Togo Goes Thankful

On Thanksgiving Day, Daddy suggested that I spend some time thinking about what I’m thankful for this year. I had a bunch of things:

• A nice yard

• Hay in my dog igloo

• My own swing on the back porch

• The arf-o-pedic mattress in my crate

• My own personal fan to keep me cool when I’m inside

• Daily walks

• Friendly people I meet on my walks

• The cats who entertain (and frighten me a little bit) on my walks

• My friends, Murphy and Millie, who live next door

• The scurry of squirrels who trash-talk from my tree

• Pats and belly rubs

• Good food

• Miracle medicines

• And Momma — especially Momma

There are many more things I could list. But my paw is tired from writing. So this will have to do for now.

I found this poem on the interwebs. It said “Author Unknown,” but I have a feeling it was by Henry Wagsworth Longfellow.

A Dog’s Thanksgiving Poem

I give pause to my paws on this day of Thanksgiving,
Whether wide-eyed, or doe-eyed, or with eyes that seem hidden,
They're focused on you,
As I watch for a clue
Just a wink or a touch,
Says I'm important to you.

But my words sound like “woof,”
My voice kind of gruff,
So I know that
My thanks may seem never enough,

But this secret I share
With you on a whim —
All dogs speak best with what's farthest from them,

Whether fluffy or skinny, full-sized or "a la carte"
Always watch for our tail,
It's attached to our heart.

(Author unknown)

Truer words have not been written. I don’t know why God made us this way. But the feelings of our heart shimmy down past our shoulders, vibrate through our spines, wiggle in our hips, and finally appear in wondrous wags. It takes a lot of effort, but is definitely worth it — because we love you!

Hope your Thanksgiving was as wondrous as my wags!