Holiday Advice from a Dog's Point of View!

Be especially patient with your humans!  They may be more stressed than usual so give them long, comforting 'doggie leans' and big sloppy, wet kisses!

Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you.  Smile in appreciation and don't worry that you look ridiculous; they think you are adorable!

They may bring a tree into the house and set it up in your special space and cover it with lights, decorations and things they call 'gifts'.  Stay on their good side and remember:

• Don't "go" on the tree
• Don't drink the water in the big water bowl that holds the tree
• Don't wag your tail when you are near the tree, even if you think you have plenty of room
• Don't rip open the packages, even if your name is on them
• Don't chew on the cord that connects the tree to the wall,  it's not a chew toy
• Don't try to take the colorful balls off the tree or lay on the branches and bat at them 

Your humans may have lots of people over.  These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part:

• Not all strangers appreciate kisses and doggie leans or kitties rubbing up against them
• Don't eat off the buffet table, tempting and available as it looks (unless no one is looking of course)
• Beg for goodies subtly, be pleasant, and above all, don't drool (humans can be so picky after all)
• Let a strangers sit in your favorite spot on the sofa (maybe they will let you join them since you left it all nice and warm for them)
• Don't drink out of glasses that they leave right next to you (even though you are more than happy to share your water bowl with them)
• They might have really sparkling candles called Menorahs and they will be really sad if you knock them over (so limit the tail wagging around them just to be safe)

And the most important thing of all...A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night...DON'T BITE HIM!! 

Show him the reason for the season!