Celebrating Thanksgiving with Your Dogs: Fun Ideas and Dog-Friendly Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time of joy, gratitude, and family - and that includes our furry family members too! At Ormond Beach Dog Boarding, we believe in making every occasion special for our canine friends. This Thanksgiving, why not create some fun and memorable moments for your dog? Here are some unique ideas and dog-friendly recipes to help you celebrate Thanksgiving with your pooch.

1. A Thanksgiving Feast for Fido: While you savor your Thanksgiving dinner, don't forget to whip up something special for your dog. A simple yet delicious meal can be made by mixing boiled, boneless, unseasoned turkey with a little pumpkin puree and carrots. This not only allows your dog to partake in the Thanksgiving festivities but also keeps their diet safe and healthy.

2. Thankful Walks: Take the spirit of Thanksgiving outdoors with a 'thankful walk' with your dog. As you enjoy the scenery and calmness, reflect on the joy and companionship your dog brings into your life. This can be a serene and bonding experience, perfectly aligning with the essence of the holiday.

3. Turkey Chase Dog Game: Engage your dog in a playful 'Turkey Chase' game. Use their favorite toy and initiate a fun chase around the house or yard. This activity not only keeps your dog entertained and active but also lets them engage in a Thanksgiving-themed play.

4. Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Cookies: Bake some pumpkin dog cookies as a special Thanksgiving treat. 

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons of dry milk (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, and only a small amount as cinnamon should be used sparingly in dog treats)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready by the time you finish preparing the dough.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, dry milk, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients form the base of your cookie dough.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and canned pumpkin together until smooth. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also moisture to the cookies, making them chewy and delicious.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to incorporate. Mix until the dough is somewhat stiff. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. The thickness can be adjusted based on how crunchy or soft you want the cookies to be.
6. Cut Out Cookies: Using a cookie cutter (you can choose festive shapes like leaves or pumpkins for Thanksgiving), cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
7. Baking Time: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the cookies are hard and golden brown.
8. Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. This is important as it allows the cookies to harden and become crunchy.
9. Serving and Storage: Serve these tasty treats to your dog while enjoying your own Thanksgiving feast. You can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for longer storage.

These homemade pumpkin dog cookies are a fantastic way to include your dog in the Thanksgiving festivities. They are not only fun to make but also a safe and healthy treat for your furry friend. Remember to introduce any new treats in moderation, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
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As always, it's important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies your dog may have and consult your veterinarian with any concerns about homemade dog treats.

5. Puppy Pampering and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Watch Party: Treat your dog to a relaxing spa experience before all the family dinner mayhem occurs. A gentle bath, a soothing brush, or a calming massage can help them feel extra loved and pampered (and look their best for when guest arrive!). Dress them in some cute fall attire and cuddle up to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This quiet time with them in the morning before family arrives will give them the affection they crave before your attention is diverted to the dinner festivities. 

6. A Moment of Gratitude: This Thanksgiving, amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing meals and gathering with family and friends, it's important to pause and reflect on the special bond we share with our dogs. Our furry companions provide us with unconditional love, joy, and comfort, enhancing our lives in countless ways. Here at Ormond Beach Dog Boarding, we understand deeply the value of this bond and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to care for these wonderful animals.

Dogs have a unique way of bringing happiness into our lives. They greet us with wagging tails after a long day, offer comfort when we're feeling down, and share in our moments of joy with exuberant energy. They don’t just live in our homes; they live in our hearts, becoming irreplaceable members of our families. This Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate the countless ways your dog has enriched your life:

• Unconditional Love: Dogs love us unconditionally. They don't care about our job, how we look, or what mistakes we've made. They simply love us for being there.
  
• Companionship: Whether it’s a walk in the park or a quiet evening at home, dogs are our faithful companions. They teach us about loyalty and the value of being present.
  
• Stress Relief: Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of petting a dog can lower blood pressure and bring a sense of calm.
  
• Life Lessons: Dogs teach us about resilience, forgiveness, and living in the moment. They don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future – they live for the now.
  
  
  

Our Gratitude at Ormond Beach Dog Boarding

As a team dedicated to caring for dogs, we at Ormond Beach Dog Boarding feel a profound sense of gratitude for being able to look after your beloved pets. We understand the trust you place in us to care for a member of your family, and we don't take this responsibility lightly. Every wagging tail, playful bark, and contented nap they take under our care reminds us of the joy and privilege we have in being a part of their lives.
In this season of thankfulness, let's all take a moment to appreciate the incredible gift that is our dogs. They ask for little but give so much in return, teaching us about love, joy, and companionship. This Thanksgiving, let’s make sure our furry friends know just how much they are cherished.
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Interested in booking a stay or scheduling a meet-and-greet? Visit us at www.OrmondBeachDogBoarding.com and send us a message, we'll promptly reply with our availability for your stay request! As this is quite a busy time of year for travel, we are nearly fully booked until the new year, however we are accepting 2024 reservations!