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I was invited to a friends house for dinner not too long ago. I was looking forward to the lasagna dinner they had invited me to. Oh how I love lasagna!
As we sat down to the dinner table, I noticed an extra place was set but not with a plate like the four adults had. "I don't remember you folks having any kids", I mused.
"Oh yes we do have one! It's Roxy. Come on Roxy, dinnertime!"
I was new to the area in East Texas, so I thought maybe this was some kind of regional tradition that I had never heard of.
Roxie came bounding in and stopped in front of the chair where the bowl was placed. She looked to Susan, her master, for the next command.
"OK let's sit down to dinner", Susan said, as she motioned for everyone to be seated. I watched that dog most delicately hop up on that chair and sit very carefully in the chair. I had never seen anything like this in all my 22 years on this earth!
As was the tradition in Ron and Susan's house, a short prayer was offered. I couldn't help but look up to see what this golden retriever was up to. I was sure she was sneaking a bite or two before amen was said. But to my surprise that ding dang dog was sitting there with her head bowed, so that I could barely see her ears above the table!
As soon as amen was said, I figured that was the signal to dig in. No it was not! Roxie had lifted her head and just sat there looking intently at Susan. I could tell who was in charge in this house, and it was not the dog.
I was so impressed with the dog and how well behaved she was. Not to mention the fact that the dog was a regular guest to the dinner table.
This early experience of mine got me to thinking about how some families include their pets as a surrogate human child. They even feed their pets as if they were human.
I wouldn't suggest pampering your pet this way. Mainly because of nutritional concerns. Dogs and cats need diets that are formulated to their specific needs of their body. A regular diet of lasagna, casseroles, and spinach is great for a human child but it is not for pet consumption.
There are other much healthier ways to pamper your pet.
It is amazing how some people to treat their pets like people. I think I could easily be like that if it weren't for the five children. As they have moved on to college I see how my pets have become a more important part of my life. They are not yet eating at the table with me. Cute in a strange sort of way. Thanks for the article. I enjoyed it very much.
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I would also be a little freaked by a dog at the dinner table. I love dogs and mine are usually spoiled, but I can't imagine having them at the table. Great article, loved it!
Awe! Thanks for that! Yeah I was a little freaked out, but what could I say? That ding dang lab was so well behaved! Thanks for the compliment!
I like animals especially dogs but not at the dinner table. Thanks for sharing
My sentiments exactly! I was so taken back, that I didn't say a word about it, except to sit there in awe at how well behaved the dog was! Thanks for reading and your comments, John. It's appreciated.
I love my pets and much as I might kid around that they are my kids (never being blessed with children myself) they eat from bowls on the floor and are trained not to jump up on tables and counters. They listen very well and are well behaved but, like kids, will do some things I don't like when I'm not around. Cute article and love the training tips on the blog link.
Thanks AnnMarie. Ron and Susan had no children, but that dog was so well behaved, what could I say? LOL I wanted to say something like if the dog is joining us, I'm outta here, but just couldn't. Oh and thanks for checking out the blog! Did you notice Pamper your Pet link at top. Takes you to some great products for your pets! I am new at this setting up blogs and websites and writing! LOL Thanks so much for your input.
That's a funny story. My sister had Irish wolfhounds and they had no table manners whatsoever. You wouldn't want to set a place for one. They were wonderful dogs in every other respect. I decided to teach them some manners, and started with pistachio nuts. Taught all of them (there were 4) to chew a pistachio nut carefully, then swallow. Wolfhounds can gobble up a whole plate of food in an instant. This was an achievement. Dogs are so much fun.
Awe! That's a great! You must be very patient. I appreciate the story, and oh yes, dogs are great fun! I once had a dog that would ride with me up on horseback. Dog's name was Dusty. I sure do miss him even after all these years! He was one of my childhood dogs. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Joan.
Another good article, hell you pop them out as though the are spit balls. Not sure I like the idea of a dog at the table, but then to each his own... and do agree that a dog should have a dogs diet... I love my pets and give them a special treatment with dog treats every day, but thats the extent I'm prepared to go to.. These people must really love their dog, and have missed out on a special treat... having children.. Great article in a fantastic style...one I really enjoy... you would make a good novel writer...
I didn't approve either, but hell what could I say? It was their house, and that ding dang dog was so well behaved, I couldn't say anything bad! I treat dogs like they are dogs and kids like they are kids, well most of 'em anyway! LOL I write one article a day....LOL The peeps at SA must have gotten their article pipeline all clogged up or something, because that is what they did today was popped out like pimples on a horny teenage boy! Never really knew I could write, 'til I got started here just tappin' away tellin' stories of my life. Haven't even got to the good stuff yet! LOL Thanks again. So it's morning where you are in South Africa, right?
That it is and by watching the way your comments are coming back, and by my calculations your up early or have stayed up late... but I do enjoy your articles ...
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