No it is actually very useful for housebreaking, traveling and destructive or anxiety behavior. That being said leaving your pet in a crate for less then 4 hours or if that's where they sleep at night is not cruel. Now leaving your pet in crate 8+ hours or longer without any supervision or getting checking on can be thought as cruel. Leaving a pet in a crate 24/7 is outright animal abuse and should be avoided at all cost no matter what the circumstance.
Check out this lovely site for some awesome and educational advice on keeping you dog safe and content during the Thanksgiving holiday. (Not to mention your guests and family members as well!) Enjoy and learn a thing or two.
Please consider adopting a pit-bull or pit-bull mix there are far to many in shelters these days because of discriminatory cities and states that think ALL pit-bull and pit-bull mixes are dangerous and deserve to banned or euthanized. Blame people not the breed. If a pittie is raised in a healthy environment then just like any other dog breed they can be awesome safe loyal pets. After all they are known as the "nanny" dog. Spread the word and educate people the truth not the media hype.
Have room for another pet? How about helping the less fortunate more needy animals. Adopt or foster a pet that is constantly overlooked and been in a shelter for far to long. Open to your heart to a pet that's a little different and needs more love then the average pet. Not only could you learn something new but you be giving a less adoptable pet much love and companionship that they desperately need. Be kind and open your eyes and heart with arms wide open.
Give thanks and honor to all those who have served, sacrificed and are still serving in the United States military human and animal alike. Respect, appreciate and help military veterans each and everyday not just today.