Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thankful

This is Jake, the Three-Legged Wonder Wiener.



Jake is a very thankful dog. As detailed in his story, he's survived abandonment, a car accident, the mean streets, amputation, a kill shelter, and major back surgery. He never really forgets any of this, as evidenced by his behavior when he thinks we're going to leave him.

Jake is thankful for things like this:



'His' chair, which he graciously deigns to share with me and Gater, as long as Jake has dibs on the lap. Also, his blankie, which, despite his best efforts, still somewhat exists after six years.



His food bowl, and its regular employment.

This is Gater, the four-legged whatever he is.



Gater has had an easier life, compared to Jake. He spent his first year chained outdoors, but he got regular food. He was surrendered to the Humane Society, so he was never faced with making the long walk. As a result of this, he's not quite as thankful.

He does appreciate the chair, though.



He recently graduated to spending the night snuggled in the chair with Jake, instead of having to sleep in the crate. He still has to stay in the crate during the day, though.

He's also thankful for food bowls, and the food in them.

And the toys. He's a big fan.



However, that's all about to change. You see, today is Thursday. Thanksgiving. Jake is more thankful for this day than any other day of the year. That's because he knows what's coming.





Oh, yeah. Thanksgiving is the Most Wonderful Wiener Dog Day of the Year. Jake waits 364 days for this one day and all of its turkey goodness. It doesn't hurt that Thanksgiving is at my folks' house, where it's rumored that my mother is a soft touch when it comes to dogs and table scraps.

Gater has no idea. He's never seen one of those huge roasted birds before. He's never nibbled at dark meat so delectable, it fell off the bone. He's never known the joy of the full-bore capacity of my dad's cooking skills.



Oh, yeah. That's the good stuff.

But he will.

And I'd bet all the tea in China that he will be thankful.

As am I.

4 comments:

Mary D. said...

The veterinarians are trying to put the kybosh on the most wonderful weiner dog day of the year. They say no table scraps! But surely, scraps in moderation one day a year would be okay. Especially if they get some exercise by running around the house afterwards. Probably good advice for all of us.

Blythe Gifford said...

Okay. I'm a total sucker for your dogs, particularly Jake. What a pair of lucky cuties! They SHOULD be thankful!

Sarah M. Anderson said...

Mary, doesn't escaping through the fence and chasing cats all over God's Green 8 acres count as exercise?

Blythe, my kid took that picture of Jake--not bad, huh?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

lucylucia said...

I love Gater and Jake. But to heck with the dogs...LOOK at that turkey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!