House of of dogs.

It was my turn to have this kids this Thanksgiving, so we went down to my mother's home in south Georgia. My mother collects dogs, and there is never a time when they aren't watching.

As soon as we walked in the door Thursday, my sister said, "We saved these for you." Because that's the kind of family I have. The kind where we can't make the traditional oyster stuffing without eating some of the oysters raw, and they knew I'd want some. No matter how disgusting they might appear.

Seriously, dogs everywhere. This one is always, always hopeful that someone might be interested in a game of fetch. Somehow, I didn't get a picture of the three-legged dog who easily keeps up with the others.

The weather was gorgeous, and many of the male members spent several hours making a stop action film involving leaves.

Did I mention that there are always dogs around? This ancient, quivering chihuahua seems to be happiest nestled into a chair with you.

The only purchases we made on Black Friday were for that evening's meal, a low country boil. And I did mention the dogs, right? My youngest brother considers it sport to incite them to howling. They fall for it every time: