Yippee! Thanksgiving is almost here and my tail just won't stop wagging! This is the one holiday that is completely and totally focused on food. And food is my favorite topic in the whole world. Every year I long for a seat at the table, and while that has never happened, a dog can hope. The good news is that even though I may not get to sample all of the culinary delights, I always get something special on the big day. I thought I would share my safe and healthy holiday tradition so that some other furry friends might be able to give thanks too.

First, I get a little bit of skinless and boneless turkey. The skin is too fatty for pets, but plain turkey is perfectly okay (and delicious). I also get steamed carrots and green beans. And for "dessert", I get a small helping of canned pumpkin (no sugar or salt added). It's a very tasty and safe way to take part in the festivities. A good rule of thumb is that "people food" for pets should always be in a whole, unprocessed and additive-free state. Fat, sugar and salt are simply not good for us.

Of course, there are some foods that pose risks even in their whole states. Dangerous foods include raisins, grapes, onions and mushrooms. Chocolate is another food to avoid at all costs. In addition, cooked bones of any sort can be extremely unsafe for us.

If you're a little too busy to prepare a meal for your pet this Thanksgiving, there are some excellent ready-to-eat products that can help make the day special. Merrick makes all-natural canned stews with names like "Thanksgiving Day Dinner" and "Grammy's Pot Pie" for dogs and cats. There are also lots of yummy sweet potato treats like the ones made by Sam's Yams. Plenty of healthy dog treats come in flavors like turkey and cranberry. There are even cans of pumpkin made especially for dogs!

If you have a house full of guests, remember that they may not be as knowledgeable as you are about what your pets can and should eat. It's always a good idea to explain the house rules about table scraps when guests arrive. That way, you can make sure that well-intended people are not slipping us fatty, inappropriate food or feeding us directly from the table.

Most importantly, keep an eye on us even when things become hectic. This can be a challenge when lots of people are visiting, so it might be a good idea to put us in a quiet, comfortable room for a little while. This way, even if there is food all over the house, we won't be tempted to eat it. I should know: I once watched my "brother" jump on a high counter and eat half of a carrot cake in about three seconds. (He was my hero, but even I have to admit that he was not a happy camper afterwards.)

I'm already dreaming of my Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin. It's going to be a great day! In the meantime, I'm still working on learning how to open the refrigerator after my people go to sleep. I know I can figure it out. I have to. It's Heaven in there. Just trust me on that one.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg, Fairfax and Falls Church.