December 24, 2012
I have a confession to make. It’s embarrassing, but I divulge pretty much everything here, so I might as well include this: I have become one of those people who buys Christmas presents for her dogs. I have scoffed at this idea for most of my life, so this is a hard thing for me to admit. I’ve crossed that threshold and landed smack in the middle of “eccentric lady” territory.
Santa is bringing bones, new collars and chew toys to the three dogs who reside at our house. I just couldn’t say that I was finished with my Christmas shopping until I knew that our dogs had something to open on the Big Day. I am fully aware of how crazy that sounds.
Our dogs are part of our family. They comfort us when we’re sick or sad, and they celebrate with us when we’re happy and having fun. Our dogs have their own distinct personalities, and we love them very much.
At any rate, our dogs are being treated to new clothes, rawhide bones and exotic-tasting treats this Christmas. While I was shopping, I ran across several dog lovers who were scheduling spa visits for their canine family members, complete with blueberry facials, pedicures (can you buy a dog a manicure? I don’t know) and personal walkers and sitters. Did you know that they make jewelry for dogs? They do. Earrings, tiaras and cufflinks, to name just a few trinkets.
I have not yet reached that point. I just wouldn’t feel right buying something for a dog that I can’t afford for myself or my human loved ones. Besides, can a dog really enjoy a facial the way it should be enjoyed? I doubt it.
Oh well. Yes, my husband ad I love our dogs. I think we pay them more attention since all of our children moved out, but that’s OK. They wag their tails at us when we speak, snuggle up with us on cold days, get excited about trips in the car, and love us no matter what we feed them.
Come to think of it, that’s really all we asked of our children when they lived at home.
Here’s to wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas, filled with hope and plenty (and lots of slobbery kisses, wet noses and tail wags).
Carole Townsend is also a Gwinnett Daily Post staff correspondent and author of two books: “Southern Fried White Trash” and her newest, “Red Lipstick and Clean Underwear” (released October 2012). She is also a regular weekly guest on FOX News Radio station WYXC 1270 AM on Wednesdays during the Live Drive at 5. Townsend has been quoted on msnbc.com, in the LA Times, USA Today and the Christian Science Monitor, been featured on FOX 5 Television News and CNN, and is often a guest on television and radio shows nationwide. She currently travels throughout the southeast, meeting readers at festivals and book signings, and speaking publicly at various events.
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