PAWS, WHISKERS, AND GRATITUDE
We’re thankful for our furry family this Thanksgiving!
As the delicious aroma of turkey fills the air, and we gather around the dinner table with family and friends, there’s one member of the family we won’t want to forget. At the very top of our gratitude list? Our furry companions: the dogs and cats who bring love, laughter, and a little extra fur to everything we do.
From happy tail wagging to soft purring, from morning walks, to late-night cuddles, our pets remind us what true companionship feels like. This Thanksgiving, as we count our blessings, we’re fur-ever thankful for the paws and whiskers that make our lives complete.
They Remind Us to Live in the Moment
Our dogs and cats are incredibly gifted. That’s because they know how to live in the present. Unlike us, they generally don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow; and they know how to find joy in what’s right in front of them—a cozy nap, a game of frisbee, a spot of sunshine on the floor. It’s this simple happiness that reminds us, all, to slow down and drink-in the small but meaningful moments of our own lives.
They Love Us Unconditionally
Our dogs love big—all tail wags, happy dances, and enthusiastic greetings, no matter how long we’ve been gone. If only for a few minutes. Our cats show their affection in quieter ways—a gentle head bump, a warm curl beside us, a slow blink of trust. No matter how they express it, their love is steady, sincere, unconditional—a reminder that “family” comes in all shapes, sizes, and species!
They Make Our Homes Complete
From the sound of dogs’ nails click, click, clicking across the floor, to the sight of our cat perched on the windowsill (or kitchen counter!), our pets fill our homes with warmth and life. They comfort us on hard days, celebrate with us on good ones, and remind us that love doesn’t need words—all that’s needed is a wag, a purr, and a loyal heart.
Part of what we can do to return all this love is to include them in our Thanksgiving meal in a healthy way. We all know those pleading eyes under the dinner table—and who can resist? Certainly not us! Sharing the holiday joy with our pets is part of the fun, but it’s also important to know what’s safe to share and what’s better left off their plates.
Pet-Safe Thanksgiving Treats
In moderation, these treats are safe for most dogs and cats:
- Plain turkey (fully cooked, unseasoned, and no bones or skin)
- Sweet potatoes or pumpkin (plain, cooked, no butter, or spices)
- Green beans (fresh or steamed, unsalted)
- Carrots or peas (plain and cooked)
- A spoonful of plain mashed potatoes (no butter, salt, or gravy).
Tip: Serve small portions as a special treat—not a full plate. Too much rich food can upset sensitive tummies.
Foods to Avoid
Some traditional holiday foods can make pets sick. It’s best to keep these off the menu:
- Turkey bones, skin, or fat drippings
- Onions, garlic, scallions, or chives (toxic to both dogs and cats)
- Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure)
- Stuffing, gravy, or buttery casseroles
- Chocolate, nuts, and sweets, especially anything with xylitol (a natural sugar alcohol)
If you want to include your fur kid in the feast, consider preparing them their own little “paw-liday plate” of pet-safe goodies—they’ll be thankful (and so will their tummies!).
To make things both easy AND delicious, why not give A Strong Heart wet cat food (Roasted Turkey Entrée in Savory Juices) or wet dog food (Cuts in Gravy with Beef or Chopped Chicken Dinner) a try? Simply open, serve, and watch them enjoy! They’ll be doing their favorite turkey imitation and “gobbling” it up in no time!
A Season of Gratitude
This Thanksgiving let’s celebrate all the ways our pets make life better. Their unconditional love, loyal companionship, and joyful attitudes (or should we say, “catitudes?”) remind us daily that gratitude isn’t only about things—it’s about the hearts that love us back.
Here’s to wagging tails, gentle purrs, full bellies, and even fuller hearts—
Happy Thanksgiving from our, A Strong Heart™ Family to yours!
Psst: We’d love to see pics of your adorable pooches and kitties enjoying their Thanksgiving meals. Follow us and post your photos on Instagram to celebrate Turkey Day this year!