Christmas Brunch

I was at a brunch today and one of the topics of conversation was about our dogs. We discussed whether we allow our dogs on the furniture, in our beds, kept them outside, kept them in the house, fed table scraps, or just dog food. It was interesting how we all treat our pets differently. The pup above is Otis. He hosted the brunch with his "Mom and Dad." A very well behaved doggy. He was straining a bit in my arms to better see the delicious food on the table. We had egg and sausage casserole, baked french toast with homemade sirup, crab delights, chicken casserole, frozen fruit cups, veggies, 5 coffee cakes, scones,trays of Christmas cookies, orange juice, flavored coffees, bloody marys. He wanted just a bite, because after all he was in the kitchen for two days helping his Mom prepare everything. He does get to eat snacks from the table and delights in his icecream every night with his Dad, while watching TV.

Now here is my dog. Laddie would have loved to go to the brunch. He is a very social dog, but doesn't have the best manners. He drinks and has to have his mouth wiped, so you don't get "slimed." He gets very little from the table. If we do let him indulge...it isn't long before we can see a change in his weight. So he is resigned to eating out of the bag...dry food. He does love popcorn and cheese.He had a wonderful Christmas. His favorite man got him food instead of toys this year. The stocking was hung by the fireplace with care in hopes that St. Nick would soon be there and lo and behold...Laddie had a long container of cheese and sausage treats. A happy dog.

This little creature has been visiting us every day. He comes to the feeder in the morning...after the "regulars" have eaten. Laddie loves to watch and gets excited, when he's there. The squirrel, however, doesn't even move a muscle when Laddie is there. My husband thinks that this torments the dog and chases the squirrel away. I think that Laddie is having fun watching his visitor. I do think that house dogs get bored in this kind of weather. For one thing...they don't get enough exercise.

We all have different ideas about the care of our precious pooches, but they seem to do just fine however we treat them. All they need is a lot of love and they give back so much.

Balisha