@Chris Trout, I could so easily become a vegetarian. I am not fond of using animals for nourishment. Guess I would have made a terrible excuse for a Native American back hundreds of years ago. I'd be like, "Nah, y'all go on and devour Bambi' s poor Mama, I'll just be over here foraging for nuts, betries, and a few wild greens."

I believe that the way I feel about animals would have reflected poorly on me as a pioneer woman as well. The Old Man would come home to our two room cabin proud of his slew of fish dangling over his shoulder. He'd tell me to skin 'em, debone those suckers, and fry 'em up in an iron skillet.

Somehow I just don't think he would think too highly of my request for corn pone and greens for dinner. Being vegetarian seems pretty easy to be a choice for a lot of folks who see animals as partners for life. I mean, come on, what about that dog trained by a retired psychologist. He understands and follows through perfectly with almost 2000 words of sign language. And therapy/support dogs. They go to school with the children who need them every day. Their pictures are even in the school yearbook. Some are even allowed to stay in the hospital with their companions.

All I am saying is that I do feel a strong connection with our previous and present furry friends. They may not communicate in so many words, audibly, but they certainly speak volumes from their hearts. And if Stuman ever decides to go vegetarian , it won't be the end of the world for this girl who has an oil painted portrait of our long time family member, Franklin, the beautiful Sheltie who went over the rainbow bridge

Until then, we'll be cooking that big ol' turkey for Thanksgiving day. Which brings up a whole nuther discussion, best kept for later.

In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving and/or Indigenous Peoples Day! Love and peace to you all!