A Real Character On Thanksgiving

In response to Kim Ripley's request for a character sketch for Thanksgiving guests, I'm going to write a short piece about our dog, Jada. No, she doesn't actually sit at the table with us, although I'm sure she'd love to. She is, however, a cherished family member today and every day.

She’ll be the second one up this morning, bestowing many kisses as is her early morning ritual.  Always eager to help in the kitchen, Jada sticks close by in case an emergency “clean-up” is needed as I’m hustling around the kitchen.

She’ll be particularly interested in the turkey as the aroma begins to waft throughout the house, and disappointed that it’s not coming out just yet when I open the oven door to baste it.  She'll watch with interest as my husband builds a fire in the fireplace, and snuggle up close to my daughter as she watches the Macy’s parade.

When it’s time to eat, Jada will wait patiently (okay, not so patiently) as we prepare her Thanksgiving feast; plain turkey and sweet potato. We’ll be in the dining room, within view, so she can be a part of the celebration. And as I’m counting my many blessings, I’ll always remember to be grateful for the gift of a little dog who asks for nothing more than my love—and maybe a smidgen more turkey.

From our house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!