Well, how did everyone's beast fare with the family?
We've had 3 growls at the brother in law and one turd in 89 yr old step father's room ("he didn't want to go out in the cold but he wanted to come out of that little box this morning before you came downstairs")
1/2 of family is now gone.

Surprisingly well. We had four guest cats in the house and not so much as a sideways glance at them.

The boarding kennel was full for the holidays and the dogs handled the coming and goings considerably well. They seem to be becoming oblivious to the new dogs always coming and going.

My niece and nephew came over the day before the holidays began and my nervebag of a wonderdog who usually hides under the couch when I have company was curled up on the 7 year olds lap while we watched a movie and she handed him a few pieces of popcorn. I couldn't pay enough for a moment like that with him.

My beast thought the entire day was all about him. From his perspective:

Many of his favorite people showed up and made a fuss over him. He got lots of healthy treats, and more than a few new "chewy" things (like a big honkin' antler and a whole box of beef rib bones) for Christmas.

His "cousins" didn't come with my sister and his sire wasn't with my ex, so he was the only dog in a crowd full of dog people who all love him and think he's awesomeness 'personified'.

The only downside for him was having his picture taken in scarves and hats, but I think he secretly liked it.

Since everyone knows him so well and knows what his 'buttons' are, there were no growls or grumps. I'm lucky to be surrounded by dog people.
Murphy in a scarf

I took my rascals out for a good run in the morning and played ball in the afternoon. The 2 youngsters were kenneled during the festivities so they behaved perfectly

Missy tried to keep up with the youngsters during playtime and was sacked.out.cold during dinner and gifts in the late afternoon.

Christmas Eve was great at the assisted living home. They did a lot of just “being” which is exactly what I expected of them. If a face went down to greet them, it got a kiss.

It’s interesting, whenever I allow introductions with my pups I always get comments that they “don’t smell like dogs”. I’m sure the other raw feeders get this too. I always say “Really, what do they smell like?” And the answer is generally “Nothing, they don’t stink”. And I always chuckle to myself thinking of the things I’d like say….but I don’t go there and just let them know they’re really healthy.

I got permission to share these.

His first bed ridden resident. I’m making sure that his “gentle” and “kiss” commands are working while I was telling him how special this person is and what an honor it is for him to be meeting her.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010001.jpg

Here is the “touch” command.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010002.jpg

Here’s the “Hugs”, his head actually went down on her chest.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010003.jpg

And here is the “good bye” and “off”.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010004.jpg

Always a hit with the kids. You can see his fur is getting kinda ruffed here. He was the subject of so many hugs.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010012.jpg

Checking out a lift. If ever he shows any confusion or curiosity towards any equipment, attachments, structures, etc., I always take a few minutes to let him sniff and familiarize him with it. Generally, a few quick obedience commands beside whatever and he’s good to go.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010014.jpg

Another resident but I’ve blocked out her face. Bob assured me he got her permission but I didn’t witness it, not like the first lady who told me she wants pictures and said to post them anywhere.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010016.jpg

And a few people wanted some pictures by their Christmas tree so Bob got one too.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv210/wolfpup2227/Christmas2010015.jpg

Christmas Day was wonderful. There were 8 large breed dogs in our yard and not one squabble. 7 of them were on our special walk together. It was a dog oriented Christmas for sure. I did the whole turkey dinner and got lots of compliments but I think the guests would have eaten anything at that point.

All in all, a great Christmas for us and sounds like a few other good times were had too. Happy holidays everybody!!

 Quote: Kristel Smart

I'm lucky to be surrounded by dog people.

Me, too.

We had about 15 people for Christmas eve in my little house. Vigo was the only dog in attendance as Grace and Kira were at my mom's. He snuck into the kitchen and cleared my cheese tray of a good 8 oz. of cheese right before every one came over...oops! My fault! It was only up from there...I put him in his crate before everyone came because I knew my Nana would be coming and she has mobility issues. After we ate, I let him out and kept him leashed for a bit, then once the crowd cleared out, he got to just hang out with everyone. He behaved wonderfully

On Christmas, he went with me to my mom's for the day. Got to spend time with his best buddies, Grace and Kira, and then I followed the same procedure of crating and then letting him out leashed later. He was eventually allowed off leash and promptly fell asleep!

Today, I was all ready to watch my new Michael Ellis DVDs; however, Vigo was quite happy to simply sleep on the couch all day :P

Now he is back to his rowdy self since he was crated for a bit while we went to see Christmas lights at the local historical village....just when I am ready to got to bed!

CJ, Those are all great pictures, but what really makes me smile is that you took the time to make Christmas a little better for so many people.

Thank you for your effort, I am sure they all appreciated the visit.

Mine did pretty well, my parent's dog wasn't a very good host though (she stole his Christmas presents, wouldn't let him near any pillow on the floor, and never missed a chance to chase and bite his tail)....however Ryuk's pretty used to her inability to speak "dog" at this point and ignores her.

WE FINALLY GOT SNOW!!!! My father is going to try skijoring tommorrow because he's under the impression that if I can control Ryuk pulling in harness he can as well...I plan on going out and watching my dog pull my father across the field on his stomach screaming with a mouth full of snow XD I can't wait....

 Quote: Jamie Craig

My father is going to try skijoring

Ummm.... VIDEO, please!!?!!!!

Vader did great at my in-laws considering their two Schnauzers wanted to eat him. Apparently we must be doing something right because he would go right past their kennel and not even look at them. They were obnoxious as usual but Vader was awesome. He's such an amazing dog..*sigh*... Oh, and he of course loved the 4 hour car ride.