🧡Paws, Pie, and Grateful Hearts: A Thanksgiving Tail

Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,

Happy Thanksgiving.
Before the cooking begins, before the family arrives, before the day gets busy in all the ways holidays do… I hope you get a quiet moment with your dog.

Because even on the loudest days of the year, they ground us.
They remind us what gratitude actually feels like.
And sometimes, it’s not the big feast or the full table. It’s the warm weight of your dog leaning against your leg. It’s the slow morning stretch. It’s the look they give you like, “You’re my home.”

Thanksgiving isn’t just about food, it’s about togetherness.
And if your dog is part of your family, then today is their celebration too.

So while the oven preheats and the house fills with comforting smells, let’s take a moment to make this day calm, joyful, and full of wagging tails.

Thanksgiving turns your home into a wonderland of scents, sounds, and opportunities for curious noses. On a day like today, your dog has one question in mind:
“Is any of that for me?”

Here’s how to keep the holiday joyful and safe:

🍗 Skip the turkey bones
They splinter and can cause serious harm. Offer a dental chew instead so they feel included.

🥧 Pies are for people
Pumpkin, apple, sweet potato, delicious for us, not so gentle on dog tummies. Most pies contain sugar, spices, or artificial sweeteners.

🧅 Be mindful of onions, garlic, stuffing, and gravy
Even a small amount can be harmful. Keep these dishes out of reach.

🧂 Avoid fatty foods
Turkey skin, buttery dishes, and cheesy casseroles can upset their stomach and may trigger pancreatitis.

🥕 Safe Thanksgiving bites for your pup:

A little love on the side of their regular meal goes a long way.
Your dog doesn’t want the whole feast, they just want to feel part of it.

Thanksgiving can pull us in a hundred different directions. That’s why the sweetest moments are usually the simplest ones. Here are a few ways to create cozy memories today:

🍂 Take a slow morning walk
Let the world be quiet for a bit. Let your dog sniff, wander, and explore. This might be the calmest moment of your entire day.

📸 Snap a “Thankful for You” photo
A family photo is great, but the picture you’ll love most might be the one with your dog snuggled against you in the kitchen while you cook.

🛋 Cuddle before the chaos
Sit down with your pup for a moment. Breathe. Let them nuzzle into your lap. This is the heart of Thanksgiving.

🎾 Keep playtime soft and sweet
A gentle round of fetch or a quiet tug toy can help burn off holiday excitement without overstimulating them.

🕯 Create a warm “holiday nest”
Lay out their favorite blanket and toy near the kitchen or living room. They’ll feel like part of the action without getting underfoot.

These tiny moments, not the turkey, not the table, are the ones you’ll remember.

There’s something about loving a dog that deepens your capacity for gratitude.
Maybe it’s the way they greet you every morning.
Maybe it’s their softness during hard seasons.
Or the way they love you without conditions, expectations, or judgment.

Dogs don’t care if the table is perfect or if the house is spotless.
They care that you’re there.
They care that you’re trying.
They care that you’re theirs.

And if this year has felt messy or overwhelming, hear this:
You’re doing better than you think.
Your dog sees your effort and loves you for exactly who you are.

On a day built around gratitude, that truth settles a little deeper.

🧡 Make a gratitude snack
A spoonful of pumpkin with a few bits of plain turkey is a safe, delicious treat.

💛 Teach a quick “feel-good” cue
Just a few minutes of “touch,” “place,” or “settle” gives your dog a win and boosts confidence.

🤎 Refresh their toy basket
Rotate out old toys and drop in one new surprise to spark joy.

🤍 Give the world’s longest belly rub
It requires nothing but your hands and your presence, their favorite things.

Small acts make a big difference on days filled with activity.

A plate full of comfort, made just for your pup.

If your dog loved sneaking around the kitchen yesterday, they’re going to melt over this. We put together a warm, hearty Thanksgiving-inspired dog recipe you can make in minutes. Think of it as a safe, cozy “yes” to your pup after the holiday bustle.

Download your free recipe here and treat your dog to their very own post-feast comfort bowl.

Before the day races ahead, take a quiet moment and ask yourself:

“What has my dog taught me this year?”

Patience.
Softness.
Joy.
Commitment.
Presence.

Write it down.
Say it out loud.
Whisper it into their fur.
Gratitude grows when we name it.

Before we wrap up, we wanted to share a little love with you.

This year, we’re opening exclusive Black Friday savings across our entire store only for our USA Dog Owners community.

Warm dog parent apparel,
The “My Best Friend Has Paws” tumblers,
Safety items like our Nametags and Emergency Stickers,
Holiday gifts, And more.

Every item is chosen by real dog people, not because they’re trendy, but because they make life with your pup easier, safer, and sweeter.

Join our newsletter family to receive early-access links, new product drops, and exclusive dog parent content you won’t find anywhere else.

Share your Thanksgiving weekend moments with us. @usadogowners with #USADogOwnersAssociation in Facebook.  You might inspire someone who has been feeding blindly to finally feed with intention.

📧 And if you loved this article? Share it with a fellow dog lover!

Whether your Thanksgiving is loud and joyful or soft and simple, I hope you feel cared for today. Dogs have a way of grounding us during the holiday rush, reminding us that love is found in the little moments, not the big ones.

Take the day slow.
Give your pup an extra scratch behind the ears.
And if the world feels a little overwhelming, look down, there’s your steady companion, tail wagging, reminding you that you’re doing great.

Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾

💌 P.S.

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