HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE FOR DOGS

1. Be especially patient with your humans during
this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and
they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.

2. They may come home with large bags of things
they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on
you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure
out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

4. They may bring a large tree into the house and
set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and
decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important
ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know
(A) don't pee on the tree
(B) don't drink water in the container that
holds the tree;
(C) mind your tail when you are near the
tree - -
(D) if there are packages under the tree,
even ones that smell interesting or
that have your name on them, don't
rip them open
(E) don't chew on the cord that runs from the
funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree

5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of
strangers to come visit during this season.
These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call
for some discretion on your part: - -not all
strangers appreciate kisses and leans
(A) don't eat off the buffet table--beg for goodies subtly;
be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa;
(B) don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach.

6, Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will
also be important: - -observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be
in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important) - -respect the
territory of other animals that may live in the house - -tolerate
children -- turn on your charm big time.

7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud
laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night.
DON'T BITE HIM !