Chewy's Tips for Being a Good Dog Host

The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family, and sometimes that includes dog guests, too! If your dog is comfortable welcoming other dogs into your home (some are not!), Chewy has some tips to ensure a merry celebration with furry, 4-legged friends.

Tip #1: Decorate with shatterproof ornaments, especially in areas within reach of dogs (and young children).

Hmm...are sparkly balls NOT for playing fetch?

Tip #2: Prepare a feast of healthy, dog-friendly delights for happy and content bellies.

Unseasoned, roasted turkey breast and veggies, and pies for dessert!

Tip #3: Have clean-up supplies on hand in case of accidents or territorial claims of the pee variety.

Please don't pee on my bed...

Tip #4: Show gratitude for any host gifts your guests bring.

Thanks for the Santa!

Tip #5: Share your belongings.

Including your toys,

your bed,

and your water bowl.

Tip #6: Plan activities to entertain your furry friends, such as preparing treat-dispensing toys.

Tip #7: Eat from your designated dinner bowl. No stealing food, no matter how slowly your guests eat!
 

 Tip #8: Take some time to snuggle with the human guests so they don't feel left out.

 Tip #9: Don't forget to have fun!

I'm gonna catch you!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

A Chewy Thanksgiving Feast

Last year, Chewy and his doggy friends shared a roasted chicken on Thanksgiving. This year I bought a 12-lb turkey for Chewy's feast, but since his doggy friends couldn't make it, he got the whole bird to himself! We woke up early to roast his turkey, and he was still a bit sleepy...

*squeaky yawn* It's too early for cooking!

But he knew that yummy foods were in the making, so he was happy to be on standby in the kitchen. I washed his turkey and removed as much fat as possible, then patted it dry with paper towels. I placed the turkey on a wire rack over a bed of carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, sprinkled parsley over everything for added flavor, and poured a little water in the pan for added moisture. I wrapped the wing tips in foil to prevent them from burning, and after pre-heating the oven to 325°, it was ready for roasting.

Can't wait!

I roasted the turkey a little bit longer than the conventional 15 min/lb to ensure it was thoroughly cooked, and it was ready in the afternoon. This left plenty of time to let it cool before dinnertime.

Yay, turkey!

Chewy knew it was HIS turkey, and kept waiting by the counter in hopes of being fed. There was an even bigger, more aromatic turkey for our people guests a few feet away, but he kept his eyes on this one.

I can smell you...

So close, yet so far!

Finally, at his 6:30 pm dinnertime, he got his Thanksgiving plate! He had a few slices of skinless turkey breast, potatoes, carrots, sweet potato, and pumpkin puree. He also got some fruit for dessert later on.

...can I eat yet???

Om nom nommmm

Chewy has a lot of leftovers, but I'm sure he is happy to eat turkey any day of the week! I cut apart the turkey meat and froze it to preserve freshness. They are labeled "Chewy's turkey" to avoid confusion.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!