Shelter Dogs Thanksgiving Dream Comes True – Their Reactions Are Priceless!
Rocky Kanaka
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The Heart Behind Barksgiving: A Tradition of Gratitude and Hope
In the serene town of Ramona, California, nestled within the compassionate walls of the Frosted Faces Foundation, a unique Thanksgiving tradition unfolds each year. I’m Rocky, and this is the story of our annual Barksgiving – a day dedicated to giving back to those who ask for nothing but love. It’s a day when 100 homeless dogs, each with their own tale of resilience and hope, gather to celebrate a feast crafted from the heart. (watch full video above)
Crafting a Canine Feast: The Joy in Every Detail
Imagine a Thanksgiving where every guest is wagging their tail in anticipation. That’s Barksgiving for you. The menu? A culinary delight tailored for our four-legged friends. Picture this: savory turkey pot pies with a crust that would make any chef proud, wholesome cornbread, and cranberry stuffing that’s not just tasty but aids their digestion too. And for dessert? A pumpkin pie that’s both delicious and nutritious, seasoned with a hint of cinnamon for that extra touch of love.
Order a Barksgiving Dinner For Your Dog!
The Guests of Honor: Stories of Strength and Survival
Barksgiving isn’t just about the food; it’s about the stories of those we’re feeding. Take Marvis, for instance, a one-eyed wonder whose spirit outshines his age. Or Duke, the 14-year-old who finds joy in the warmth of freshly laundered blankets. There’s Trout, a 16-year-old former search and rescue dog, whose wise eyes reflect a life of service. And then there’s Smiley Summit, whose name says it all, and Chopsticks, a survivor of unimaginable circumstances, battling his physical challenges with unyielding courage.
1. Marvis- The One-Eyed Wonder
This here is Marvis. Now he’s a rescue favorite, and understandably so, because he’s a nine-year-old, one-eyed wonder that loves dogs, people, animals, and most of all, food. I’m looking forward to giving him his first Barksgiving ever.
2. Duke- The 14 Year Old Snuggle Bug
Now this guy right here, his name’s Duke. He’s a 14-year-old rescue dog that loves snuggling under a warm pile of blankets that just came out of the dryer.
3. Trout – Former Search & Rescue Dog
Then we have Trout. Now Trout is very special, he’s a 16-year-old boy, he was actually turned into the rescue because his elderly owners, they weren’t well enough to care for him anymore. Now when they turned them in, they said that back in the day he was a search and rescue dog. You can see it in his eyes, Trout is a good dog and he could really use a new family.
4. Summit – Long Time Resident
Now this right here at Summit, they actually call him Smiley Summit because he’s got a big smile, and hopefully we’ll find him a home because he’s actually been at the shelter for quite a while.
5. Chopstix- Rescued From Hoarding Situation
Last but not least, I gotta introduce you to my boy Chopsticks. Now, when I saw him, I just knew right away that there was something special about him. He’s a five-year-old and he’s been through so much. You see, he was actually found in a hoarding situation, along with 60 other dogs inside of a small trailer. This unsafe situation combined with his medical condition, cerebellar hypoplasia, was an immediate recipe for him being in a serious situation.
Now, Frosted Faces cares for senior dogs, but their main goal is to help dogs, so when they saw Chopsticks, they knew they had to get involved right away. Now here’s the thing, cerebellar hypoplasia definitely can affect motor impulses, so he struggles to walk straight or stand for more than a few seconds.
A Mission Beyond the Meal: Spotlighting the Deserving
Each dish served at Barksgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of hope. Our aim? To shine a light on these deserving souls, to find them the loving homes they yearn for. This feast is our way of saying, “We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re here for you.”
Order a Barksgiving Dinner For Your Dog!
Now it wouldn’t be complete without some delicious, dog-friendly cornbread.
Now look at this, it’s delicious, it’s nice and tender. And then we even have some stuffing, cranberries, they’re great for dogs, especially senior dogs, it really helps with the digestive system.
And don’t forget this delicious dessert, my famous pumpkin, simple ingredients, great for dogs. We even added cinnamon so that it’s delicious and healthy.
And then of course we have some nice crunchers here for the dogs that like really crunchy treats. Look at these, we’ve got some coconut on the outside. They look like chocolate but it’s actually carob, which is safe for dogs.
The Barksgiving Buffet: A Symphony of Tail Wags and Joy
As the buffet unfolds, it’s a sight to behold. The dogs approach, some timid, some bold, each taking their turn at the banquet laid out just for them. The air is filled with the sounds of contentment – a crunch here, a happy bark there. Watching them enjoy every bite, from the juicy turkey to the crunchy treats, is a reminder of life’s simple pleasures.
The Heart of Barksgiving: More Than Just a Meal
What makes Barksgiving truly special is the love that permeates through every aspect of the day. It’s in the way the dogs’ eyes light up as they approach the feast, in the gentle petting they receive from every volunteer, and in the collective hope that each one of these dogs will find a forever home. It’s a day where we don’t just feed their bodies, but we nourish their souls.
The Stories That Touch Our Hearts: The Essence of Barksgiving
As the day winds down, I take a moment to reflect on the stories that have touched my heart. Summit, who’s been waiting for his forever home for years, enjoys his meal with a look of contentment. Chopsticks, despite his wobbly walk, savors every bite with a resilience that inspires. Each dog here, from the youngest to the oldest, has a story that deserves to be heard, a life that deserves to be celebrated.
A Call to Action: Join Us in Making a Difference
As I share this tale of Barksgiving, I extend an invitation to you. Join us in this journey of love and compassion. Consider adopting a dog in need, volunteer at your local shelter, or simply spread the word. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these animals, one Barksgiving at a time.
In Closing: A Promise of Continued Love and Care
As the sun sets on another Barksgiving, I make a promise – to continue this tradition of love and gratitude, to keep telling the stories of these incredible dogs, and to never stop believing in the power of a loving home. Happy Barksgiving, and may we always remember the joy and hope that our furry friends bring into our lives.
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