Dear Redlands Pups,
Finally, a holiday all about food!!! That and giving thanks. And I’m thankful for food! And warm blankets, green grass, belly rubs, car rides, daily walks, etc. My list is pretty long, but I’ll get to the point. I’ve put together my top tips for making the most out of Thanksgiving.
Start on Wednesday by eating as much as possible to stretch your stomach so it will hold more the next day. Hopefully your household starts cooking early and people will either drop food or sneak you some snacks. Be sure to position yourself in an optimal position in the kitchen. The cooking smells will motivate you to tough it out. Just don’t be obnoxious or you’ll be exiled to the backyard. It’s chilly this time of year, even in Redlands.
Be sure to get a good night’s sleep so you can hit the ground eating on Turkey Day. The big meal is probably going to be later in the day, but you should still be alert at breakfast time. If you need a nap, mid-morning is best.
If people start arriving, that’s a good sign. Mathematically, more people = more dropped food. When the big meal is served, be ready to circle the table(s) and keep an eye out for the generous guest who thinks you’re cute. It’s also critical to pay attention to the kids’ table. Kids are your best chance to score the tastiest tidbits in the largest quantities.
Unfortunately, you may need to show some restraint (one of my least favorite words). The WORST thing that can happen on Thanksgiving is making a trip to the emergency vet hospital (my least favorite place). It’s worth it to watch what you eat. According to PetMD, you should be fine eating turkey (no bones), potatoes, green beans, and cranberries. You should avoid eating turkey bones, chocolate (we learned that at Halloween), and Alliums. Say what? Alliums, aka onions, garlic, leeks, and scallions.
After the meal, choose the activity that best suits your personality. If you are a coach potato, look for people watching football. They’re great for cuddling, and may go back for seconds. If you’re the active type, be alert for people planning a walk or tossing a ball around. A little exercise can help you make room for dinner!
Woof!
Scruffy