There are so many reasons to be thankful for your dog or cat this year. Let’s see… there’s the:
Natural alarm clock:
Cats and dogs alike have the innate way of standing on your chest and sticking their face in yours until you wake up letting you know that it is time to start the day… even if it is before sunup.
Wasn’t-me face:
It doesn’t matter if you catch them red-handed, ergh, red-pawed, pets have an uncanny ability to make you feel sorry for them. Whether it is your dog getting into the trash or your cat knocking books off your bookshelf, their face of innocence is just too darn cute for you to stay mad at them.
Is-that-mine face:
You spent the last hour slaving over a hot stove and oven making an amazing meal for you and your family after a hard day at work, and here comes your pup or kitty prancing in staring up at you as you get ready to take your first bite of your delicious meal. Nothing like a 12-hour nap to make them think they deserve a spot at the human table.
Plenty of room on the couch, but I’m going to sit directly on you instead:
Seriously? Did they all get together and have a meeting about this or something? But the truth is, there’s really nothing better than snuggling up with your favorite furry pal. In fact, the moments where they choose to sit next to you rather than on your lap almost breaks your heart a little.
Butt-wiggle dance:
So, this is more of a dog thing but something that all pet parents can appreciate it. The moment when you come home or ask them if their hungry and their little fanny goes crazy. It’s almost the equivalent of a small child doing the “I have to go to the bathroom” dance. I mean can you even imagine going over to Aunt Ethel’s for Thanksgiving and her greeting you with a butt-wiggle happy dance? Sorry, didn’t mean to put that image in your head.
Where’d-it-go face:
How do they have so many different faces?! But you all know this one. It’s the one where your cat thinks she just pounced on the mysterious light on the ground, not realizing that you just shined the flashlight somewhere else. Or possibly when you pretend to throw the tennis ball only to have your dog chase after nothing wondering where it went. Now, who would do such a mean, stroke-of-pure-hilarious genius?
It’s always time for hide-and-seek game:
You come home and you’re looking to pick up your cat for a little pre-dinner snuggle–problem is you can’t find her. You call out her name, you shake the bag of her favorite treats, you check in every room and you start to fear the worst. Then, you go to your room to change into different shoes to go outside and look for her, only to find two beady little eyes staring at you from the back of your closet. You breathe out a sigh of relief, meanwhile she snickers to herself, “I am the queen of hide-and-seek.”
Tasty Tips
I didn’t realize I installed two doorbells regret:
You see headlights pull into your driveway; pizza delivery man is here. You race to find your wallet before he gets to the door. You sprint across the living room, jumping over furniture like it’s a competitive sport, and just as you reach for the doorknob, “DING DONG.” Sigh. Now your dog is acting as if he is possessed, barking literally in every direction to make you aware that the noise to signal that someone is at your front door wasn’t enough notice. “Thanks bud. Bet you’re going to give me your is-that-mine face now too.” The worst is when the doorbell comes from a commercial on TV. Sigh.
Mixed emotions antics:
“You ready to go for a ride boy?” And just like that here comes the butt-wiggle dance of joy. That is until you whisper under your breath, “to the vet.” And now he’s sprinting to go hide underneath the bed. Or you go to pick up your cat. She is thrilled as she purrs in your arms trying to nuzzle in closely. Then, she sees you taking her toward the carrier, and suddenly you become her favorite scratching post.
I wish I could train you to use the toilet, so I don’t have to clean up after you problem:
This one’s pretty self-explanatory.
But in all seriousness, there are so many wonderful things about our pets and a million different reasons to be thankful for them this holiday season. It’s true they can be a handful sometimes, but they bring so much joy and laughter to our lives every single day. Please join us in thanking our pets for everything they give us this Thanksgiving.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Related articles
Understanding Shedding Season for Cats and Dogs
Learn all about dog & cat shedding seasons, including what a typical shedding cycle looks like and how to deal with all the hair in your home.
Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs Can Be Double the Fun
Learn about the special relationship between bonded pairs of cats & dogs and why it's a great idea to adopt both of them together.
Shelter Heroes: How a Pet Adoption Counselor Finds Forever Homes
Learn about one dog trainer's journey to becoming a pet adoption counselor and how she's honed her skills to match people up with just the right pets.
Benefits of Antioxidants for Dogs and Cats
A gray cat and German shepherd dog lie beside each other on a white carpet
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
Secondhand Smoke and Pets: What You Need to Know
Learn how secondhand smoke affects your pets, including signs that smoking is affecting them, and why smoking around animals is dangerous to their health.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe for Pets?
Learn which cleaning product ingredients can be hazardous for dogs & cats, which alternatives are safer and tips for using cleaning products around pets.
Expectations for Visiting an Animal Shelter
If you're considering a pet shelter adoption, you may have a lot of questions. Learn how to prepare for your visit.
Pet Food Sharing: Can Cats Eat Dog Food? (& Vice Versa?)
Learn whether it's safe for cats and dogs to eat each other's food, nutritional concerns to be aware of, and how to discourage this behavior.
Pet Food Storage Tips
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Understand Your Pet's Body Condition Score
Monitoring your pet’s body condition score (BCS) can help you help your pet maintain proper growth and weight for a long, healthy life.
Does My Pet Hate Me?
Learn tips for bonding with your pet if you've ever thought, 'My dog doesn't like me, or 'Why do I have a standoffish cat?'
Compare Your Pet Food's Calories to Other Brands
Compare Hill's Science Diet dog and cat food's calories against other pet food brands and AAFCO recommended maximum calorie count.
Adopting a Blind Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Dog and Cat Urine Crystals: What You Need to Know
Crystals in your pet's urine can be common, but can also indicate a deeper health concern. Learn about the different types of crystals & what they mean.
Can Dogs & Cats Have Avocados? (& Are They Safe?)
Even though avocados are healthy for humans, discover whether they're safe for dogs & cats (including details on potentially harmful ingredients for pets).
Kennel Cough in Dogs and Cats
Learn what kennel cough is and how to spot symptoms in your dog or cat, as well as how contagious it is and possible treatment options.
Items to Keep in Your Pet Emergency Kit
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
Is My Pet Gay?
Stop wondering whether or not dogs or cats can be gay and discover what science says about this behavior in the animal kingdom.
Giving Pets as Gifts: How to Do So Responsibly
Is giving someone a pet a good idea? It may seem like a wonderful idea, but important factors to consider and some tips for doing it the right way.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.