Decorating the tree took time this year. Bear considers any task I do a shared activity and wants to participate, so setting up the tree required patience. I selected unbreakable ornaments and placed them carefully, while Bear tried to help and Teddy observed.
Decorating this tree could never be a solo project. When the tree came out, Bear’s interest was immediate. He circled, ready to help. Every adjustment or ornament offered him a chance to get involved. His curiosity brought laughter and made patience essential. Choosing unbreakable ornaments was not just a precaution, but a way to include Bear.
In years past, I used classic Christmas colors: red, green, and gold, with ribbons, bows, and fragile ornaments. This year, I chose something different. Studying dog cognition taught me that dogs see mainly blue and yellow. I wanted to create a tree Teddy and Bear could really see, so I changed the color scheme accordingly.
Why Blue and Yellow? A Peek Into Dog Vision
One of the most fascinating things I’ve learned is how dogs experience the world differently from how we do. While they aren’t completely colorblind, their dichromatic vision allows them to see blue and yellow best.
- They see yellow beautifully.
- They see blue beautifully.
- Green and red? Those look more like shades of brown or muddy gray.
So, after years of carefully choosing red glass ornaments, ruby ribbons, and golden lights, I now realize Teddy and Bear probably saw only a tasteful assortment of brownish dots. Maybe it was still elegant, but for them, it wasn’t exactly eye-catching.
Dogs see blue and yellow better than red and green, so this year’s tree features blue, white, and gold. I preferred the blue glow during testing. It felt calm and right for the season.
No tree skirt this year. Bear would snatch it, turning the house into a giant game of chase with Mom and Dad. Its absence feels understood, not missed.
As I said earlier, this tree came together carefully and slowly. Instead of tradition for tradition’s sake, this was about intention. The tree now symbolizes a season of presence and gratitude, one marked by Teddy and Bear’s daily companionship and quiet, unwavering love.
Note From Teddy and Bear:
We watched while Mom worked, picking each ornament with care. Bear always stayed close, ready to help. I kept things calm. When the lights began to glow softly and blue, just for us, the house felt warm, safe, truly like home. Bear’s excitement filled the room; his joy was evident as he sniffed each decoration, tail wagging in time with our favorite song. I felt a quiet happiness, knowing Mom picked out each piece with us in mind. She loves us, and we love her, too.
We don’t need ribbons, bows, or a tree skirt. We already have what matters: a place to rest, someone who understands what we experience, and a home filled with love. This tree is beautiful not for its looks, but because it was made with us in mind.
And we promise to keep an eye on it… especially Bear.
Love, your good boys,
Teddy and Bear
