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A golden Retriever rests her head on the wooden floor under a dinner table, surrounded by socks, slippers and sneakers. 14 / 22

Under the Thanksgiving Table, One Golden Had the Best View in the House

AI imagegolden retrieverthanksgivingunder the table

Down at floor level, the dinner party looks very different. A forest of table legs, gray socks, slippers and a black sneaker surrounds a golden Retriever named Honey, who has stretched out on the wood with her chin on the boards and her warm brown eyes looking up. A couple of dishes edge into view at the right, and a crumb or two lies near her paw. She has picked the one place where everyone's feet are close and the action is nearby.

Golden Retrievers are famously friendly and love to be near their people, so the space beneath the table makes perfect sense to them. It is also a wonderful spot for a dog to learn to settle, since it keeps her out of the walkway. A mat or a blanket under the table makes it more comfortable, and gentle training can teach her to stay put rather than hover for food. Guests should be reminded not to slip bites to the dog, since rich holiday dishes and bones can make a dog sick. A few of her own treats given at the end of the meal work as a nice reward.

Honey looks relaxed and quietly hopeful, with the contentment of a dog who is surrounded by her whole family. There may be a dropped crumb in her future, and there is certainly a lot of company. For a Golden, being in the middle of everyone is the best seat at any feast.

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