* Originally posted 11/22/11
Thanksgiving is only 2 days away!
I’d like to pass on some hard-learned lessons gleaned from old dog, Frankie, who had 13 years of living in a busy holiday-filled home:
- Be nice; greet your guests with gusto. (Everyone gets an enthusiastic sniff hello!)
- Take naps and stretch before rising. (Being well rested = a happier experience for all concerned, trust me on this)
- Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. (When Frankie had enough of the company and confusion, he simply disappeared. No feigned interest here. No drama either, just slip away …. this works for people to people contact, too).
- On relatives: avoid biting when a simple growl will do. Come to think of it, he never growled. He stayed close to those he loved and, when he had his fill, he went back to step # 2 or 3 above.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope that you are able to “go where you’re celebrated, not just where you’re tolerated” and, if a situation you don’t care for finds its way to you, remember Frankie and simply slip away!
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LOVE this post, MJ! Love the memories of Frankie–not to mention the canine wisdom! What a sweet boy!
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
He was a wise one, yes he was. I’ve taken a page out of his book lately with the “step away” directive — powerful and effective!
Happy day,
MJ
Very worthy of re-posting here and on my frig! Thank you for the laughs and the smiles. I just might print out Frankie’s pic, #1-4 and post on the frig. One more class to go and I’ll be home for the rest of the holidays. arf! arf! and yippee!
Enjoy your time with the fam, Georgette. MJ
I know Frankie will be on your mind – as he is everyday – at Thanksgiving.
oh, always! The wee ones will be asking about him, the first thing little MJ says is always, “I miss my Frankie bear” — MJ
Wish there was a LOVE button 🙂
Thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving, Sandi!
MJ
Ah, he was a wise dog! Perfect advice for big family gatherings! ~ Sheila
Indeed; thankfully I don’t expect any drama this year – just hubbs, the boys, me and the grands. Unless someone throws a curve ball into their attending, we’re good to go – whee!
MJ
Frankie was a wise dog! If more of us followed his lead, there would be fewer holiday hassles. Happy Thanksgiving, MJ.
You know it, Terri. Enjoy your time with your kids being home, I know you will 🙂 MJ
Ahh – to live in the moment like our dogs – how great would that be???
Indeed it would – no bills to pay, no worries other than where’s my next meal and who’s around to rub my belly! MJ