Sushi, A Thanksgiving “Tail”

         Well, I (the Mighty Carin Terrier, “Sushi”) never felt more like singing to the stars because I have so much to be thankful for. I was in one of those deep hearty moods – you know that feeling when you enjoy great satisfaction at the end of a hard night’s work? When you want to sit on top of a hill under a full moon, look out over the farm, breath deep and digest all that went right that day?

          The October moon shone bright.  The cool night air blew gently across “Turkey Hill.” From my vantage point, I could see Stretch, sitting atop “Sheep Hill” aloof yet majestic, keeping watch in all directions for any predator that might harm his flock of ewe lambs.  Stretch the Llama’s deep red fiber was highlighted by the colors of the autumn blaze maple tree that he sat under. My buddy Stretch and I are depended upon to protect the family farm.

          I was finished for the day after having checked the fence lines along “Turkey Hill.” At the same time, I was keeping watch on the Sly Ones’ activities out in the forbidden woods. “Turkey Hill” watch is extremely important this time of year as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. Each and every bird is accounted for, as these “table birds” are the making of family memories to come. October, November, December, are my master Mrs. B.’s favorite months of the year.

          Many of my nights are spent protecting the farm’s poultry and fowl from the Sly Ones – the foxes that live out in the dark and forbidden woods. I live on a special farm called Fields of Athenry.  Fields of Athenry is a place where we choose to live life as we think it should be lived. We work together, as a family, humans and animals side by side. Our farm is known for the meat it produces and sells, and the way we raise and care for our livestock.

          This time of year our heritage breed turkeys are laying eggs and hatching is taking place in Mrs. B.’s incubator. As soon as the turkey poult’s can get moved, outside they go! Each breed is separated in their own field right now, to make new babies ready for the 2012 table birds!  Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon Red, Mr. and Mrs. Royal Palm and Mr. and Mrs. Bronze prance and dance as if they are the Cat’s meow!  Oh and speaking of cats – those two annoying barn cats; Hokie and Mountie can really be distracting in a young man’s work, especially when that young man is a dog. They are always trying to get me in trouble!  I took one more trot around the turkey Mama’s pens as baby turkeys peered out from under their Mama’s wings. Life is good on this particular fall night; even old Gnarly Gander (the China Goose) and the rest of the Goose gang are content and peaceful under the twilight moon. Lord Percy and his harem of hens roosted serenely in the chicken palace.

          I have a lot to be thankful for. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas season approaching it seems so appropriate. I decided to relish in my contentment with my old buddy Stretch. Stretch and I love meeting under the maple tree late at night, keeping watch over all the farm yards.  Life was good. We had a strong year with very little livestock loss due to predators.  I know Stretch and I will be rewarded by Mrs. B. and her family for our endless hard work throughout the year. It is so important to make someone happy through your actions. As you know; actions speak louder than words.

            Every coyote fight, fox fight, skunk fight, possum fight has been worth protecting the farm for. Not always pleasant but someone has got to do the grunt work. That’s just the attitude Stretch and I take in our everyday duties that earn us the title of “Guardian’s” of Fields of Athenry Farm!  Don’t ask what you can do for me but what can I do for you? Farm life teaches you this.  So for now ... for this holiday season, come join Stretch and me and let our little light’s shine all around the barn yard. I know if I do my job well, Mrs. B. will have my favorite sautéed chicken livers, cooked to perfection for my holiday dinner!  Maybe you have never had sautéed chicken livers, but let me tell you; a real farm dog knows good food when he tastes it and you don’t know what you are missing!  Christmas Eve, I will be snuggled by the light of the farm house fire place. I will be the center of attention, body massages and belly scritches from all. That’s right; scritches not scratches because that is exactly what dogs like. Even Stretch gets to join the fun!  Yes, Stretch inside at Christmas – for you see Fields of Athenry Farm is a place where we choose to live life as we think it should be lived. We work together, as a family, humans and animals side by side.

            Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, Love Sushi!