It’s days before Thanksgiving 2020 and time again to count my furry blessings. This year, Thanksgiving looks very different. I yearn to visit my parents, and my brothers’ families, I’m thankful they’re all healthy, and safe. I’m grateful this year more than ever that although my human family lives miles away, we remain close-knit and loving.

Counting Thanksgiving Blessings

I’m thankful for veterinarians who make life better for the pets we adore. I’m thankful for researchers who work to find diagnoses, treatments, and cures for our ailments, both for pets and for people. I’m thankful for the animal welfare volunteers who do the work of the angels when others somehow let pets down.

I’m thankful that I have the best job in the world, sharing information about the cats and dogs that have become so important to our emotional and physical health. I’m thankful for publishers, editors, magazines, newspapers, TV and radio shows, websites, community theaters, bloggers, and email lists that share these important resources to benefit cats and dogs and the people who love them. And I’m thankful to writing organizations, teachers, agents, and all those who promote the craft of good communication and help others pursue this rewarding craft.

Karma a week after he arrived, at about 8 months of age.

Counting Pet Blessings

I’m thankful that we found a dumped kitten several Februaries ago and brought him into our home. I’m thankful that Karma-Kat dodged coyotes, cars, and who-knows-what to find our patio. I’m thankful that Magical-Dawg heard his meow-SOS, and that the little, dumped kitten trusted me enough to come when I meowed back.

I’m grateful that nobody claimed Karma—although shame on whoever dumped him!—and that he and Magic became best buddies. I’m thankful that Karma turned back the age-clock for both Magic and Seren-kitty in their last few years with us.

Magic at about 16 weeks with Seren (age 11) learning to accept each other. Awww….the memories!

I’m thankful that we found Bravo-Dawg the Bullmastiff at just the right time. He helped Karma-Kat (and us) emerge from deep mourning after we lost Magic and Seren. I’m thankful Karma and Bravo have become inseparable friends—even though their antics threaten the safety of our fine breakables.

Bravo at about 12 weeks of age, his first days with us.

I’m thankful for responsible breeders who ensure purebred dogs and pedigreed cats have a healthy paw-start in life. I’m thankful that we had Magical-dawg for eleven years, and Seren-Kitty for more than 22 years.

I’m still missing them, and always will. But now can smile about the water-hose-tag, Bear-toys, Frisbee-tag, Seren pester-sessions and a Karma-Kat buddy that made their last years bliss.

Bravo doesn’t let the loss of a leg slow him down–and Shadow keeps him on his toes!

I’m thankful that modern veterinary medicine helped diagnose and treat Bravo-Dawg’s osteosarcoma during this @#$%^!! pandemic. I’m grateful that a dumped puppy became Bravo’s Shadow, a beacon of hope and good cheer during an incredibly difficult time. And I’m grateful Bravo today remains happy and now more healthy than ever!

Evenings at home–Bravo and Karma sharing quality time. (Shadow-Pup at my feet in the next chair).

Counting Chosen Family Blessings

I’m thankful that although he never grew up with pets, my husband loves Bravo, Karma, and Shadow, and that he mourns our past pets. I’m even more thankful they adore him back (that could get awkward!).

I’m thankful for my church family—pet lovers or not—who also support my furry notions. I miss them deeply, as we’re not able to gather in person during these scary times.

I’m thankful for the gift of music and theatre I get to share with colleagues who have become wonderful friends. I’m thankful for the ability to stay connected via tools like Zoom, and share *virtual hugs* until we can meet in person. And I’m  thankful for my partner-in-play-writing-crime who helped make our theatrical dreams come true.

Thankful for YOU!

Finally, I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this column, the cat book lovers, and the dog book lovers, and folks who have “adopted” my thriller series. And those who offered awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned.

This Thanksgiving–give yourself some love and WAY TO GO! It’s been a long, hard haul, with more challenges likely ahead. But we will get through this, and it helps me to count my blessings. You, dear readers, are one of my most cherished blessings.

Without you, I would not have a career, and my life’s passion would remain unfulfilled. Without you, your pets wouldn’t have the wonderful love and care you provide. Without you, there wouldn’t be any reason for this heartfelt—THANK YOU.

Please SHARE this post with anyone who might need some furry WAY TO GO love. *s*

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!