It's that time of year again! There soon will be a frost on the pumpkin, and my human, Tom, LOVES to decorate. This year will be different for sure since we are still surviving the Pandemic, but I cannot think of a better time for your human world to have a reason to celebrate, be grateful and connect with people you love. Of course, you will have to be careful this upcoming season by staying vigilant about the virus. Aren't you impressed that a dog knows how to use the word; vigilant?

Anyways, for most of you, these coming months have the potential to either be sad or joyous. I think it comes down to two things –

Expectations
What do you imagine?

Expectations are at the core of most disappointment. Take some time to figure out how you see your holiday and how this year may be different. Understand that not everybody in your life knows what expectations you have, nor have the same expectations.

We all can imagine how we see a celebration or an event that is meaningful to us. This year it is essential for you to use your imagination when you foresee your holiday. Imagine how you can keep old traditions alive and create new ones that make sense in today's environment. There might be many new opportunities that you may have never thought about.

In this time of uncertainty and confusion, we can use these next few months to connect to family and friends and allow the child inside of us to come out or the puppy.

This could be hiking in the fall or carving a pumpkin, or Thanksgiving dinner, decorating the tree, buying, or making gifts for someone you love. The hardest part of living with the virus for all of us has been the loss of human connection. I feel it as well. I am sad when I go with Tom to work, and there are not families and children there. Tom has been sure to safely visit people because he becomes very sad without other humans. I think it is vital for all of you humans to reconnect this holiday season. You have had a year full of uncertainty and fear. I hope for all of us the end of this year brings us positive surprises, unexpected beautiful moments, and feelings of LOVE! Start decorating!