Why We Are Thankful for Our Dogs This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what matters most – family, friends, colleagues, and of course, our dogs. They are more than pets; they are our steadfast companions who add so much to our everyday life.

Indeed, studies have shown having a dog can increase our physical activity, lower our stress level, and help us feel less lonely, among other benefits. They can even help us live longer.

At Elevate Pet Provisions, we get it. Our dogs go beyond just being our inspiration; they remind us each and every day the impact we want to make in their lives and the lives of those who love them.

This year, we asked our team to share why they’re thankful for their dogs – not just during the holiday, but every single day.

Adds Joy to Every Adventure

“There’s nothing like having a dog who’s always ready for adventure, and we are beyond thankful for Cooper! From the moment we step outside, he’s always there, eager to explore with us – whether it’s hiking the mountain trails, swimming in the lakes, or heading out for a waterfowl hunt. His energy is contagious, and his love for the outdoors makes every trip even more special. There’s never a dull moment with him, and we cherish every hike, every splash, and every hunt.

Cooper is more than just a pet, he’s family, and we’re so lucky to have him by our side through every adventure.”

- Brooke

Reminds Us What Is Important in Life

“Sometimes referred to as the most popular member of our family, I am thankful for my dog, Sumo, this holiday season. Sumo has a unique way of bringing people together. Whether snoozing peacefully or joining on an adventure, he is always ready to share in the moment. His laid-back and playful attitude serves as a constant reminder to not take life too seriously, and that’s something I truly admire about him.”

– Weston

An Unimaginable Bond

“This Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for Skeena, my German Shorthair Pointer. She joined our family just before our first child was born, bringing boundless energy, goofiness, and that undeniable puppy mischief that kept us both laughing and pulling our hair out.

We initially chose Skeena for her breed’s reputation as natural athletes, hoping she’d be the perfect trail running buddy. But seeing her innate hunting instinct emerge during those first trail runs was a revelation, sparking our journey into upland bird hunting together. The bond we’ve developed through training and fieldwork is something I hadn’t anticipated but is now my favorite way to spend time together.

Yet, beyond her high energy and hunting enthusiasm, Skeena has a beautifully gentle spirit with our two toddlers. She endures their pokes, prods, and make-believe games with endless patience, often lying calmly as they play around her. Skeena has taught me so much about connection, and finding joy in both wild adventures and quiet family moments –qualities I never imagined a dog could reveal.”

– Rachel

A Love That Never Wavers

“My dogs, two Deutsch-Drahthaar, are amazing. Ginger is the dog I have had the longest, and she is my registered PTSD service dog. She travels with me everywhere and has a keen sense of when I get anxious. She will sit calmly next to me and put her head against my thigh – almost like she's telling me she knows I am stressed or anxious and I do not have to worry. She is a 100% cuddle puppy until she has her vest on or her hunt collar, then it's time to go to work for her.

Linda, my other Deutsch-Drahthaar, is another story. She is 7 months old and is full of puppy energy, rowdiness. and a limited attention span. All she wants to do is hunt. I ran them both together when I hunted them this fall, and they did great with their teamwork and prey drive.”

– Ryan

Small Dogs With a Big Impact

“Our dogs provide unconditional love and are down for any and every adventure. We are blessed to live in a beautiful state where we do so much with our dogs outdoors: hiking, camping, floating the river, the list goes on.

Most people on the trail are surprised to see our dogs doing over 10 mile hikes. They are small, yet mighty. (We do bring backpacks in case they need a lift).

I am so thankful that they show me happiness, strength, love, and friendship every single day.”

– Kelly

They Bring Us Together

“I love dogs in general, because they are more like us than not. Dogs are the best of us when the worst of us breaks our hearts and lets us down. I embrace a passion for dogs and that passion somehow in this crazy, messed up universe so very perfectly found its way to me.

Every day is Christmas with a dog. It’s a true celebration, a present waiting to be unwrapped every day. Cliche, but true.There’s a secret unspoken club for us dog lovers of the highest order. On fortunate days, we find each other: at parks, pet-welcoming stores, on vacations, and at traffic lights. Dogs sniff, we smile. Ages are exchanged, stories are passed on, and dogs bring strangers together, even for a moment. I am thankful for dogs because they complete me in every way.”

– Carol