Charlie's First Holiday Season

Charlie's hopeful Turkey Look

We survived Thanksgiving with no damage to the turkey and no fights between the "kids." Charlie even proved, after the first five minutes of barking at our guest, that he could be a welcome host to our best friend. She was impressed at how closely he watched her and gauged her reaction before he approached her, allowing her to pet and talk to him. His ears moved back and forth as he listened to her voice. Obviously, we haven't had any guests other than maintenance since we adopted Charlie in March. We lead a quiet life.

Mike and Charlie, playing Scrabble at Thanksgiving

Putting up the Christmas tree had to be supervised by both 4-legged creatures, of course. Once set up, both animals seemed comfortable, with Munchie taking up residence on the tree skirt. Charlie didn't like that, but eventually he settled in another warm cozy spot and so far, fingers crossed, peace has reigned in our household.

                             

We look forward to buying gifts for our furry kids and taking pictures as they play with their new toys. Even though we can't believe it ourselves, we are actually considering buying a little elf costume or reindeer ears for Charlie. We don't dare try dress Munchie! Be prepared for more photos!

Last night, Munchie made the great escape from our first floor apartment, pushing out the screen in the window and slithering outside. I had an uneasy feeling when I hadn't seen him for an hour. I shook his cat food bag and called him, but he didn't answer. Shrugging on a jacket, I walked around the complex calling him. Halfway around, I heard Charlie barking frantically. I rushed home, catching a glimpse of white behind the air conditioning unit opposite our place. Charlie rushed back and forth, perched on his little set of stairs while I grabbed Munchie and frog-marched him home, muttering to myself about cat's nine lives and how he had used one by making me walk around, calling him like a fool. 

Once inside, the 'brothers' greeted each other with sniffs, a quick head-boop and brush by Munchie and then the usual yaps and hisses as they chased each other around the apartment. All was right with the world. And yes, I shut the windows.

Here's hoping that all is right and good with your world this Christmas, and that you and your furry children have a wonderful holiday with lots of love, laughter, turkey and quality time spent together. Merry Christmas, from our place to yours.

Charlie's First Thanksgiving

Charlie, the great black blob

Charlie has noticed that something's going on in the house. We put up the Christmas tree, which fascinated him ("A tree, for me??") and he doesn't like it when Munchie lies under it on the new tree skirt, or beside it, on Charlie's steps. At all. he considers it his territory! Munchie takes great glee in antagonizing him.

Munchie, the Thanksgiving turkey

It will be interesting to see how Charlie reacts to us having company over for dinner. That will be a first for him. And we know that the smell of turkey in the air will keep him occupied sniffing for hours. Munchie will probably just hide in the bedroom again, like he always does. At least it will give Charlie a 'taste' of what Christmas is like, and all the fun associated with that holiday!

I know tastes of turkey will be a big hit, and that he will also enjoy a bit of gravy on his dry dog food, but we'll have to be careful that none of us over-indulges. Easier said than done with a feisty little black blob of a dog who can be too cute for his own good!

What he enjoys best is settling between us on the couch to be petted as we watch TV and I am sure there will be some of that going on, too this holiday season, as I hope you take time to do during your holiday. We are thankful for him and for Munchie: for all the love they give us and all the times they make us laugh and smile.

However and wherever you enjoy  your Thanksgiving, be well, be happy, be loved and don't forget your furry little (or big) friends in the excitement!

Happy Thanksgiving!