Hello, friends!
Welcome to November, the season where we paws to be grateful. It’s also the time of year when everything seems to flip into zoomie mode. I try to keep my October lessons in mind (read Falling Behind), but as soon as those little puppers finish barking “trick or treat,” I can’t help but feel the rumble of Santa’s sleigh revving in the distance.
As the winds literally change direction, I decided to take a walk to put this new “holidays are here” lifestyle into perspective. My hooman came along too, and brought my favorite squeaky ball, Pinky. As she tossed Pinky along the ravine and I dashed after her, I realized that the game of fetch is a lot like the holiday season — full of surprises, tangles, and joy in the chasing. Sometimes I have to dig my way through obstacles, sniff out what’s hidden, all while keeping my tail wagging.
Finding Pinky can be tricky. She sometimes hides under leaves or gets stuck in mud, and I have to work extra hard to track her down. Sometimes I get distracted, sometimes I drop her, but it’s all part of the game. And yes, my hooman sometimes pretends to throw her — hilarious, but also…rude!
As we trotted down the treelined trail, I usually run ahead in excitement, then double back to make sure my hooman isn’t lagging or distracted. With daylight saving time upon us, we have to stay on schedule before darkness sneaks in. Sometimes I get distracted too, digging in the wrong place and ending up with muddy whiskers before I find my way back on the tracks.
Before long, she was tossing, I was fetching, and Pinky was singing her happy little squeak. My hooman clapped and laughed, calling me her “good boy,” over and over — music sweeter than any treat. That’s when it hit me: the best part of the game isn’t finding the ball at all. It’s being out there together. Her laughter, the breeze ruffling my fur, the soft squeak of Pinky — they fill my heart in a way no biscuit ever could. It’s in those moments that the noise of the world — even Santa’s revving sleigh — fades into quiet joy.
So, friends, as turkeys get stuffed and Santa begins checking his list (twice), let’s keep our eye on the ball. Work through the obstacles that would stop you from gathering together, and don’t get too caught up in who’s bringing which bones where, or you might completely miss out on the game entirely. And if you find yourself competing with the neighborhood elves, take a minute to find your way back to those you love the most. I guarantee they’ll clap and cheer when you arrive.
Let the joy of being together lead the way through the holiday hustle. Take a moment to paws and feel grateful for the ones who toss the ball, cheer the loudest, and share your trail — because that’s the real gift of the season. Keep your focus on what’s important, the rest is just gravy, mmm… gravy….
I am thankful for being able to share my adventures with you.
I’ll bark at you next month!
Your friend,
Jack Jack Canine Explorer 