Gratitude is a sickness suffered by dogs.
–Joseph Stalin
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I was looking at a selection of quotes with a Thanksgiving theme when I stumbled across this lovely item from that great inspirational speaker, Joseph Stalin. It was so much in contrast with the rests of the lovely platitudes that it made me laugh. Stalin would probably not be the guy you would want as a guest on Thanksgiving, especially if you expected him to say grace. He would no doubt our holiday as a foolish expression of sentiment, a day for sick dogs to howl in thanks to their owners.
You know, even though it comes off as cruelly insensitive, I think Stalin’s comment might actually make sense. Thanksgiving is a day where we realize that we are no better than our pets, that we are as dependent on others as they are on us for love and support. We should do like our dogs and show our gratitude to those we love without condition.
Well, that’s okay by me. Call me a sick dog because I am nothing if not grateful for so many people I have encountered in my life from my family and friends to people who I don’t even know who have offered kindnesses.
Here’s a reply to Stalin from a real human being, Elie Wiesel, “When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.”
So, whatever you might call today, be it Thanksgiving or Sick Dog Day, be thankful for those you know and love. Be a dog today. It’s the human thing to do.
PS- The painting at the top is a new 24″ by 24″ canvas, titled Placid Pondering, part of the show at the Just Looking Gallery.
Redtree Times 