Seasonal greetings. Yes, it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star. Do you like the title of my pawsting? I really like this time of the year. You might call me a 'Yule dog' which must not be confused with a Yule log. Or, if you happen to be a dog from the southern States, a 'Y'all dog', or maybe that's a 'Y' all dawg'. So this here is my Yule dog blog.
Gary, the human I so kindly allow to live with me, has told me that this can be the loneliest time of the year for some folks. While others are getting together with family and friends, they are sad and all alone. This distresses me. So I was thinking it would be very nice if you humans found the time to go and check out that lonely neighbour. Made sure they were okay. You may well receive the gift of warmth and genuine gratitude from a poor soul who may have felt invisible.
Now my human spends most Christmas Days by himself. Yet he is grateful. For he has a roof over his head, a son he loves and me the Jack Russell who is his companion. In the past, he has spent Christmas Day feeding the homeless and this has given Gary an acute awareness of just how much he has to be thankful for. After he fed the homeless, he came back to me and our lovely home. Many of those in such a desperate situation would be spending a cold night in an underground parking lot.
Gary has also told me that some people get puppies and kittens as 'gifts' to be placed under the Christmas tree. 'Awe what a cute little puppy! Oh wow, what an adorable little kitten!' And with some the novelty wears off. The reality of responsibility becomes too much. Little puppy becomes an older dog, becomes a burden and gets neglected. Little kitty becomes a cat and gets ignored. Humans really need to think it through before they make the decision to bring an animal into their lives.
You know what? Those who truly love and respect their cats will forever see the playful kitten. And me, yes me, I will always be a puppy at heart. You should see how I make Gary and his son laugh with delight as I race around the house and do my silly dance.
May you have a peaceful and positive Christmas. Be grateful for what you have, remember the lonely and yes please remember that famous slogan, "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas."
Dear Penny:
ReplyDeleteSo very many important points have been made in your pawsting. It is very important to remember how fortunate those of us with homes and food and family are. It is important to share with others..only then does the true spirit of Christmas shine in the darkness. Thank you for reminding us of the necessity of checking on our neighbours. There is always room for one more at the table..always..no matter how cramped things may be.
AS to the gift of pets...I don't like the idea myself. I think a pet is something a person should go and be picked out by themselves. The pet should pick the person, not the other way round.
May all the souls under your roof have a warm, loving, peaceful Christmas.
On Christmas Day I will be thinking of all my blogging friends and will be sending warm wishes and peaceful thoughts their way.
ps...I hope Santa leaves a special treat for you Penny.
Oh, Penny, you say it so well - the true spirit of Christmas shines bright within you and your human, Gary. May you have a beautiful, warm and love-filled holiday season! And a couple extra bones wouldn't hurt either! BOL
ReplyDeleteHey Delores,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, my dear human friend. You summed up the ideals of my pawsting, very nicely.
Gary and I totally agree with you in regards to the 'gift' of a pet. And in a previous article, Gary actually mentioned that I picked to live with him and his son. That day when I was a tiny puppy and my eyes saw his son, I just knew that I would live with them and I would be loved.
Thank you for such wonderful wishes, Delores. May you and your loved ones have a most lovely Christmas. I'm sure Santa will leave me Penny aka 'Santa Paws' a special treat:)
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteHello my dear friend and the lucky human who gets to live with CindyLu :)
And may you have a wonderful Christmas surrounded by the true spirit of the season.
I hope that CindyLu and Chester have some nice tasty bones to chew on.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star xx
Penny, you are wise beyond your years. Yes, it's a great time to share with others, to be thankful. Even just kindness. I'm going to try and make a difference too. I'm not sure how yet, but I'll think of something.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penny for reminding me of what is really important. You, young lady, are a blessing.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Penny you amazing Jack Russell,
ReplyDeleteOnce again you've brimmed this human's eyes with tears. I'm so moved by your big heart and tender sentiments. I wish you and your humans joy, peace and hope with great lashings of love this wonderful season. May we all have what we need and enough to share. Much love and peace,
Laura
Hi Joylene,
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you my Canadian human friend :) My human has told me your kindness makes a difference to folks all the time. He is grateful to know you and so am I.
Warm blessings to you and your loved ones, Joylene.
Have a lovely Christmas.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Hey Austan,
ReplyDeleteDear Laura, my amazing and inspirational human friend. Thank you for embracing and sharing my sentiments.
I wish for you and your human friends much peace and positivity during this season of goodwill. May every day be filled with goodwill to all. My human friend, you have endured so much and now I wish for you some soothing serenity. Merry Christmas.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Ah Penny, no wonder Gary comes home to you after feeding the homeless. You are the very light of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wisdom. My vickie and I usually spend Christmas here at the kennel so none of my fourlegged friends feel left out.
We understand what you are saying, and we too are greatful for full tummies, warm beds, and roof over our heads.
Good night my friend.
Bert
Penny
ReplyDeleteI give this post "Two Paws Up".
Well done!
Hi Bert,
ReplyDeleteWhen he has come back from feeding the homeless, I see that look in his eye that shows how grateful he is for all he has. We both count our blessings.
That's really wonderful Bert that you and your Vickie spend that precious time at the kennel looking after your fellow four-legged friends :)
I know how grateful you all are. It resonates in the wonder and the beauty of your blogs, Bert.
And at almost three thirty on a Saturday morning, over here, in lil' ol England, I bid the goodnight.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Hi Ray,
ReplyDeleteThanks human friend. And I, Penny aka Santa Paws, send you pawesome wishes :)
With what charm you, Penny the Jack Russell Dog and modest internet star, make us paws to reflect on those less fortunate. A good reminder to all of us two-footed friends. Happy holidays to you, Gary, and Gary's son.
ReplyDeleteHey Penny. How'd you get to be so smart?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are still loved and appreciated, Penny. May the puppy in you continue to delight your human companions. Look after Gary and his son this Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteWow, Penny...You said so many truths in your post. This can be a happy, a lonely or a sad time of year. I think it is important to focus on the meaning of the season. It's not really about getting and giving stuff. It might mean different things to different people....Showing people they are valued and loved is so important.
ReplyDeleteIntroducing a pet into your family is a big commitment. They live a long time and you shouldn't just get one because they are cute. It has to be a promise to take care of them and to keep them safe.
I hope you, Penny and your son have a lovely holiday full of love and Christmas Pudding.
Dear Penny (and Gary),
ReplyDeleteYou have reminded us all of the true meaning of Christmas, which so often these days gets drowned out by all the other noise and mayhem.
I'm so glad that you have a caring guy like Gary (your human) to look after you, Penny. You are indeed a very special and "pawsitive" dog, who I'm sure helps Gary along his road towards an evermore "pawsitive" life, and you are very right to say that a pet is not just for Christmas, but for life.
Very Special Christmas Wishes to You Both,
David.
P.S. I got your message, Gary, and will try to speak to you soon. Maybe even later today! Bet you can't wait.
Hi Penny .. that master of yours is pretty special .. giving up his writing space for you ... but how wise - because you will know how those puppies and kittens feel when they are no longer loved.
ReplyDeleteThis year there will be rather too many people not at all well off or worse homeless - it's a difficult time.
I wish you, Gary and his son all the very best - and bless you for reminding us to do things for others - to make their lives easier and thus happier ... and believe someone cares.
With many thoughts .. and I love "Santa Paws" - your picture is rather special too - I hope it featured on the front of the Economist?
Have a good week with your walks on the frosty ground - winter seems to be here (at last) .. then back for a treat and curl up .. tea for Gary and his son .. too early for cake .. cheers - Hilary
What a brilliant pawst, Penny.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are so right - dogs and cats should pick their humans just as you picked Gary and his son.
Happy Christmas (and Indy says keep those humans laughing) x
Remember 'that famous slogan"? Ah, Gary, you never cease to amaze me... oops, I meant to say that to Penny!
ReplyDeleteA very Merry Christmas to you. :)
(~and, shh, Boxing day Eve!)
Dixie
Hi Penny,
ReplyDeleteI only wish there were more people like Gary out there. Unfortunately, this world has become far too cynical and Christmas is now a commercial enterprise with very little of human compassion left in it!
There are good people out, just few and far between.
In these days of hardship it is even more necessary to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves, or is this just a pipe dream?!
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES
Awwww lovely and most adorable Penny! Please give Gary and his son lots of licks and barks and hugs! Thank you for reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas! You are wise and wonderful! Take care
ReplyDeletex
From Bazza's cat Ginger:
ReplyDeleteActually we cats are pretty self-sufficient and don't need to be nursed like you dogs BUT people should respect their pets. Unlike Turkeys they are not just for Christmas....
Ginger’s owner, Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Penny, you are a doggie with a heart of gold, and so incredibly articulate! You are oh so pawpular with me. I hope that you and your humans enjoy the holidays together. XO
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Penny! I hope you and Gary have the best of holiday seasons. It sure sounds like both of your hearts are in exactly the right place. Take care!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan and yes if I can make humans paws and reflect about those less fortunate, then that's a most positive outcome.
And happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Hi middle child,
ReplyDeleteUs Jack Russell dogs are renowned for our intelligence. I've tried to teach my human Gary on ways to show how smart he is :)
Hi Ian,
ReplyDeleteI surely am loved and appreciated. I will always be a puppy at heart :)
May you and your family have a lovely Christmas on Vancouver Island.
Pawsitive and pawesome wishes, Penny
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteThank you, my lovely human friend. Your comment resonates with the ideals I so desire. You truly embrace the spirit of the season. A spirit that should be practised all year long. Thoughtfully articulated Sharon and I completely echo your sentiments.
Here's wishing you and your loved ones a most wonderful Christmas.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Dear David,
ReplyDeleteThank you, our dear human friend. Indeed, the commercialism of this time of the year, the hustle and the bustle, can take away from the true meaning of Christmas.
I'm blessed to be living with a couple of loving humans who appreciate me as much as I appreciate them. I like to think I am 'pawsitive' therapy for the both of them as they know I can be conducive to their mental health well being.
Yes, having an animal become a family member is a life long commitment and I'm grateful my human's understand this.
Oh yes, my human was delighted beyond belief, to have had such an intellectual conversation with your kind and noble self :)
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteFor sure, it was very good of the human I allow to live with me, take time out and let me show, once again, my pawesome writing talents.
My heart goes out to to all those poor animals who feel neglected when they get older.
And we must indeed spare a thought for those not so well off, the lonely, the desperate, the homeless.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful wishes. I know that humans who are fortunate can do their bit to make the lives of the unfortunate, a little bit better. Random acts of kindness can work magic.
My picture is going to be featured on the cover of the latest edition of the 'wee folks' favourite magazine, 'Better Gnomes and Gardens'.
I look forward to a good week and I shall be going for some frosty walks to Rudyard Lake :) If Gary is really good, I will make 'tea' for him and his son. Then, at a later time, they can have a cake or a Bakewell tart! :)
All the best to you Hilary and stay warm.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Hi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for liking my pawsting :)
Quite right, us dogs and cats are the ones who should do the choosing. I like to think I chose very well.
Merry Christmas to you, Indy and all your loved ones. Arf! Arf!
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Hi Dixie,
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that Gary, if only he was half as amazing as me. That would make him remarkable for a human :)
And Merry Boxing Day Eve...whoops...Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones :)
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star xx
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI have noted the cynical world that seems to be getting worse. If only more humans would take the time to be there for each other and for us, the blessed creatures of this fragile planet.
Gary tells me you and a few others, embrace such ideals. The true ethos of this time of the year has fallen to the wayside. It's sad, but I believe there is still time for change. Maybe it isn't a pipe dream.
May you and your dearest and dearest have a peaceful, positive Christmas,
Hopeful wishes, your way, Penny
Hi Old Kitty,
ReplyDeleteI shall go right now and give Gary and his son lots of licks and barks and hugs! :)
May we all embrace the true meaning of Christmas and practice this through out the year.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, to you and Charlie from Penny xx
Hi Bazza's cat Ginger,
ReplyDeleteYes you are self-sufficient. Yet even you would pick up the vibes if you were no longer loved. I know this will never be the case for you, my kitty friend Ginger.
Um....Turkeys are evidently for Christmas and Canadian Thanksgiving and the one they apparently have in the States....
I think you are so cute for a cat, Ginger!
Hi THE SNEE,,
ReplyDeleteThank you, kind human, for realising my incredible and thought pawvoking articulation :)
Well, I think you are pawsitively pawesome.
Rebecca, may you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Hi Jemi,
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes, it is a great pawst :)
Thank you for your kind holiday wishes for me and that human I humour. Like you, our hearts are, very much, in the right place.
Have a good one, eh :)
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
From Mask’s Dalmatian, Nada
ReplyDeleteThis is my first ever Christmas, Penny. It’s great so far, pulling down the decorations and getting the fairy off the tree. I think they should change that slogan to: A dog is not just for life, but also for Christmas :)
Hi Nada,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all Nada, welcome to the world and make sure you look after your human :)
I can see you are performing your playful puppy duties. Make sure you take it easy on the fairy!
I can certainly see your thinking behind changing the slogan. And then there's nicely gift wrapped presents that may tempt your curiosity. Arf! Arf!
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Those are some very wise and heartfelt words, Penny. It seems, like so many ditched cats and dogs that once had homes and food, the homeless are neglected, too. It's very sad. I'm sure they feel cast off, worthless, maybe unworthy of love or kindness.
ReplyDeleteBut here a guy like Gary will come along, give of his time and his heart to help out the very less fortunate. And when you give, like Gary has done, you get back something special.
Great outfit, Penny. :) I'm sure, like my orange cat/friend, Victor, you offer immeasurable comfort and joy to Gary and his son.
Take care, Penny, you superdoggy, you. don't forget to say HI Y'ALL to that Gary fella for me. And tell him to watch where he's going with that yule log. ;-) Gonna poke out an eye!
hi santa paws! wow! your look so cool in that hat. nice post. for sure loves what its all about! im wishing you a pawsitively happy christmas! p.s. tell mr gary thanks for the cool christmas card.:)
ReplyDelete...hugs and extra special pats and back scratches from lenny
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteThank you, my human buddy. Indeed, the plight of the unfortunate animals that become homeless and neglected is a great tragedy and it makes me very sad. People should realise that animals have feelings and we show such unconditional love.
I know that Gary has been involved with a number of charities and I have seen how humbled he has been as he has done his best to help out those with so little in their lives. He has met some incredibly decent folks, who, through no fault of their own, have seen their world fall apart.
Yes, I had fun wearing that outfit. Santa's little helper! :) I do what I can to provide comfort and love to Gary and to his son. I reckon that Victor just adores you and you adore him.
I shall pass on your "HI Y'ALL" to Gary. Will inform him of the dangers of a Yule log, y'all :)
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Hey Lenny :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking I look cool in that hat. Glad you liked the post and I knew you would understand what it means.
Here's wishing you a really happy and pawsitive Christmas, Lenny!
And Gary says you are real welcome for the card from us. I had to check his spelling before he sent the card. Arf! Arf!
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Gorgeous post, Penny! I agree with the sentiment. I rescued 2 very difficult dogs, but love got me through the tough times. I have a friend who gets a new dog every year and always ends up dumping it on someone when it "doesn't work out." Like that's an option. Coward, I say! How 'bout growing a pair and toughing it out. They'll love you all the more for it. This I know.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you my human friend from the beautiful Pacific North West:)
Indeed, difficult dogs need a chance. I admire your determination and love won through.
Your friend is treating the new dog every year like some kind of commodity that becomes surplus to requirements. That is a disgraceful attitude. Why even bother bringing an animal in to their life if they cannot be bothered with the responsibility.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Nancy.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx
Thank you for your entertaining comment over at Joylene's blog. I love your Jack Russel in Christmas Decor. Have a Merry Christmas from all of us over at Kepler22b and my Untroubled Kingdom. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Laila,
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. You do realise that I have been showing my human, Gary, how to leave better comments?
And thanks, cause everyone loves this here Jack Russell dog. Yes, it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, typing this pawfect reply to you! :)
And thanks for the Christmas wishes from all of you over at Kepler22B. My human and I greatly appreciate that. Of course, my human also got Christmas wishes from Uranus....
May your Untroubled Kingdom remain um...untroubled :)
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny xx and co-starring her rather confused human, Gary....