Truffles celebrates a birthday.
Photo courtesy of Patty Livernois.
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Cake, presents and perhaps a special meal are all traditional ways to celebrate a birthday - even if you have four paws, a tail and a name like Fido or Fluffy.
Many consider their pets members of the family. As a result, more and more people are hosting birthday celebrations for pets.
"It's definitely a big trend," said Marcie Theisen, owner of Bow Meow in Royal Oak.
While some observe the pet's actual birthday, others honor the day the pet joined their family. Either way, the occasion often calls for saying "Happy Barkday" with a special food item, new toy or even a birthday bash with canine friends.
At The Uppity Puppy in Royal Oak, co-owner Kim O'Brien said birthday cakes for dogs are very popular. The 6-inch cakes are specially prepared with pet-friendly ingredients and personalized with the birthday pet's name and age.
Alternatives to a birthday cake are dog bones and cookies made for pets.
Many also purchase gifts for the birthday pet. Durable pet toys that make noise make great presents, said O'Brien. Other gift ideas include treats, outfits and gift baskets, she added.
Some pet stores have a gift registry so the purrfect pet present is easy to find and some have special offers and incentives to help celebrate pet birthdays.
As part of the Pets Supplies "Plus" Birthday Club, members receive a birthday card in the mail and a $5 off coupon to use towards a future purchase of $25 or more. Enroll pets at any Pet Supplies "Plus" store.
For those who wish to invite some canine friends over for a birthday party, there's invitations, party hats and other festive items available for purchase.
Michelle McLean, co-owner of Just Dogs! Gourmet in Milford, said hosting a party can be as simple as inviting friends with dogs over and having cake, treats and party hats for the dogs. Christy DeWaters of Royal Oak enjoys hosting a birthday party for dog Jade and a few of her dog friends. The event is a festive affair that includes dinner for the adults in attendance. The key is to make the party fun for both humans and pets, she said.
Theisen has hosted a Halloween-themed birthday party for her dog, who dresses up in a costume for the occasion.
Marilynn Cherluck said she enjoys throwing birthday bashes for her six Italian greyhounds. She started with a party for her pet, Velocity, and said the pet parties are a great way to gather family members together.
She has since hosted a summer barbecue to celebrate the July birthdays of Bailey and Tippy Toes and is considering a combination birthday/Halloween party for Rusty, who was born on Oct. 30. She's also planning a Valentine's Day birthday celebration for Odie, who joined the family just this spring.
Two of her dogs, Tippy Toes and Cairo, are certified therapy dogs who Cherluck says bring so much comfort to others that she sees the birthday parties as a way to reward them for their hard work. Her other dogs bring her happiness every day.
"They do so much for me, this is something I can do for them," she said. Some birthday parties even include canine party games, such as frisbee tossing and agility games, said O'Brien.
Cherluck said she's also heard of best trick and best costume contests held during parties. If hosting a pet birthday party sounds like fun, local residents have some planning advice.
First, limit the guest list to a reasonable number of adults and pets. Four to five dogs is a good number, said Theisen.
If you're hosting the party at a park, verify that pets are welcome, said McLean.
Andrea Carollo Lessway of Royal Oak celebrated the first birthday of her yorkie, Birkin, last November at the office. She brought a cake in for co-workers and a dog bone for Birkin. Her co-workers brought in gifts of toys and dog biscuits.
Another tip is to provide refreshments for everyone, but for health and nutrition reasons, be sure any treats served to dogs are made specifically for dogs, said McLean. Have plenty of activities, treats and/or toys on hand to occupy the dogs and be sure that they get along together, said Theisen.
In addition, have food, beverages and entertainment available for adults, said Theisen.
"Make it a celebration," she said. Beyond these suggestions, plan the party anyway you would like.
"The sky's the limit," said McLean.
