Thanksgiving Dinner Goes to the Dogs

Editor's Note: Deb Bennetts of sent us this unusual Thanksgiving story about her business, which feeds boarders and shelter animals during the holiday.

Chef Penny slices some turkey, places it on a fancy plate, adds some trimmings, and serves it to Henry and Eloise, two of her eager holiday guests. Henry’s ears promptly fall into his plate while Eloise dives face first into her meal.

Not your usual Thanksgiving vignette, but this is no ordinary Thanksgiving dinner: Henry is a Basset Hound and Eloise is an Old English Sheepdog. This feast was specially prepared for four-legged guests boarding at .

For the fifth year, will host a special feast on Thanksgiving Day for family pets boarding over the holiday. The meal will feature freshly roasted slices of turkey atop turkey-and-rice dog food, trimmed with green beans and carrots. There’s a sweet potato biscuit for dessert.

The holiday fun kicked off Wednesday morning, when clients arriving with their pets wered greeted by the aroma of turkey slow-roasting in the lobby. Best Friends staffers don chef’s hats and leave no detail unattended as their special guests arrive. A few lucky dogs even got to taste test the meal that will be served on Thursday.

In the holiday spirit of sharing, boarders at aren’t the only ones included in the Thanksgiving celebration. will be donating holiday meals so that homeless pets have the chance to enjoy a special treat, too. Beneficiaries include Double Dog Rescue, Hot Water Rescue, Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary and the Simon Foundation.

For more information about , visit their website.