Were dogs at the first Thanksgiving? A chat in Miss Nelly's kitchen

Hey there, friend—come on in, pull up a chair by the stove, and let’s talk about that very first Thanksgiving while the kitchen smells like turkey and sage.

Back in 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag came together for a three-day harvest celebration: venison, wild fowl, corn, stewed pumpkin, and more gratitude than any one heart could hold. And yes, there were dogs there. The Mayflower had carried over sturdy mastiffs and spaniels—working dogs who earned their keep every single day. The Wampanoag had their own village dogs, loyal companions who helped hunt, fish, and guard the children. Nobody wrote their names on the guest list, but those good pups were right there under the tables, noses twitching, tails thumping, hoping for a bite of goose or a scrap of cornbread.

Four hundred years later, I still believe every Thanksgiving table needs a dog or two underneath it.

That’s why, when my own turkey is resting and the sweet potatoes are golden under their marshmallow tops, I always tear up a few pieces of our Heart of the Wild elk & venison jerky and set them out for my crew—starting, of course, with the original Miss Nelly herself, the sweet rescue girl who started this whole treat-making adventure. These simple, slow-dried strips of real American meat (no fillers, no junk, nothing artificial) look perfectly at home next to the cranberry sauce and dressing. One little piece lets every dog at my table feel like they’re part of the feast, safe and sound, with nothing but shining eyes and happy tails to show for it.

Miss Nelly—the dog who inspired every bag we make—taught me that the very best holidays include every member of the family, two legs or four. So this year, make room under your table for wagging tails and slip your pups something wholesome that belongs on a Thanksgiving plate.

Our Heart of the Wild jerky is made with love in the USA, grain-free, and full of the kind of honest flavor those Plymouth dogs would have begged for.

From Miss Nelly (the dog) and the whole pack who loved her,

Happy Thanksgiving—may your home be warm, your plates be full, and your dogs know exactly how thankful we are for them. ❤️🐾