Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1182230
T he recent long hours writing at my desk have been hard on Winifred, who sprawls on my lap while I type, belly on my legs and head on the open file drawer to my right. Watching her snooze blissfully gave me pause to consider the season upon us: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah…or whatever fills you with joy and good tidings for your fellow man. And dog. Stroking Winnie's back reminded me how much my terrier- mix little girl is the ultimate gift that just keeps giving. So much pleasure, so many little treasures she bestows upon me. And so many big lessons—if only I'm wise enough to heed. One in particular greets me daily. Sitting in my lap, she watches me read the news online, get- ting all riled, talking back to the screen. Her look is clear : Who are you talking to? And what are you accomplishing? Of course, she's right. Winifred has no compunction about reminding me when I need to give it a rest! She jumps off my lap, picks up one of the tennis balls scattered about the room, tosses it in the air, catches it in her mouth. Impossible to ignore. If I do, she jumps back on my lap, drops the ball on my laptop, paws on the keyboard ready to read me the riot act. And write it, if she has to! Winifred knows when it's time to give it a rest. And time to go play! Indeed, a furry gift that keeps on giving. Which leads me to consider what we can give our beloved pooches this holiday season. Winnie has no interest in more stuff—particularly the latest designer dog apparel. She'd be best buds with Fran Lebowitz, who said, "If you're a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater…suggest that he wear a tail." Risking a tongue and tail-lashing from dog moms and dads who may beg to differ with the above, I posed the following question to some fellow dog parents: "What does your dog really want from you this holiday season?" Here are some of the answers I received: "While I would like to believe that only our laps fulfill Maxwell's needs, he gets most excited when someone new comes to the house so he can hunker down in their lap. He loves a holiday movie night where everyone is leaning back in a chair and he can go from lap to lap." —Dyana Klein "Winston already got his first wish: Going to the Poodle Parade! He's a Cavalier King Charles, but there's something about those poodles! He would also love a good blueberry muffin and free puppicino at the Carmel Roasting Co." —Vicki Schafbuch "We have three fur babies. Prada wants a fat turkey leg with a side of liver for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, a stocking full of turkey jerky. Cartier wants a romp at the beach, and a stocking full of golf balls. And Coco Chanel wants to curl up on a sheepskin rug in front of a crackling fireplace at Thanksgiving and spend a day at the spa for Christmas." —Lindamarie Rosier "Dogs, like children spell love: T-I-M-E. Rather than buying more stuff, simply make more time to be with your pooch. Explore the great out- doors together on a camping or backpacking trip." —Adam White "Like most only children, Aria would love if mom and dad brought home a younger sibling during Christmas. So many incred- ible pups at the local shelters are looking for brothers and sisters. No doubt, she will regret her wish the moment she realizes treats are divided by two." —Angela Hains "Penny wants to run figure eights in the grass while chasing me; wants her belly rubbed on demand and long walks where we stop to smell every bush and flower. I smile deeply at this little being that gives me unconditional love and joy daily, but then that is her holiday gift to me, isn't it?" —Big Sur Rose So, what does my Winifred really want for the holidays? More playtime, laptime, naptime, and always, more Mark time. A best-selling author in a previous life, Mark Oman is now co- author with Winifred of "Life is Good. I'm a Dog…And You're Not!" available at www.CarmelDogTales.com. Mark and Winnie live in Carmel with four-legged brother, Winston, and two-legged wife, Barbara. For more information, email mark@markoman.com. DOG TALES M A R K O M A N What does your dog really want from you this holiday season? A Gift That Keeps on Giving 50 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 9