In their latest newsletter, the Tibetan Terrier Club of America provided some tips on keeping your dog safe and happy during the holidays. Although a lot of it is just common sense, I wanted to pass this important advice along to you.
Dogs and Holidays
Because your dog is special to you, you want him to share all the special times in your life, including holidays. But to your dog, everyday spent with you is a holiday (oh yeah, right, i'll take Cabo anyday), and he may not be able to appreciate or understand the strange people (like my parent's relatives), noises (like MeeMaw's farting), things and goings-on associated with holiday celebrations. Here are some ways to keep your dog safe and happy during those festive times.
General Tips• Stick as closely as possible to your normal
routine. Try not to vary your dog’s feeding,
walking, and playtime schedule.
• Don't give your dog scraps from the picnic
table or holiday buffet. Cookies and pies,
macaroni salads and stuffing, potato chips
and fancy hors d'oeuvres, are inappropriate
foods for dogs and may make them sick.
• If you host a party, remember that some
guests may be uncomfortable around dogs.
Your dog may, in turn, be uncomfortable
or frightened around a large group of unfamiliar
people. You may want to confine him
in a crate or a room that will not be used by
guests. Otherwise, keep him by your side,
or with another family member, to keep
him from getting into trouble or underfoot.
Christmas• Turkey bones can pose a choking hazard for
dogs. Do not give turkey bones to your dog.
• Keep an eye on the holiday table and secure
leftovers and garbage to prevent your
dog from foraging among the holiday foods.
• Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are
poisonous to dogs. Make sure they are kept
in places your dog cannot reach.
• Do not put lights on the lower branches of
your tree. They may get very hot and burn
your dog.
• Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try
to chew them and get badly shocked or
electrocuted. Place them out of reach.
• Avoid glass ornaments, which break easily
and may cut a dog’s feet or mouth.
• Do not use edible ornaments, or cranberry
or popcorn strings. Your dog may knock
the tree over in an attempt to reach them.
• Keep other ornaments off the lower branches;
if your dog chews or eats an ornament, he
can be made sick by the materials or paint.
• Both live and artificial tree needles are sharp
and indigestible. Keep your tree blocked off
(with a playpen or other “fence”) or in a
room that is not accessible to your dog.
• Tinsel can be dangerous for dogs. It may
obstruct circulation and, if swallowed,
block the intestines.
• Keep burning candles on high tables or
mantels, out of the way of your dog’s
wagging tail.
• Review canine holiday gifts for safety.
Small plastic toys or bones may pose
choking hazards.
• Your dog may want to investigate wrapped
packages; keep them out of reach.
Ryan
and Sophia
Earlier in the day Roscoe went home with his new family. Yep, that's his new name Roscoe. His new dad wrote me and explained:
"As for a name...we’re thinking Roscoe...after Roscoe Turner, the 1930s racing pilot. I have a great love for anything aviation, especially from the “golden age” of the 20s, 30s and 40s. We considered Lindy...Lucky, Wilber or Orville, Curtiss (after Glenn Curtiss), Piper and more. Amelia was considered early-on if it was a female pup. Roscoe was the one that resonated with the rest of the household."
Just a quick note to thank you guys for the best Christmas present ever! Bruin is just pure delight. He has acclimated so well and we can't get over how good he is in every way...he sleeps, he eats, he does his business and he is so playful and full of life...he has brought us all so much joy! We can't imagine how we ever got along without him in our lives. Don't know what you did to make him such perfection, but hats off to you both (and of course his parents and sisters and brothers as well!) We are thrilled and so happy to have him in our lives! 
All is going well and we made it through the night with no problems at all. We didn't have the heart to leave him alone in his crate all night, so he slept with us. He slept through the night and didn't cry. Stephen took him out first thing this morning and he did his business. He's gone outside several times. We had one little slip:)
Well well our little Sherpa has made it very clear he does not like the crate. He has also made it very clear he has a mind of his own.....We had another great night, he loves sleeping with us and sleeps right through.... I just took him out with his collar and leash. He stood in one spot and would not move even when I gave a light tug. I dropped the leash and let him walk around by himself with the leash attached. I have to keep reminding myself these are all first and he's just a little boy... 
Sherpa was outside in the snow and loved it, I didn't have him on his leash, we'll do that later today. He also loves sitting in the sun-room watching the birds at the feeder. He's in his crate right now and seems to be adjusting, I don't hear any whimpering. I'm not sure if sleeping with us is the best thing to do now or should we keep him in his crate at night. What are your thoughts? I woke up last night with him stretched across my neck sound asleep, he's soooooooo cute. I'm amazed he sleeps through the night, we take him out first thing to pee.
Sherpa survived the night in his crate and went out first thing to do his business. About 45 minutes after we came back in he went to the door and scratched at the glass, I took him out and he went again. He's such a big boy...:)
We can not thank you enough for bringing our little Sherpa into the world! He is the perfect little boy pup with enough personality to entertain the human population! Every single encounter and discovery he makes brings us laughter and joy! Whether it is negotiating an unpeeled grapefruit or eying a low hanging Christmas ornament (Yipe!), Sherpa becomes fearless in his quest for knowledge and understanding of objects and movement in his new home.
Suddie,
We had an easy ride home, he only cried for about 15 minutes and then settled right down and slept. Ate a good dinner, played some, slept some and overall is doing great! We'll see how tonight goes and will keep you posted.
TO: Suddie
Suddie,
Suddie,
I love the movie On Golden Pond. I'm sure you've seen it. I haven't seen it in ages, but I am thinking about it because at the end of the movie Norman and Ethel are alone on Golden Pond and Norman says "Ethel, listen. The loons...they've come to say good-bye. Just the two of them now. Their babies all grown up...and moved to Los Angeles or somewhere." 
We had a good flight with Pandy staying in her bag very quiet until we landed and got home. We were happily surprised, as we expected crying etc during the flight. And it was a long flight with a full plane on both legs. They took one of my carry on bags and made me check it through, but that was no problem as it was there in San Diego when we arrived.
Well I've been sooo busy since I last sent you a note. First, I think I told you that my Dads went on another trip and left me home with my handler friend. WELL they returned a couple of days ago and the surprise was waiting for me when I got back in my house, A BEAUTIFUL little girl that is our daughter. She is soo full of action, she keeps me on the go. We chase around the house having a great time. But she just wants to keep going without any rest time. Maybe I'm getting older or I'm just not used to all this excitement. Right now we are both resting in our own spaces. Thanks for raising her to be such a great little girl. My Dads have named her Pandy, which I think is very nice. I suppose you are helping your parents introduce all the puppies to all the lucky people who are providing new homes to the other pups. My Dads told me how great your house is and about the snow, which I have never seen. I better go and see how I can help take care of Pandy. Have a great Holiday Season. I will try to keep you updated on the progress of Pandy.
Because your dog is special to you, you want him to share all the special times in your life, including holidays. But to your dog, everyday spent with you is a holiday (oh yeah, right, i'll take Cabo anyday), and he may not be able to appreciate or understand the strange people (like my parent's relatives), noises (like MeeMaw's farting), things and goings-on associated with holiday celebrations. Here are some ways to keep your dog safe and happy during those festive times.
