In addition to the universally relished traditions of the Thanksgiving season, my annual fall festivities include a much anticipated four day weekend during which I get to share true quality time with my four- legged family members ... a time replete with soulful brown eyes, kissable black noses and jubilantly waving tails. Yes, without question, I give thanks for their presence in my life.
I'm thankful for their unconditional love, not just during those precious 96 hours but all the year through. The unbridled joy and whines of delight each and every time I enter the front door ... even when I'm only gone for 45 minutes. Their understanding looks when I come home late from work and grudgingly muster a mere half dozen tosses of the ball or lackluster tugs with their rope toy. Their unselfish flexibility about unpredictable mealtimes that revolve around my unstructured and constantly changing schedule, not their own rumbling tummies.
And speaking of tummies, I'm thankful for the smooth pink skin that is so willingly and therapeutically offered to me at precisely the times I need it most ... after a hectic day of non-stop phone calls, traffic-laden highways, and last minute can't-be-missed deadlines. I often wonder who truly benefits more from the soothing, meditative, time-honored bellyrub ritual: the fur kids or me?
I'm thankful for my doggy daughters' reminders of the beautiful and magical world we live in ... where everything is fun, interesting and amazing regardless of how many times it's been experienced. While at this stage of my life, the sighting of a ladybug is rather mundane to me, for my girls, it is the source of endless wonder and head cocking ... the opportunity for a game of follow-the-leader ... something to share with me through a series of excited yips and yaps.
Sharing. That's another thing I'm thankful for. The generous assortment of personally selected gifts that I receive from my K-9 Kids on a regular basis. From one, a slobbery tennis ball, mouth-delivered into my lap ("Extra moist, just for you, Mom!"). From another, her well-chewed Nylabone or freshly shredded "woobie" on my pillow ("Pleasant dreams, Mom!"). Their most cherished possessions, bestowed freely, without my even asking. How many humans would do the same?
And on our annual extended Thanksgiving weekend, I give thanks for four consecutive days of uncharacteristically late wake-up times highlighted by seasonably cool breezes through open bedroom windows ... and a few extra hours of quality cuddle time with my furry bedmates. I sure hope they're reading this posting and take the hint!
Eileen is our Top Dog Expert and to sniff out more about the Top Dog, visit www.FURventlySpeaking.com