Thanksgiving with Tails & Thankful Hearts

As Thanksgiving approaches, our homes fill with warmth, delicious scents, and cherished moments with the ones we love — including our four-legged family members 🐾

This special holiday edition of River Valley Paws is all about keeping your pets safe, spreading seasonal joy, and celebrating the incredible animals who make our lives brighter. From what’s safe (and not safe) on the Thanksgiving table to urgent foster needs and festive photo fun, you’ll find everything you need to keep tails wagging and hearts full this season.

Let’s make this a Thanksgiving to remember — for pets and people alike.

Thanksgiving brings irresistible aromas that have pets eagerly watching every move at the holiday table.

But local veterinarians warn that many classic dishes can put your furry friends at serious risk.

Plain turkey meat without skin, seasoning, or gravy, along with cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans (no butter or garlic), and pure pumpkin, are safe for pets in small portions.

However, common foods like stuffing, turkey skin, gravy, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and anything containing xylitol are highly dangerous and should be kept far from pets’ reach.

The simple rule: if a dish is seasoned or sweetened for humans, keep it off your pet’s plate to avoid emergency vet visits and ensure everyone has a happy Thanksgiving.

🚗 Traveling With Pets This Thanksgiving

Heading out of town with your furry friend? Keep the trip safe and stress-free with these simple tips:

• Secure pets with a crate or crash-tested harness

• Bring their regular food and water to avoid stomach upset

• Pack comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket

• Make sure ID tags and microchip info are up to date

• Never leave pets in a parked car — even in cooler weather

A little preparation goes a long way toward a calm, happy holiday journey 🐾

♻️ Leftovers & Trash Safety

After the feast, curious noses go on the hunt — and that can lead to trouble.

• Keep leftovers sealed and out of reach

• Avoid giving bones, fatty scraps, or seasoned foods

• Secure trash cans to prevent counter surfing

• Clean plates promptly to remove tempting smells

When in doubt, skip the scraps and stick to pet-safe treats 💛

Roxanne is a beautiful 3-year-old Catahoula mix, weighing 45 pounds, in urgent need of a foster or forever home.

She’s currently waiting at a rural pound near Fort Smith, Arkansas, and her time is running out.

Roxanne is dog friendly, adores attention and walks, and has a playful, loving personality.

She walks well on a leash and is sure to be a loyal companion.

Foster families receive full support, including food, medical care, supplies, and guidance from a dedicated team.

Please help give Roxanne the safe, loving home she deserves—apply to foster or adopt today.

🐾 Consider Holiday Fostering

The holidays can be especially difficult for shelter pets. Even a temporary foster home can give them warmth, comfort, and safety during this season.

If you can’t adopt long-term, fostering provides a loving bridge and helps save lives — food, medical care, and supplies are often covered by rescues.

Searching for a heartfelt way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Fort Smith?

Meet lovable rescue animals eager for forever homes at a special holiday adoption event this November.

Several local organizations — including Rangers Rescue, Hopper’s Haven, Animal Rescue of Oklahoma, and more — are teaming up to find families for pets in need.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 23, from 12 PM to 5 PM at The Barn by Two Brothers, 3720 S 87th Street, Fort Smith.

This family-friendly gathering offers a chance to give thanks in a truly meaningful way: by welcoming a new furry friend and giving them a second chance at happiness.

Bring the whole crew and let your heart “gobble up the love” this season.

The holidays in River Valley shine brighter with joyful pets and festive moments.

Now is your chance to let your furry companion steal the spotlight.

River Valley pet lovers are invited to join the Holiday Pet Photo Contest by submitting a cheerful snapshot of their pet — whether dressed in holiday style, cozy by the tree, or basking in the seasonal magic.

After you share your photo, friends and neighbors can cast votes for their favorites.

Encourage your network to participate, celebrate your pet’s personality, and compete for the top-voted title.

The most-loved entries will be featured in the community gallery and upcoming editions of River Valley Paws, giving your pet a chance to shine.

Spread some cheer and let River Valley see your pet’s holiday spirit!

🐾 Coming Soon: River Valley Holiday Pet Gallery

We’ll be featuring top-voted holiday pet photos in upcoming River Valley Paws issues — showcasing the most festive, heart-melting, and joy-filled entries from across the River Valley.

Enter your pet, share your link, and encourage friends to vote! Your furry friend could become one of our featured holiday stars 🎄🐶

🎄 Pet-Friendly Holiday Light Walks

Looking for a festive outing with your furry friend? Take a stroll past local holiday light displays and snap a photo of your pet enjoying the glow — perfect for your contest entry!

Explore the lights map here:
rivervalleylocal.com/holiday-light

🐾 Closing – A Season of Care, Community & Wagging Tails

The holidays remind us how powerful kindness can be — whether it’s protecting our pets from table scraps, opening our hearts to a foster in need, or sharing a joyful photo that brings smiles across the River Valley.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares so deeply for animals. Every share, every vote, every act of love makes a difference.

From all of us at River Valley Paws, we wish you a safe, cozy, tail-wagging Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, and plenty of snuggles 💛

What’s your pet’s favorite safe Thanksgiving treat? 🥕

We’d love to hear — and see those adorable holiday photos!