Editorial: November 22, 2024

It’s that time of year when we gather around the dining-room table and give thanks for the bounty that we are about to consume. Fortunately, it’s on a Thursday, so it’s not interfering with a weekend at a dog show — unless you forgo the ritual and are already at a dog show being held that weekend. Otherwise, you are relegated to spending the holiday with relatives — some of whom are near and dear, and others you only get to see once a year — with your dog in tow because after dinner you are driving to a dog show. Some of those present are grossed out by the presence of your dog, and after a wave of disapproval comes over their faces, the questions start. You know, the ones they ask in disgust: You show your dog? That’s so cruel. He must be so mistreated and not a pet at all. Do you make any money showing dogs? What do you mean it costs more than you could ever make back — so why do you do it? What kind of people show dogs — drug dealers with pit bulls, gay people with French Poodles, hunters with Labradors and guns? Aren’t all the people who show dogs neurotic just like in the movies? When do you get to see the friends you had growing up? You travel every weekend? You’re moving more than an hour’s drive from work so you can have more land for your dogs? As you are being interrogated, your dog goes over to say hello to these repulsed guests, who, while trying to ignore the dog, start picking dog hair off their clothing. All this takes place before you even sit down and have your first drink — a double, please, because you’ll need it to get through this meal, which has already become thankless. After a cocktail hour that seems an eternity, you are seated at the dinner table. As you casually feed your dog pieces of turkey and other morsels from the table, it doesn't go unnoticed by the grossed-out guests, who think it disgusting that you feed the dog from the table. (Wouldn’t they just die if they knew that at home you put the plate on the floor for your dogs to lick clean?) Dessert arrives, and the day is coming to an end. It was wonderful to spend time with those relative and friends you really wanted to see, and to try and be civil to those you fortunately only see at weddings, funerals and some holidays. You finally finish saying your goodbyes and start for the front door. Once outside and free at last, your dog lifts his leg on those disgusted guests’ car tire. Yeah, I forget to tell them that my dog is really smart and sensitive and a great judge of character. Oh, well, that’s Thanksgiving … be thankful. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.