The cozy Advent season is all about food and togetherness — warm spices in the air, festive meals, little treats shared with loved ones… and if we’re honest, we humans tend to enjoy a little more of everything this time of year.
And while we indulge in all this goodness, our animals are often right beside us, watching with those big, hopeful eyes.
You probably know that look. 😄
So today, I thought I’d share a few recent answers from Maja and Ida about the topic of food — asked by members of my community.
Their perspectives make us laugh, reflect, and soften — because they reveal what truly matters to them: connection, safety, belonging.
Maybe you’ll recognize your own animal in some of these answers.
And who knows — maybe there’s even a small, safe treat you can share with your animal during this season. A piece of cooked vegetable, some unseasoned fish, a tiny dog-friendly cookie…
Love, after all, flows through the stomach for all of us.
Question: Why do you love food from the table more than your own food?
Maja: Most of the time it simply tastes more exciting, and above all, it smells delicious. We also love variety. And it creates a sense of togetherness when we eat the same things. It makes us feel included.
Isn’t that beautiful?
Food creates connection — across all species.
Question: Do you prefer eating alone, or do you like eating when your humans eat too?
Maja: Hmm, I’m not really sure. So far, I’ve always eaten alone or together with my sister. I definitely prefer eating before you. Watching you eat while I’m hungry is not nice at all! But it doesn’t have to be at the exact same time as you.
So honest.
And really — none of us enjoy watching someone else eat while our own stomach is empty.
Question: Dear Ida, I wonder why you Labradors or Labi-mixes eat until nothing is left, even when it’s far too much?
Ida: Um, yes… Mama often calls me “Raptor” or “little Nimmersatt glutton.”
For me, it’s because I didn’t get food regularly in my past, and when there was food, I had to make sure I got something. That’s why I eat everything I can get — and as fast as possible. Maja doesn’t do that. She’s even picky with food and sooo slow…
Do you really think this is mostly a Labi thing? I thought it was more individual or based on past experiences. But when I think about it, it does make sense that we like to eat a bit more and tend to be cuddlier. After all, we used to help in cold water. You need strength for that — and a warm layer of fat.
And I would really love to have that layer back, by the way!
Ida… my heart.
Our animals touch us so deeply when we listen to their stories.
What you may carry into the coming weeks
✨ A little more understanding about why some animals eat so quickly.
✨ A gentle smile at the idea that food is not just nourishment — it’s also about belonging.
✨ And maybe the reminder to listen closely to what your animal might want to share about food, comfort, and security.
I wish you and your animal a peaceful, warm, joy-filled St. Nicholas season — full of little moments that nourish both belly and heart.
From heart to heart,
Tanja