Well-said, Kfander, and thank you for getting us back on topic in this thread. I realized that Cyberpupper had changed the topic to something that sounded close; but meant something entirely different, and decided to go ahead and answer her new alternative topic instead of ignoring it.
I do think that most of us who have pets, love our pets, and often think about them as part of the family. At least, that is how I feel about mine. So, if we are having something special, then Chipper and Tootsie are also having something special, and it seems like they usually enjoy trying out a new food.
If there is a turkey, or some kind of roast cooking, then, anytime I get up to check on it; they are right there, at my feet hoping that it is done, or that at least i will give them a taste while we are waiting for it to get done.
If we have company, then they have to be put away while we are eating, but they still get to have their portion afterwards.
The dogs don't really care about playing with the wrappings or ribbons off of presents like a cat does; so they usually just doze through anything that doesn't involve food.