all my wonderful supportive friends. I am thankful for books and Netflix and gardening. There is so much to be thankful for…..isn’t it amazing!
Jane A says
Just right LisaW! and Patricia your response to LisaW too.
This village that supports and nourishes is a safe place where friends gather and sit nodding at comments they (I) could have written, because we are a group bonded by our love of dogs and respect for one another. The village you work to hold together Patricia, is where I come when I feel lost or alone. I look back through old posts and feel cheered by the glorious pictures, the storys of farm life but most of all, the expressions of love.
Andy says
I’m going to focus on this year, tough as it’s been.
I’m thankful pandemic separation got my family to visit for an hour every week on Zoom. We’ve probably chatted more in the last year than the prior five.
I’m thankful I have a job.
I’m thankful my gloriously obnoxious dog successfully went through radiation treatment for prostate cancer and keeps clearing his checkups. He turned twelve recently and still runs and plays like an inspired idiot.
I’m thankful I got to go through a great certification course with Jim and Renee Ha that meaningfully changed my perspective on canine behavior, and made me a more confident observer and animal care/control policy advocate.
I’m thankful I got attend the Shelter Playgroup Alliance virtual conference, and with it my first Susan Friedman presentations. It was fantastic.
I’m thankful for this blog, which has been so educational and supportive to me for the last ten (!!!) years.
Andy says
Ugh I forgot something but it’s dog-related and I’d still like to include it!
My long-time petsitter has taken on a boarding facility and with it, care for four sanctuary/long-term rescue dogs and six cats. It’s given me an opportunity to put some things I’ve learned about humane care for captive animals into practice, and this weekend I’ll be installing an automatic deer feeder for one dog for enrichment purposes, based on a presentation from class about encouraging foraging behavior in captive bears. If it works well I will install them for other dogs as well.
Sanctuary is tough and most sanctuaries fail eventually, but I am so confident in this group of dog nuts and it’s truly a happy place for me. Very thankful for this opportunity to experiment with quality of life improvements without worrying about exit deadlines or adoptability issues that are always in the forefront of our minds when working at the municipal shelter.
OK, apologies for the extra words!
Mary says
At the very top of my list of gratitudes is my husband of 45 years! He is a true gentleman, and he is the smartest, most supportive person I know. He puts up with a lot, too. My cancer battle left me with issues that only he knows, and he helps me each and every day to rise above them. Speaking of cancer, I am THANKFUL for my life!! I am thankful to be LIVING with Stage IV cancer, not dying from it. Metastatic Melanoma is a nasty disease, but I was so very blessed to be put in a research study…and I got the GOOD drug! I am still alive 9 years later, being able to watch my two precious granddaughters blossom as they grow. I am thankful for the many friends who have helped me weave my tapestry in life. I am also fortunate to have three fun-loving (grown) children, who make family get-togethers full of laughter and love. And of course, the reason I found this site: my dogs, both living and at the Rainbow Bridge. How rich my life has been while being a Dog Mom. And Trisha, I am thankful for you and your knowledge and insights into all things “Dog!” Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us who follow you, at “The Other End of the Leash!”
Sarah Patzer says
I’m thankful I took your Human Animal Relationships class at UW Madison 30+ years ago. It forever changed my thinking on how we treat all the animals that share this planet with us. I’m also thankful that you brought clicker training into mainstream dog training. Most of all, I am thankful for my beautiful German Shepard. She is a pain in the ass in a lot of ways but I can’t imagine life without her. Aren’t the most difficult dogs usually the most rewarding?
Carole says
I’m thankful for your help, insight, and the smiles your blog brings. My wonderful children, my grandkids, and all of the granddogs make everything better in this difficult time. My ever improving rescue dogs make my life worth living. All three came to me with their own problems but have grown and blossomed. My weirdest, Jax, was born feral, never seeing a human being until he and his littermates were captured at the age of about 3 months. Although he bonded to me fairly quickly, he was terrified of everyone else, particularly men. It has taken him nearly four years to let my grown sons touch him. I am so grateful that all the work is paying off with this wonderful little guy. He brings me such joy.
Jean Glaser says
I love reading your excerpts on life and dogs and all things associated with them. Always brings a smile and makes me slow down and think!
Maggie Moss says
Thankful for my 16 year old Basenji Shema and her 5 cat friends Snowy, Chester, Pixi ,Wobbles and Little Black Tess’
Thankful for your Blog Trisha .Knowing that there is always a pleasant intelligent read. full of humor and wisdom
Jann Becker says
I’m thankful for your Skip! Willie’s illness and death were so sudden and so devastating, it felt like I’d lost one of my own. One pet never replaces another, but it was good news that you’d found another member for your pack.
Anne says
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for all the people developing the covid vaccine. I’m thankful for my dogs being such good buddies to me and for helping me out in so many ways. Especially Pepper. She might not be the quietest dog, or the best sheepdog (over excitable) but she is the best companion in so many ways.
I’m thankful for all the farmers and farm animals (especially sheep) providing me with food.
I’m thankful I took your dog training classes back in the 90s because it revamped all my training methods.
Heidrun says
Like so many others I want to thank you for this blog. So many times it made me smile, cry, laugh and want to know and learn more about the topics you write about. I am really looking forward to the email, usually incoming on Tuesday, telling me there is a new post from P.M.
I am thankful for the much too small house we’re living in. But it is perfectly located in the woods in a rural area with plenty of wildlife just in front our doorstep and lots of space outside for long walks without meeting anyone.
I am thankful for being able to live the life I am living. It perfectly fits a dog who is a little bit “special” and who wouldn’t be happy living in a more populated area (and neither would I).
I am thankful for all the dogs I have shared my life with. Every single one of them brought a new lesson (or more) to learn for me. And they changed me, they still do.
I am really thankful for the ability to find joy in small things: light reflecting on a frosted spiderweb, the smile on the face of my dog, a flower blooming in a crack in the tarmac, the birds coming to visit the bird feeder in winter, and so much more.
Now I think I really should start a list…
Trisha says
Heidrun, I love your list! Light on a frosted spiderweb… Ah, heaven.
Frances says
I am thankful for many things, but mostly that my toy poodle, Poppy, is bright and happy and cheerful and still with me, after suffering acute liver failure back in January. Tests yesterday showed little change from six months ago, so although the disease is chronic she is coping well. So many things have helped her – excellent vets, all those scientists researching and developing drugs and diets over the years, financial security to pay for all the testing and treatment, the support of family and friends and far flung online network when things were at their darkest – and I am grateful for all of them.
Alice R. says
So many things to be grateful for this year: all my family is healthy, has jobs, and enough to eat. My husband who is always my biggest support, and who has been wonderful while forced to work from home and be around me all day, every day. My sweet Arlo who makes me laugh every single day, and reminds me that perfect is a silly word. Last, but not least, the fact that my health insurance just changed and I will finally be able to get the knee surgery I need so badly. Oops, also a vaccine on the horizon!
Melanie Hawkes says
Gratitude is the best attitude isn’t it? I wish we had thanksgiving in Australia. I have kept a gratitude diary every day for the past 505 days!
I am grateful for many things, but especially appreciate living down the road from my vet. I took advantage of a free dental health check in October, and discovered Upton had a broken tooth. So he had it removed the next day. At a check up a week later I mentioned he had a lump on his hip. Results of an FNA were inconclusive so had surgery to remove it. While there they found another broken tooth! He has fully recovered and am grateful that the lump was only a fibroma!
And thank you Trisha and this community of dog lovers. I love reading the comments as much as your posts!
Jackie d says
I am thankful for Falco, the sprocker that my friend gave me in March this year after our oldest dog died. She couldn’t keep him herself anymore, and he is a joy. Sometimes a noisy joy, but even so. He’s got us out of the house every day, and snuggled on the sofa with us every evening throughout this difficult year.