They say a dog is a girl’s best friend, and for the past nine years, mine has been Teddy.
My Australian Labradoodle is less of a pet and more like a shadow, or a furry little brother who always knows what’s going on. After nearly a decade together, I truly can’t imagine my life without him.
If it is below 35 degrees, indeed Teddy will be wearing his bright red fur-hooded parka. Despite his luscious locks, the king can never be cold.
If the sun is shining, he will find the perfect spot to soak it in. When the sun hits Teddy just right, his golden fur glows.
Teddy has many talents, chief among them being his ability to sniff people’s food from across the room. A self-proclaimed king, Teddy has high standards when it comes to eating.
Whether I’m home from college over break, or just passing through the house, Teddy is usually close by, keeping tabs, claiming the best spot, and reminding me that home is better when he’s there.
He’s famously picky, carefully evaluating what’s in his bowl before committing, because why settle when you know you can get better? When it comes to mealtime, Teddy believes it should be an experience, not just a routine. He inspects, sniffs and sometimes walks away entirely.
Long walks are a non-negotiable in Teddy’s daily schedule. Whether it’s a quick loop around the neighborhood or a longer adventure at the park, he approaches every walk like it’s his personal red-carpet moment.
Over time, the little moments like this turn into traditions you wouldn’t think of skipping.
One tradition Teddy never misses is NBC’s National Dog Show presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day. He watches intently, head tilted, as if he’s judging the competition or imagining himself in the spotlight.
There’s something special about sharing that moment with your dog by your side while cheering on the pups, relaxing on the couch, and knowing your own little champion is right there next to you.
This upcoming Thanksgiving, whether you’re tuning in to the National Dog Show or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, make sure your dog feels like a winner too – whether it’s with great food, lots of love or a spot right beside you.
And if you’re in the Philadelphia Region, you can attend the National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. This year, it is set for the weekend of November 14-15 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Tickets are available beginning in June at https://nds.nationaldogshow.com/.
Nowhere else can you find 2,000 dogs and 10,000 people in the same place at the same time. See you there!
