Next week, we'll celebrate another Thanksgiving!

The day will center on food, family, and (for some) football, and it's tempting to feed our furry family members from our plates.

Unfortunately, human food is generally not good for our pets. Rich foods that are typical Thanksgiving fare can make pets seriously and painfully ill if eaten.

Be sure to dispose of turkey bones so that your pets cannot get to them. Not only are the bones a choking hazard, the splinters can cause gum, mouth, and digestive tract damage. And remember: absolutely no chocolate, as it can be poisonous to pets.

You can still include your pets in the day's festivities! Consider giving them their own Thanksgiving feast by treating them to high-quality canned pet food, or a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, or catnip. And afterwards, they can lounge around with the family and watch football, too!

We wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and we are thankful for your support!

Thank you!

Chuck Tourtillott
Executive Director

P.S. We encourage you to participate in #GivingTuesday, a national initiative to designate the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a day of philanthropy. You can get an early start by donating now!

It's only been a week, but it's been a great one!

Chevy has taken well to our new home and the adventures we've put in front of him. This past weekend we took him camping with us at Lake Rathbun, and he loved the time outside exploring new territory He was very intrigued by the water and fish, which made me want to see along an update!

Brian and I have established a stable routine with the support of our good friend, Kiel. Chevy enjoys everyone he meets, humans and animals alike.

Housetraining is progressing well. Chevy is learning to notify us when he needs to go outside, and we're working on kenneling him during the day while we're both at work. Over my lunch hour and after work we enjoy runs in the backyard and taking walks around the neighborhood paths.

Chevy understands the commands "sit" and "shake" so far and has almost mastered "stay." He still gets mouthy when he's wound up, but we've been working on distracting him with a toy, putting him on his back, being patient and finding him some peers to work out his energy with. Baths are no problem after he gets dirty from being an active puppy.

There are a few things we do give in on, though. Chevy sleeps in the bed with us and likes to cuddle on the couch. He always makes sure to have one half of his body touching myself and the other touching Brian. Chevy likes to give hugs at the end of the day, too. All I can imagine is what this hug will be like when he's full grown!

We love the happiness our new addition brings to the family. I have included some photos, and I will of course send more in the future when he's reached his full grandeur! Thank you again for everything!

Sincerely,

Mariah M.

Remember, YOU can send us your Happy Tail, too!

Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.

-Alfred A. Montapert