Hi Saddlebag Notes friends! I’m Emma, a cheerful little bichon-poodle mix living here in SaddleBrooke with my human, Bill. You may have seen us out walking on the golf course paths or cruising in our golf cart. In this column, I share a dog’s-eye view on your questions about life, pets, neighbors, and all the little things that make our community special—always with kindness, honesty, and a wagging tail!
By the way, I do have my very own website and blog, Life With Emma in the Desert, where I post new stories every couple of weeks: emmathewhitedog.com. I’d love for you to visit and subscribe!
Q: Dear Emma,
What do you think about having a Yappy Hour just for small pups? I went last week, but the dogs were so big and active that I got scared and couldn’t enjoy myself. I’m less than 10 pounds and know the big guys don’t mean harm, but it felt overwhelming.
Thanks,
Mini
Hi Mini, Thank you for writing! I understand completely—big pups can be very friendly, but when you’re under 10 pounds it can still feel overwhelming. I passed your question along to Kelly Evans, Director of Food & Beverage at HOA-1, and I’m happy to share her thoughtful response. The Food & Beverage team and their committee partners discussed your concern, and they will try something new at Yappy Hour: - They’ll set up two different areas on the lawn. - A few tables will be placed farther away from the main crowd, creating a quieter spot for smaller dogs or those who don’t want to mix and mingle too closely. - This way, everyone—big or small—can enjoy a night out with their people. Ms. Evans explained that right now the turnout for Yappy Hour is small, so separate days or times wouldn’t work with staffing. But if attendance grows during the season, the team will revisit whether more formal separation makes sense. I think this is a very positive step, Mini — and I hope you’ll give it another try. You deserve a safe, happy space to enjoy time with your mom and dad! Wags, Emma
Q: It’s almost November, and that means Thanksgiving is just around the corner. What do dogs think about the Thanksgiving holiday their humans celebrate?
Oh, Thanksgiving! Just saying the word makes my tail wag. From a dog’s perspective, it’s one of the most wonderful holidays of all — a day filled with delicious smells, friendly voices, and warm hearts. Dogs may not understand the history behind it, but we do understand gratitude. We feel it every day—for a soft bed, a gentle pat, a shared walk, or a treat given with love. On Thanksgiving, the feeling fills the house. We can sense our humans slowing down, gathering together, and remembering what matters most. Of course, we secretly hope for a little taste of turkey (plain, please—no onions, gravy, or stuffing for us!). But mostly, we’re thankful just to be near our people—curled up under the table, watching and listening as laughter and stories flow. If I could give one Thanksgiving wish from all of us dogs, it would be this: take a moment to look into our eyes and know that we love you completely, without words. You’re our whole world—and that’s something to be thankful for every day. With love and a grateful heart, Emma
Have a question for me? I’d love to hear from you!
Email Emmathewhitedog@gmail.com, mention you saw me in Saddlebag Notes, and I might answer it in a future column.
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