My name is Ash, and I'm a lucky dog. I have a lot to be thankful for, and even though I try to show everyone how grateful I am every day, it's good to have a day for it. It's even better that the day includes a big plate of turkey and - my favorite - carrots, but I'd take it even without. It's important to let those you love know how much you love them back. You only have so much time to say it in, so it's important that you say it A LOT.

I'm thankful that my Mom and Dad came and got me from the nasty, mean place. I don't remember much about it, but I do remember being very little and very sick. My sister was sick, too, and they came and took us both away from that place. I hurt for a long time, but I had a lap to sit on and a Mom to cuddle with and nice warm blankets and food that made me feel better. I'm thankful that I feel better all the time now, and I can run and play like I should have when I was little. I have a lot to make up for.

I'm thankful for my sister, too, even though she's sometimes mean to me and steals my toys. That's ok, because I have lots of toys and sharing makes me happy. I'm glad I have lots of toys to share, and that I can give my rawhides to my sister and I always have more. I like to share my bed with my sister, too, but for some reason she doesn't like to share back. That's ok, because she always looks out for me, and she even gives me her carrots.

I'm thankful for my kittens, even the little pesky one that likes to chase me. He is fun to play with, but I think he likes to get me into trouble by making me bark at him. I'm glad the other one just likes to let me lick her ears. She is very nice and never smacks my nose.

I'm thankful for my kennel, because that means I have my own special space that's mine and only mine. I can arrange my blankets just right and keep all my special toys there so my sister doesn't steal them. She can be a real meanhead, but I love her anyway.

I'm thankful I have a big, safe yard to run and play in, and I'm glad my sister has a ball to give her something to chase besides me. I'm also thankful for space heaters, carrots and ice cream. Oh, and trips to the pet store when I can pick out a new toy all for myself. I'm thankful that the ice cream place is between home and the pet store.

I see sad dogs on the television a lot. I don't know why they're sad, but I think it must be because they don't have a Mom and Dad that love them like I do. That makes me sad, so I make sure I give all kinds of kisses and puppy hugs to let everyone know how much I love them back. My sister doesn't appreciate my hugs as much but I cuddle with her anyway. I'm a lucky dog.

Ed Note: Ash is one of my two cattle dogs; the other is, of course, his infamous sister Ella. He's a sweet, loving boy, and she really can be a meanhead sometimes. But I love them both, and can't imagine a day without them.