Kaiserslautern American
November 17, 2023
Page 9
DINNER FOR DOGS
Photo by Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com
THANKSGIVING
’TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING
by Christine Kemfort contributing writer
During this time of the year, Thanksgiving is a holiday, like many, that we love to share with our dogs. If you own a dog, or perhaps even have multiple dogs, you undoubtedly have at least one reason to be grateful for.
by Katie F. Boltuch contributing writer Photo by Julia Zavalishina / Shutterstock.com • Illustration by Sushi Illustration / Shutterstock.com
More than anything, the holiday season is known for kindness and giving. Showing one another how much we care often results in the form of gifts. And while it’s wonderful to give to those we know and love, there are millions of people who do not share the same advantages or luxuries. Many are separated from their loved ones, and some don’t even get to experience the same kind of thoughtfulness.
I
t’s been said that no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. If you’re looking to spread joy or for some good karma, there are plenty of ways to give back to your community and the world at large this holiday season.
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significant aspect of this day revolves around the Thanksgiving dinner, and it is possible to safely share these delicious treats with our furry friends if done correctly. In fact, several traditional Thanksgiving foods serve as a nutritious meal for dogs. Turkey, for instance, is an exceptional source of lean protein, but avoid giving your dog the skin because it can be hard for them to digest. Also refrain from giving them turkey fat or bones since large amounts can cause indigestion, nausea and in certain cases pancreatitis. Sweet potatoes and potatoes can serves as a nutritious, healthy vegetable for your dog. Sweet potatoes are often used in diets for dogs with digestive problems. Remember that they need to be plain, skinned and cooked. Another good source of fiber is wild rice. And of course plainly cooked vegetables as in carrots, green beans, peas, and broccoli are all healthy. But remember moderation is key, and that too many vegetables can cause gastric upset. Skip the gravy, but cranberry sauce is ok as long as you watch the sugar content and only give a small amount. And make sure that
there are no additional ingredients like grapes, raisins or currants in it, which are toxic to dogs. Always remember to give treats in moderation since a change to their diet can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Additionally, try to stick to their regular feeding routine, even if you are eating at different times during the holidays. Thanksgiving can be a stressful time for your dog due to the presence of numerous people and loud noises. Therefore, maintaining a consistent routine can help to calm your dog. It is recommended to keep your dogs away from the table while you enjoy your meal. Well-intentioned guests may give in to the pleading eyes of your dog and offer them an unhealthy treat. And when the meal is over and it is time to clear the table, please be careful and ensure that the turkey carcass and leftovers are put safely away, out of our dog’s reach. Unfortunately veterinary clinics often experience an influx of patients with digestive issues following the holidays. The day after Thanksgiving a higher number of pancreatitis cases are diagnosed than on any other day. However with a little care and thought your dog can enjoy a great Thanksgiving dinner with you.
eBay for Charity. It’s never a bad time to clean out the closet to make room for new things. It is, after all, gift-giving season. If you have a bit of extra time on your hands and get around to removing the items you no longer use, consider selling your items on eBay. The site will donate anywhere from 10 to 100 percent — your choice on percentage — of the sale price to the charity of your choice. Visit http://charity.ebay.com to get the ball rolling. The process is simple: Create an account if you don’t already have one, select a charity, decide how much you’re going to donate and then list your item. It’s a win-win-win situation! Heifer International. In lieu of gifts, many people will ask that a donation or a purchase be made on their behalf to a charity. There are plenty of options out there, but one to consider is Heifer International. This nonprofit organization aims to end world hunger and poverty. By visiting www.heifer.org and selecting their “Gift Catalog,” donors can purchase gifts for different holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. There are also sections to donate to animals, women empowerment, basic needs and sustainable farming. Adopt a family. Living overseas naturally takes us out of our home-town environment. If
you’re familiar with The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, then you know it’s an easy way to support those in need. But just because you’re living in Europe doesn’t mean you can’t help other families during the holidays. The Salvation Army also has a program where people can adopt a family to help out with a few extra items they might not be able to afford during the holidays. Families create a wish list, and people who adopt the family receive the list early in the holiday season. ermany’s Salvation Army branch is located in Cologne or to find a branch close to you please visit their website www.heilsarmee.de. On the website you can also see options to volunteer or donate this holiday season. Locally, many Family Readiness Groups and spouses groups are doing “Angel Trees” and accepting donations for families who might need a little extra help this holiday season. Make your groceries pull double duty. Buy groceries that give back. Not only can you collect Box Tops for Education, which can give back 10 cents to the school of your choice, but consider purchasing items in which all profits and royalties from those products go to charitable causes. Company’s such as Newman’s Own donate all of their profits to charity. Tom’s of Maine, Stonyfield and Ben & Jerry’s all donate up to 10 percent of their profits to local charities. Don’t forget to contact your local commissary to find out how you can contribute to their annual Feds Feed Families campaign. Last year, Defense Commissary Agency employees and patrons
donated over 3 million pounds of food and personal hygiene items for local food banks and pantries. Efforts are still needed and appreciated for families in need. Small gestures. If you’re looking for smaller-scale activities, there are plenty of ways to earn those good karma points and spread holiday cheer! Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Catch up. Make each other laugh. Pay for someone’s coffee, lunch, gas, etc. If they catch you in the act, simply ask that they “pay-it-forward.” Give an unexpected generous tip to your server. Bake some holiday cookies or goodies for your office or your neighbors. Not a baker? Just buy some cookies and decorate them nicely on a tray. They’ll never know the difference. Smile at strangers. You’d be surprised how far a simple smile will go to make someone’s day. Pay someone a genuine compliment. Donate blood. Donate to local food drives or clothing bins. Shovel your neighbor’s driveway when it snows. Work with your local units to donate time for gift-wrapping or a cookie drive.
