My Thanksgiving

Wednesday afternoon, we left the office early and went to Greg's family for Thanksgiving.

When we got there, lots of things were in the works; cooking, cleaning, etc, etc... I offered to help vacuuming, but immediately turned down. How mean! They don't know how a lab can vacuume way better than a noisy machine! So I tried to be helpful and went to the kitchen! Hmm, ... smelt so yummy!!! Taste-testing would be the job made for me!!! However, humans didn't seem to understand... Finally I was put away in the corner on tiedown... Come on! I was trying to be a productive member of the family...

Late Wed evening, humans finally decided to settle down in the family room and played with me! I greeted with every one of them with my rope toy and won the tag of war, except for Jermy! He was very big & strong!!!

Thursday, the Turkey Day, Dad was hustling & bustling in the kitchen! The house was filled with yummy aroma. I wish I had read caper tips from Zane sooner! Don't worry fellow doggies; I'll share the tips at the end of this post. So, STAY TUNED!!! Nikki skipped breakfast and lunch for this feast because she wanted to taste all the goodies! And she absolutely did! She's not usually a big eater, but on Thanksgiving Day, she finished a huge plate without leaving a bite for me!!! How mean!!! While they consumed huge amount of yumminess like turkey, stuffing, candied yam, homemade mac&cheese, greens, pecan & sweet potato pies, & much much more, I didn't even bother them one bit! I deserve more than a couple of kibble bits...

Well, as promised, here are the caper tips from my Prince Zane. We've got a whole year to practice till the next Turkey Day!

Getting extra food is always a challenge. Where did our masters ever get the idea that we can survive on just a cup or two of dry dog food a day? Have you ever met a lab who could fill up on such a small amount of food? (NOT). So here are a few suggestions for pulling off what I call "capers".
First, establish a state of total trust between you and your master. That's the hard part with labs as we somehow have a reputation of getting into trouble. But if you cuddle them and let them pet you and let them rub you between the toes and behind the ears, then you can indeed get their trust, it's just a matter of time. It really helps to exhibit perfect behavior for a few days before the caper is planned. That's hard to do but possible. Believe me, they will soon begin trusting you... humans can't help it. I've successfully pulled of the famous cantalope caper and tuna fish casserole capers.... no problem. As for implementing the caper, well my recommendation is to wait till the room is empty, or until the master(s) are distracted or asleep, so they don't notice what you're doing. Don't forget the children in the house, they can snitch on you if they see what you're doing. Don't waste your effort on a small caper because if you're busted then you're in big trouble anyway. I always wait till a big opportunity presents itself, then I make my move. With Thanksgiving food being prepared tomorrow, I've already made my plans for tomorrows caper. You see, tonite they came home with two (yes TWO) pies tonite and I think they need "taste testing". Even if you're caught, they can only stay mad for a little while....once they see your big brown eyes and your tail between your legs, they usually forgive you and the shock and awe they exhibited at what you did will fade quickly.Being a lab is sure great. I could never get away with these capers if I were a cat or bird. They're just not smart enough. I hope this helps you and my other canine followers who might read this. And please don't let any humans read this message.Love,Sweet, innocent Zane