Giving Thanks For The Four-legged

Pet Central

It’s Thanksgiving time, and right now I’m doing what I love best. I’m settled in my oversized red upholstered chair — the one I love because at least four of my pets can sit in it with me. While the fireplace crackles nearby, one cat is on the overstuffed arm and one is on the ottoman, his fluffy tail keeping my ankles warm. The two small dogs are curled up next to me in the chair. The other dogs are passed out on the floor next to us. It never fails, whenever and wherever I stop and sit down in my house, the pets gravitate over like little furry magnets.

By Kelli Ohrtman, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 20, 2008 - 11:06 AM

This is the time of year when people gather together to eat a lot, watch sports and give a little thanks if we remember. I admit I haven’t traditionally given my own pets any special thanks on the day made just for that. But if we stop and think of what pets bring to our lives every day, it does deserve thanks. This year, while preparing for guests to come over, shopping for the big meal, or recovering after it, why not take a moment to give thanks to the furrier friends in your life?

“My little dog — a heartbeat at my feet.” —Edith Wharton
I can’t count how many days, evenings and nights that I lived alone and was completely at ease knowing that my dogs were always by my side, the cats underfoot. I know my Poodle wouldn’t scare anyone away with his less-than fierce looks, but he sure does make a racket when he hears a strange noise or thinks there’s a threat.

I’m thankful for the hundreds of walks I never would have taken if it weren’t time to get the dogs out of the house for a while. And while I often put on the running shoes begrudgingly, one peek at the dogs’ eager faces and wagging tails is enough to get me out the door, with a smile on my face.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." — Roger Caras
Extra special thanks are in order for the many lessons pets have taught me. Forgiveness tops the list. Think of all the burned bridges, the hurt feelings, the broken hearts that people cause one another. Pets don’t think that way. They know you are the one who takes care of them, and they love you forever. It’s that simple. If only humans could be so good to one another.

Watch a dog or cat pounce on a toy — the same toy that’s been sitting in the toy basket for months —wrestle with it, toss it in the air and chase it around the room. Animals can thoroughly entertain themselves with nearly anything, which raises the question: Why aren’t I content with what I have? Do I really need more?

It’s a proven fact that petting a cat lowers your blood pressure. Add to that the comforting sound of a kitty purring, the gentle head butts and kneading your lap, and I think we all can learn something about showing affection.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." — Anatole France
There’s also something to be said for the many opportunities to give back. There are so many pets in need and so many ways that anyone can play a part in helping, whether large or small. Whether you pick up a frightened lost dog on the highway, feed a hungry stray cat or adopt the most “unadoptable” mutt from a shelter, you can feel good about the fact that you’ve saved a life. When I look at my rescued pets, safe and secure in my home, I can’t help but feel a rush of warmth. It may sound silly, but it’s true.

Pets are not always perfect, but neither are we. In fact, their ability to forgive fully and to love unconditionally is something that few people in this world ever achieve. Pets seem to be born with this ability. Even in difficult times, when there may seem to be little to be thankful for, those of us with pets can always give thanks for the love and forgiveness that pets bring to our lives. And that is priceless.

Kelli Ohrtman is a freelance writer from Minneapolis who works at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. www.kelliohrtman.com

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