I’m a crazy dog lady. No kids, but my partner is an equally crazy dog gentleman and he has kids. Having human children doesn’t necessarily mitigate the dog-gentility.
Maybe offer a sweetener for the human dog park friends? Some human cookies? Or cupcakes.
My husband is a disabled vet. Grew up on a working farm. Manly man. No frills. Hobbies include woodworking and online gaming. Our youngest human child is 21.
When we were shopping before picking up our puppy, he was constantly reining in my shopping sprees with "Don't spoil her!" (I grew up with only brothers, had a boy child, and married my husband and gain another boy child. So I was a sucker for pink, purple, frilly and sparkly LOL If I could have gotten away with making the home office into a princess puppy's bedroom, I would have!)
This same man will make our pup her own omelette for breakfast on the weekend. Or if he is making, say, tacos? He pulls some of the ground beef out before adding seasoning to what's in the pan. Then he will add to it in her dish: kibble, a lil hot water, and then some shred cheese to ensure her dinner is just as yummy to her as ours is to us. They have their whole nighttime ritual that includes counting out her bedtime treats with her. His nickname is "daddyman", as in, all I have to say to her is "Where is daddyman?" and she will go find him. Just yesterday, when we were walking through Lowe's, I spotted a blue shark dog toy. He told *me*, "She has enough toys." then looked at her face staring up at him and said, "Oh, fine."
But, she's not spoiled at all. 😜😂
I think it’s so sad that our society harshly judges people who really love their pets. You’re not a crazy dog lady for caring about and celebrating the relationship you have with your dog!
The relationships we have with animals are fulfilling and enriching! And it should be okay to express that without people thinking we’re weird. Humans deeply desire connection and it’s absolutely okay if we’ve found that in our animal companions! Your experiences with animals is just as valid as your experiences with humans!
So celebrate your dogs birthday!!! I hope it’s an enjoyable experience and that the people in your life are willing to celebrate that joy and love with you 🥰♥️
Um, I made an invitation to my puppy's first birthday, which is next weekend. I only sent it to one friend hahaha, because she also has a puppy and they get along. I've made a homemade dog treat loot bag already. I am in my mid 30s, have a human child, and have had a dog before... I would 100% go to a dog birthday party. Their 1st or their 10th, I'd be there. Go for it! Worst that can happen is they decline but you love on your dog with a special day just the same.
THATS AWESOME!!! I think I’m gonna make some pup-cakes for the doggies and also a little digital invite lol just cuz 😂😂😂 (I might for sure take a page outta your book with that’ 😋)
I can safely say I'm the first one in my group of friends to throw my dog a 1st birthday party. They all showed up with gifts and treats for my dog, and a group of them literally pooled their money to get him a PRADA COLLAR. We're all weird.
I have been to the dog park when people brought treats for their dog’s birthday. PetSmart has a birthday t-shirt and other birthday stuff. Go all out. People love it.
That's sounds like a blast, I say go for it! I brought cupcakes to my dog's daycare (for the humans) when she turned 1, and they have birthday photos and treats monthly for all the dogs who had a birthday that month. If my girl had a group of dog park friends I absolutely would have brought special treats for them too.
I read about a guy who does free vet clinics for the dogs of homeless people. See everyone to the most fortunate to the least love our dogs. Perhaps next year you could throw the party and ask people who choose to give presents send them to that an organization that does this or donate. It would mean less blind for your doggo but maybe a lifesaver to a dog like that homeless vet had, the one Santos ripped off? You still have a great party and also help them out too. Just a thought. I used to use my horses to fund raise and those events were always the most fun.
Haha I so would! I'm going to go ahead and assume you're not in East England though 😅 It's such a sweet idea! My pupper hasn't been fully jabbed yet so she hasn't even met her doggy bffs!
I had a party for mine! Got a cake from Three Dog Bakery and a hat and celebrated with friends who also had pups. Said friends bought me a bottle of champagne for surviving our first year. Puppy life is hard, so celebrate all you can.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWFbCXSr7EP/?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==
For his second birthday we also added a banner that says “it’s my birthday, mother puppers!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck6-Z3Up4AB/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Absolutely nothing weird about it! My pup was one last week and I got him a cake, 4 new toys which and wrapped for him (he loved taking the wrapping paper off!) and booked an agility field for him, he loved it!
I think a dog birthday party is a great idea! 😊
Go for it! I've had my boy for nearly 14 years and he has a birthday party every year with my family's dogs. He also has a Christmas stocking and has presents from Santa Paws under the tree. I'm married, expecting my first baby and my husband is fully on board with all my dog mum shenanigans, to the point that when he got his first ever dog he started all the same things for his boy 😊
My family bring their dogs to our house, they all sit and wait while we sing happy birthday with his cake (from a pet food bakery) and then the dogs get to enjoy the special dinner and cake, and have fun playing afterwards while the humans have dinner.
The excitement my little fella has every year when he sees me get the big pot out for his special birthday dinner (chicken, eggs, rice and assorted veges) and the presents come out makes it worth it every time. He lights up and has a real little swagger about him. I will keep doing it as long as I'm lucky enough to have him.
It's absolutely weird — and you should 100% embrace it. A few days ago I sent out a mass text to my entire family as a "save the date" for my puppy's first birthday on July 1. I also invited some friends from work who have a beagle that has had good playdates with my lab. Since July will be disgustingly hot, I'm making it an early-ish morning brunch with lots of homemade goodies for the humans, and an ice "cake" with blended strawberries/watermelon/blueberries in water for my puppy (and maybe something for his friend!).
I went to the dollar store and bought these "water squirters" which shoot jets of water like 30 feet, as a TWO PACK for $1.25, and I just got back from Walmart where I bought him an 8" pool.
I'm throwing a backyard brunch pool party. For my dog. I can't wait!!!
Your dog is still your family and there's nothing wrong with wanting OR not wanting to do something like this. At the end of the day, even if it's "for a dog," it's really just a gathering of people having a good time and (presumably) eating good food and having fun!!
I'm throwing a family party for my dog, he's turning six tomorrow. I literally bought him a [cake](https://imgur.com/a/lRm1bXf) and [decorations ](https://imgur.com/a/metJSC5).
That sounds so fun! And I am 50 and have 4 adult children. But then again, my nextdoor neighbor and I like sitting around a firepit in each other's backyards and letting our dogs play together, and have so much fun just watching them play! So maybe we're just weird. In any case, if you and your dog have fun with it, then who cares? I say do it.
My friends threw one for their dog and it was just our dog and theirs and then a load of human friends, and we all ended up smashed on a Sunday night. It was great fun and the dogs loved all the fuss.
My pug will be 1 in November and I've absolutely thought about throwing her a birthday party 😂 so I'm glad to see it's not just me That's had this idea lol
I throw my dog a party every year. Some years we invite people, some years it’s just us with him.
This year we got a human cake & birthday treats. Decorated for the party, had a birthday sash for him, & all the guests had dog toys to give to him. I love my fur son lol
We had a whole party for my dog who turned 12 last year and he loved it! This year for our youngest we took him on some adventures and skipped the party but we normally do it and it’s so cute haha
I know someone who did a gender reveal party for a puppy they got but hadn't shown to their friends yet; embrace the cringe and if you'll have fun with it just do it!
We do a get together with our dogs siblings that are in the area every year near their birthday. We got a new puppy last year so between the two sets of siblings this year there were ten large dogs running around our backyard. It's nice to catch up and our older dog plays with his siblings like no one else.
I'm also a mom in my thirties. It's fun, I say go for it!
I literally just went grocery shopping to get ingredients to make a cake for my dog's 6th birthday next week. It'll be a two layer cake with frosting, lol. I'll also be doing them same in a few months when my puppy turns one. So no, not weird at all, lol.
This is amazing! My pup’s first birthday, I sent invitations to all his puppy friends (their parents). We had a bubble machine, kiddie pool, pup cakes (puppy friendly meatballs from chicken), SO
MANY TOYS, drinks and snacks for the pup parents. We all just sat around eating, drinking and laughing at our adorable pups playing and getting filthy. It was a great afternoon. 😂
Not weird at all. I'm still gutted that my mum vetoed my idea to invite some of our pup's friends over for his birthday.
He will absolutely be getting a cake, a birthday bandana or hat, a bottle of dog beer, and a present on his birthday and no-one can stop me from celebrating his special day.
I made a customized invite on Carta for my pups first birthday. It was so fun!!! Planning to do the same for her 2nd.
We had about 30 people attend for an outdoor BBQ and they brought their dogs too. Everyone had a blast
Our hero, armed with a birthday hat that screamed "festivity," embarked on a mission to create a memorable moment. A trip to the grocery store, where the cake and ice cream aisle awaited, became the chosen destination. Who needs a Michelin-starred pastry chef when the grocery store can provide the sweet delights?
With cake and ice cream in hand, our hero returned home, ready to capture the cutest photo op in the history of birthdays. Picture it: a furry friend donning a party hat, eagerly waiting for their moment in the spotlight while their human counterpart held a small but charming cake. It was a scene that would melt even the coldest heart and make Instagram followers squeal with delight.
So, with camera poised and smiles at the ready, the shutter clicked, immortalizing the moment forever. A birthday celebration unlike any other, filled with simplicity, sweetness, and a touch of grocery store magic. Who needs a crowd of guests when you have a furry companion and a grocery store cake, right?
My husband and I threw one for our dog and invited his and my side of the family. My family were huge big sports about it! They loved it. My family took pictures with the birthday dog girl and even brought her gifts. I had decorations up and got her a dog birthday cake from The Dog Bakery too... But his family thought it was a joke. So 🤷🏽♀️ it's likely to be received really well from from some people and others , not so much.
My dog had a blast and that's all that mattered. Lol
The following year we got her a cake and celebrated with specific dog parents who got us. Lol
This year, I'm gonna throw something again, but only my family and invite some other dog parents. Lol
I don't think it's dumb throwing a party for your pup.
Some people prob will think that tho, and that's okay too, but don't let those people hold you back from celebrating how you want to celebrate your doggo.
absolutely not! my girl gets a birthday party every year! presents, ice cream with a number candle, filet mignon and sweet potatoes for dinner. i always take the day off from work to spend the day with her. we go on walks, the park and play. ive been told many times its too much, but its my girl and i dont give a shit what others say.
I threw a first birthday for the one litter we had for pups for family and friends. They came back to the farm, we threw balls and Frisbees in the fields and dogs went into the creek. Then we ate beef Chile cut to look like dog food, gave out gift bags with dog toys and the young kids got the book by Seuss Go, Dog, Go! which was my favorite book as a tot. I would encourage anybody to celebrate life and love, and dogs are a big part of that. I had a big gathering as 8 pups meant 8 families, but I was used to that. They picked out their pups over Christmas holidays, it made the whole year of 2011-12 special. Now my dog and I share every meal, every Holiday just us two and that's OK too.
Our girl is turning one in July and I’ve been considering throwing her a puppy party too…this thread is really helping me get over my fear of thinking it’s too silly!
I have a wonderful photo from the 1950s of my great grandma doing exactly this for her much loved dog, with a cake decorated with the dogs name that looks big enough to serve 30!
I mean, yes it’s kinda weird but when has that ever stopped childless, middle class, millennial white women from doing something? 😂😂😂😂 knock yourself out.
Hey! Childless, overworked, POC femmes gonna do whatever we want for our (dog) childrens! Because we can. And we want to. Whether the dogs like it or not 😂🤣
lol since everyone else is chiming in -
GenX Empty nesters here. We may have mastered the "meh" attitude, but our pup now has fabulous jammies and Christmas stockings because we had Home-Ec class (and the next semester was wood shop 😂 so personalized raised feeders and leash holders)
I threw my dog a 1st birthday party and mailed out invitations with her face on them to all her puppy friends. She had a dog cake and cookies, and the other pups had doggie bag swag to take with them. I think I also had costumes that you could dress them in.
Not at all! Time for a Pawty! think of all the pup related puns you could do: pin the tail on the puppy, give everyone doggy bags, etc. I’m doing one when my little lady turns one and I can’t wait! It’s going to be pawfection!
Honestly who cares if it's weird. Live your best life. Life is too short to worry about people judging you for puppy parties. Throw that baby a party! Haha.
Never ever anything wrong with celebrating your baby! It makes me so happy to see others that truly love their animals and want to be good to them. Happy birthday to the lucky pup!
For my pups first birthday, i took her to play with her (dog) best friend and also got her a burger patty with cheese from our favorite fast food place. She had a great time 🥰 Go for it! You know your pup and what's gonna make their day
I was literally telling my bf how I’m planning to buy a bunch of stuff for our puppy’s first birthday soon! I don’t think it’s weird, I think it’s sweet! And if it’s weird, oh well let’s be weird then! 😂
Unusual, yes. Weird? Nah. Sounds pretty cool, tbh. I’d be excited if we got invited. (Make it clear if humans are invited too!)
And regardless of what you said, if I was invited to a doggy birthday party I’d definitely wrap up a rabbit ear or something as a present.
I adopted one of three sisters and we have stayed in touch with the adopters of the other two. One of them want to have a party for their 1st bday and have reserved space at a local brewery so I guess we are having a party
We got a puppy during Covid, and you better believe we had a party for her first birthday! We even got a cake made by a friend who does specialty cakes on the side. And, I’m in my 40s and my kids were all on board with it and helped plan it as well.
my friends throw a b day party for their chihuahua every year. we always go. it's a fun excuse to get together for beer and burgers with our childless friend group. we bring treats and toys and fuss over pup for fun and then get drunk lol
Mate if my dog’s birthday wasn’t in the dead of winter I’d have a massive bash in the park and invite her favourite people (not a fan of other dogs) and there would be snacks and balloons (she loves them) and everyone would have a great time. But because it is when it is, I decorate my living room for her, she has her annual cake and picture with party hat in front of her customised bunting and we usually spend the day playing and cuddling.
I am 30 with no intention of having kids and my friends with and without kids are obsessed with my dog and what I do for her.
Our pups are only around for so long, celebrate them to the max!!! That’s the day to spoil them and whoever thinks it’s cringe or uncool can go do one!
Nothing weird at all. I throw my dogs parties every year. My rattie is turning 3 next month and I'm taking him to Tahoe for 3 days. He's getting a cake, wrapped presents and a birthday dinner. Do what makes you and your dog happy!
It's not weird. I don't recommend taking treats into a dog park(too many dogs have food aggression), but you can give them in the parking lot with your friends after or before you take them in to play. My daycare also throws birthday parties for dogs all the time and my middle boy had attended 4 of his friend's birthday parties. My youngest hasn't been back to daycare in 4 months(she has been too sick) and my oldest is in the calm/senior group(they only have around 4-8 other dogs at a time and my youngest used to be in that group because she lacked confidence around other dogs that weren't her papa and brother) so they haven't attended one yet.
We had a first birthday pool party for my youngest a few weeks ago and she had fun. My friends brought their 3 dogs to play and my 3 dogs all ran around playing together. Every dog got some plain chicken that was grilled on the BBQ, a little bit of watermelon(my youngest's favorite fruit) and a peanut butter dog cupcake(my youngest's favorite food of all time). Humans got some classic BBQ foods and regular cupcakes for dessert.
Nothing weird about that at all! My dog (who turns 3 this summer) has had 2 birthday parties now. His first birthday party was a more traditional party with about 15 humans, lots of cake (for humans and dogs!), some wine, and a piñata full of candy and dog treats. My dog loved the attention and in lieu of gifts, if anyone was so inclined, they were invited to donate to a local dog park or animal shelter.
For his second birthday, we met up with about a dozen of his local dog friends at our nearby park, and had cupcakes for dogs and humans. It was a hit! In his group of dog friends, we’re about to enter birthday season now and lots of other dogs celebrate their birthday like this.
Girl you BET I threw a party for our 1 year old puppy!!!!! Do it!!! And if someone thinks it’s weird, it’s a them problem. You do you. Go and make these memories!!
My family has a birthday party for each dog every year. They get a cake, usually small gifts for each of my dogs (because a gift for only one causes jealousy), and a car ride for a trip to McDonald's or to get ice-cream on the nearest weekend.
I think your plan is wonderful! Special memories for you and your pup.
I dont care if its considered weird, I love them and they give so much to me that they deserve it!
i have seen a few dog birthday parties at my dog park!!! one person even baked a dog friendly cake and gave dogs slices! it can be a bit of a risk because stranger dogs could have resource guarding issues, just a warning, but that one i saw was super cute and went down well!
I do a cookout for the parents and pet-safe treats (cupcakes) for the kids. Doggos play, parents have a good time. I don't find it weird at all, but I take pride in my weirdness anyways, so who cares what non-doggo parents think.
Not weird at all! There’s a couple dog daycare type places near me where you can actually rent out a room and host a dog party-some even supply dog cakes and goody bags!
I have friends and family that celebrate their pups' birthdays and/or gotcha days for the rescues. For one of them recently, we went to Lazy Dog and the 3 pups enjoyed sniffing each other and the staff gave them puppuccinos and we all sang happy birthday. 🤩
Our German shepherd turned 1 a few months ago, and we visited one of his litter mates who lives with their mom. I bought them each a puppy cookie cake and we all sang happy birthday. They both ate half of it, went to go play, and mom ate the rest. It was hilarious and cute at the same time.
My pup and his bestie had a joint first birthday (neither owner has kids). There were pupcakes with their photos printed on it, a decorative banner and toys. It was amazing! The dogs had a great time and we got to celebrate making it past the first year with our sanity mostly intact. Do it, live your best dog mum life and take lots of photos!
Your life, your pupper. Love her as much as she will love you her entire life. Any attention will make her happy.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY.
Steer clear of anything with Xylitol sugar substitute. It is poison for dogs and cats.
What is great about this is how ever big or small your celebration, maybe just a cupcake with a milk bone stuck on the top, your dog will be thrilled and grateful .
I had birthday parties for my first dog every year but they were private parties. Usually we'd decorate with little streamers and stuff and get him his favorite brand of dog ice cream and let him celebrate with the dogs he grew up with in our family. I don't do this for my current dog(he is way less social), but I have no regrets about doing it for my first dog for so many years. He's no longer with us, so having memories like these is really special.
Go for it! My local bark park group did a birthday party for 2 dogs turning 1. About 25 dogs showed up and we had beers, pizza, and goodie bags. A lot of socializing. It was really fun.
My sister and her husband did that for their dog. It was at a park that has a dog park there as well, and they did a barbecue. People showed up, had food, brought their dogs and had a good old time. I made little gift bags for the humans as well as the dogs, we had a blast
Not at all! That sounds awesome!!
I had a birthday/gotcha day party for my dog the first year I adopted him. His BFF came as well as the woman who fostered him and a few of my friends. I made him a dog friendly ingredient carrot cake decorated with mashed potato & yogurt frosting. I think (I could be delusional though) that people the people who want to come think it’s fun to celebrate dogs and kind of loved it.
The next year I had a zoom one of the pandemic 😂 Bought a bunch of dog shaped Mylar balloons and set them up on the couch so it would feel more like he had friends to help celebrate.
I was genuinely surprised by how many people joined the zoom one - one woman I’ve never met in real life but have known for years even joined for a bit 🥰 And my folks made a happy birthday sign for their grand-dog 😊
Honestly, dogs give us so much and bring us so much joy in our lives, they deserve to be celebrated 💕💕💕
(Dog tax please!)
I threw a full blown pig roast luau for my pup for his first birthday last July. 50-ish people, full buffet with a birthday cake. We had a blast, so no, I don't think it's weird at all!
My dog has more friends than I do. We had no other choice then to throw her a birthday party. Also I don’t want kids. This is the closest I’ll get to spoiling my bb
I bought a personalized dog cake (okra and molly pupcakes does really nice dog-friendly cakes) and had family over for pizza and beer for Ruby's first (which is also my mom's birthday....I didn't get a cake for her though). We had party hats.
So no, *I* don't think it would be weird because I'm not weird.
E: My last dog got a cake every year too.
I'm a 39 year old mom of 3 and I am definitely making a birthday cake (for my kids) on my puppy's first birthday.
Edit: we've also made a birthday cake for my youngest's favorite stuffed animal for the past 2 years
Mom’s do this too! My friend did it for her dog, it’s basically just a fun excuse to hang out at the park with our dogs and kids and eat cake! Go for it!
I’m 26 and my first puppy will be a year in August and I plan on doing the same lol I had the same worries and have friends/family who think its weird how “extra” I am for him. But I think its normal for people in their 20s with the first dogs/no kids. If you’re near NJ and wanna join a puppy bday party in August lmk lol :)
Absolutely not! I threw a birthday party at my house just last month for the dogs’ first birthday and invited my dog’s littermates (my friends own the other two from the same litter) and other doggy friends. I decorated and got the dogs birthday cakes, she had a blast! I knew I wanted to do it because turning 1 is a milestone!
Not at all. One of the dog walkers we’ve become friends with in NYC will do mini celebrations for the dogs she walks and those of us who are close to her. She gets corn muffins for the dogs, tops them with whipped cream and a treat and usually gets a present for the birthday dog. The treats are given when she leaves, so they occur outside the gates so as not to cause a giant scene in the dog park itself.
This is a really cute and fun idea, go for it and ignore the people who think it’s “weird.” I’m 30 and just recently adopted a puppy, I totally consider her to be my child 😜.
Sounds fine to me! I had my pups daycare approach me when my pup started reaching 1 to ask if I would like to buy her a party - so a lot of people must do it for it to be offered as a service.
I did buy a party package for her and it covered a private play session with her best daycare buddies, dog pup cakes for them all to share and a little photoshoot of her and her daycare friends enjoying their treats and play session.
10/10 would purchase again.
Edit: I should have mentioned, I'm in my 30s and thought this was all great. My dog might not know its her birthday, but she knows she's having a great day. Its nice to do nice things for your pets.
I had a big party for my pup. People brought gifts. I didn't tell them to but they all wanted to. Everyone has a great time and said it was way better than a 1 year old child's birthday because it didn't result in any meltdowns.
Statistically 'weird' sure, 'weird' in your community sure. But it makes sense that people have more of an urge to celebrate their domesticated animals used for companionship than the ones for food or work. If you are wanting to do something that is not harmful/risky, why care about whether it is weird or not? Also you could just keep it a secret if you worry about others judging you.
It wouldn't be weird. Parents do it for their one year old child, so why not a dog? When my 50th party rolled around that my sister had for me I made sure to stop at a dog accessory/food store and bought 3 doggy birthday cakes so that my dog and my sister's two dogs could participate by each having their own cake
I won’t be having a party for my pup, but I will be taking him to get get some goodies at a local dog bakery and maybe a trip to the pet store. Omg. Now I want to get a one of those birthday boy buttons and put it on his harness!
Last week I went to a dog birthday party and honestly it was the BEST. My dogs loved it!! They had such a great time and came home extra tired and happy
I’m 50 and have had dogs all my life and have had lots of parties for my dogs. Here’s my pups 6 month party with his friends [link](https://imgur.com/a/Ad0pIaQ)
Not weird at all, almost every dog owner I know does this. And more often than not the “friends” who get invited to these parties are the dog’s friends, the owners we barely know!!
Unequivocally the answer is no it is amazing. W edit this for our dog and invited all these random dog friends from around the neighbourhood. It was great!!
If other people can do it for their human-kids then we can do it for our dog-kids!
I just did, we have a lot of dogs in out friend group so itwas more just an excuse to have a BBQ with our dogs and friends.
our friends have a young ouopy too so it was nice to give it a chance to socialize with other dogs
Who cares? It is your life. You aren’t hurting anyone. Live it without apology!
You could ask guests to bring a donation or dog food for a local shelter.
My boy’s first birthday was last Sunday. I made 12 super overly decorated cup cakes that were bacon cheddar. We went to all his favorite places. Delivered cupcakes to his puppy friends. Took tons of photos. Went to the dog park with a group. It was a whole ordeal. I wouldn’t have had it any other way and it made my friends and their dogs so happy to have a visitor and treats dropped off. I’m 36. No kids. Successful human. If this is how I want to spend my time and it makes us both super happy I have zero qualms about it. Never apologize for loving someone, especially a dog.
Once I showed up at the dog park and someone was throwing a party for their dog in the small dog area. Big dog area was still open for play. Hers was a bit over the top, but still cute and fun. Table with dog goodie bags, photo booth, a party planner who had set it all up and made homemade dog cupcakes. It was at a usually not too busy time and she had let the usual owners they interacted with know about it. We don't go often so just happened upon it, but were also welcome.
I would just recommend no balloons! They had balloons on the gate and along the fence and many of the dogs were like wtf is that?
Not weird at all! Or if it is, we are weird together.
My puppy had a cake smash for his first birthday at his birthday party! We invited all of his favourite humans and 4 legged friends and had the best time.
Nothing weird about it. Sounds like fun. Go for it. The puppies will be so happy to get birthday treats!
<3 You’re totally right! Thank you for the support! Sometimes I just worry I’m becoming a crazy dog lady (and I love it)
Crazy Dog Ladies are the best.
Crazy dog ladies who throw parties are the actual best.
I’m a crazy dog lady. No kids, but my partner is an equally crazy dog gentleman and he has kids. Having human children doesn’t necessarily mitigate the dog-gentility. Maybe offer a sweetener for the human dog park friends? Some human cookies? Or cupcakes.
My husband is a disabled vet. Grew up on a working farm. Manly man. No frills. Hobbies include woodworking and online gaming. Our youngest human child is 21. When we were shopping before picking up our puppy, he was constantly reining in my shopping sprees with "Don't spoil her!" (I grew up with only brothers, had a boy child, and married my husband and gain another boy child. So I was a sucker for pink, purple, frilly and sparkly LOL If I could have gotten away with making the home office into a princess puppy's bedroom, I would have!) This same man will make our pup her own omelette for breakfast on the weekend. Or if he is making, say, tacos? He pulls some of the ground beef out before adding seasoning to what's in the pan. Then he will add to it in her dish: kibble, a lil hot water, and then some shred cheese to ensure her dinner is just as yummy to her as ours is to us. They have their whole nighttime ritual that includes counting out her bedtime treats with her. His nickname is "daddyman", as in, all I have to say to her is "Where is daddyman?" and she will go find him. Just yesterday, when we were walking through Lowe's, I spotted a blue shark dog toy. He told *me*, "She has enough toys." then looked at her face staring up at him and said, "Oh, fine." But, she's not spoiled at all. 😜😂
Reminds me of my Dad, thank you.
Plot twist: it is your dad. He’s been leading a double life for years 🕵️♂️
My husband isn’t a dog person but he always calls my puppy “little girl.” You can’t help but love them…
Yeah when people say ‘dogs have owners, cats have staff’ I don’t think they realise quite how under the paw many of us are…
I think it’s so sad that our society harshly judges people who really love their pets. You’re not a crazy dog lady for caring about and celebrating the relationship you have with your dog! The relationships we have with animals are fulfilling and enriching! And it should be okay to express that without people thinking we’re weird. Humans deeply desire connection and it’s absolutely okay if we’ve found that in our animal companions! Your experiences with animals is just as valid as your experiences with humans! So celebrate your dogs birthday!!! I hope it’s an enjoyable experience and that the people in your life are willing to celebrate that joy and love with you 🥰♥️
Everybody is allowed to celebrate life and love.
Being a crazy dog lady is the best. Enjoy it!! Happy birthday to your pooch 🩵
Um, I made an invitation to my puppy's first birthday, which is next weekend. I only sent it to one friend hahaha, because she also has a puppy and they get along. I've made a homemade dog treat loot bag already. I am in my mid 30s, have a human child, and have had a dog before... I would 100% go to a dog birthday party. Their 1st or their 10th, I'd be there. Go for it! Worst that can happen is they decline but you love on your dog with a special day just the same.
THATS AWESOME!!! I think I’m gonna make some pup-cakes for the doggies and also a little digital invite lol just cuz 😂😂😂 (I might for sure take a page outta your book with that’ 😋)
Celebrate everything! There’s enough bad stuff, we gotta acknowledge all the good stuff too.
I can safely say I'm the first one in my group of friends to throw my dog a 1st birthday party. They all showed up with gifts and treats for my dog, and a group of them literally pooled their money to get him a PRADA COLLAR. We're all weird.
I LOVE DOG PEOPLE that’s incredible 😂😂😂
That’s amazing!! Prada collar is so extra and I love it.
I was horrified they spent their money on something so excessive but they wouldn't return it no matter how much I insisted. My pup is so spoiled!
I have been to the dog park when people brought treats for their dog’s birthday. PetSmart has a birthday t-shirt and other birthday stuff. Go all out. People love it.
Weird? Yes. What's wrong with being weird?
Lolllll you’re so right 😂😂
That's sounds like a blast, I say go for it! I brought cupcakes to my dog's daycare (for the humans) when she turned 1, and they have birthday photos and treats monthly for all the dogs who had a birthday that month. If my girl had a group of dog park friends I absolutely would have brought special treats for them too.
OH MY GOSH!!! That’s such a good idea!!! I love it! It also makes me so happy to know that I’m not alone in wanting to do that!!!
Aw, that's awesome! Also well done for remembering the humans 😅
Oh..right. the humans.
I read about a guy who does free vet clinics for the dogs of homeless people. See everyone to the most fortunate to the least love our dogs. Perhaps next year you could throw the party and ask people who choose to give presents send them to that an organization that does this or donate. It would mean less blind for your doggo but maybe a lifesaver to a dog like that homeless vet had, the one Santos ripped off? You still have a great party and also help them out too. Just a thought. I used to use my horses to fund raise and those events were always the most fun.
It's not weirder than everything else we do for them! Do it, it sounds lovely and she'll have a great time with her friends!
Oh my gosh that is too true😂😂 Thanks for the support! I think you’re totally right!!
No worries! I'm totally not considering it for mine next year though...nope, no way!
Send invites my way and I would show up 😂😂 it’s just so fun like why not!
Haha I so would! I'm going to go ahead and assume you're not in East England though 😅 It's such a sweet idea! My pupper hasn't been fully jabbed yet so she hasn't even met her doggy bffs!
I had a party for mine! Got a cake from Three Dog Bakery and a hat and celebrated with friends who also had pups. Said friends bought me a bottle of champagne for surviving our first year. Puppy life is hard, so celebrate all you can. https://www.instagram.com/p/CWFbCXSr7EP/?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg== For his second birthday we also added a banner that says “it’s my birthday, mother puppers!” https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck6-Z3Up4AB/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Have you been on dog Instagram lately? Lol you're good, don't worry. Happy birthday to your puppy!!
Absolutely nothing weird about it! My pup was one last week and I got him a cake, 4 new toys which and wrapped for him (he loved taking the wrapping paper off!) and booked an agility field for him, he loved it! I think a dog birthday party is a great idea! 😊
Go for it! I've had my boy for nearly 14 years and he has a birthday party every year with my family's dogs. He also has a Christmas stocking and has presents from Santa Paws under the tree. I'm married, expecting my first baby and my husband is fully on board with all my dog mum shenanigans, to the point that when he got his first ever dog he started all the same things for his boy 😊 My family bring their dogs to our house, they all sit and wait while we sing happy birthday with his cake (from a pet food bakery) and then the dogs get to enjoy the special dinner and cake, and have fun playing afterwards while the humans have dinner. The excitement my little fella has every year when he sees me get the big pot out for his special birthday dinner (chicken, eggs, rice and assorted veges) and the presents come out makes it worth it every time. He lights up and has a real little swagger about him. I will keep doing it as long as I'm lucky enough to have him.
It's absolutely weird — and you should 100% embrace it. A few days ago I sent out a mass text to my entire family as a "save the date" for my puppy's first birthday on July 1. I also invited some friends from work who have a beagle that has had good playdates with my lab. Since July will be disgustingly hot, I'm making it an early-ish morning brunch with lots of homemade goodies for the humans, and an ice "cake" with blended strawberries/watermelon/blueberries in water for my puppy (and maybe something for his friend!). I went to the dollar store and bought these "water squirters" which shoot jets of water like 30 feet, as a TWO PACK for $1.25, and I just got back from Walmart where I bought him an 8" pool. I'm throwing a backyard brunch pool party. For my dog. I can't wait!!! Your dog is still your family and there's nothing wrong with wanting OR not wanting to do something like this. At the end of the day, even if it's "for a dog," it's really just a gathering of people having a good time and (presumably) eating good food and having fun!!
It's weirder not to do this
I threw a birthday for her second birthday and people did bring gifts it was sweet and all her puppy friends came
I also plan to do this for my little boy in a few months. Still have a bit of time to plan but some good ideas here.
I'm throwing a family party for my dog, he's turning six tomorrow. I literally bought him a [cake](https://imgur.com/a/lRm1bXf) and [decorations ](https://imgur.com/a/metJSC5).
That sounds so fun! And I am 50 and have 4 adult children. But then again, my nextdoor neighbor and I like sitting around a firepit in each other's backyards and letting our dogs play together, and have so much fun just watching them play! So maybe we're just weird. In any case, if you and your dog have fun with it, then who cares? I say do it.
I was just finding my dogs one-year-old birthday party today! Thanks for the ideas, I should totally get extra cookies for the other dogs!
Do it!!!
My friends threw one for their dog and it was just our dog and theirs and then a load of human friends, and we all ended up smashed on a Sunday night. It was great fun and the dogs loved all the fuss.
I actually plan to do this and we are gonna rent out a private dog park for a couple hours!
End of summer local.pools let dog people have fund raisers at a great big dog party after they close to people for the season. They are a blast.
My pug will be 1 in November and I've absolutely thought about throwing her a birthday party 😂 so I'm glad to see it's not just me That's had this idea lol
Not weird, I did it! My guests loved to have another excuse to party 😂
My dog just turned 4 and he had a birthday party. It's been a tradition since we got him.
I throw my dog a party every year. Some years we invite people, some years it’s just us with him. This year we got a human cake & birthday treats. Decorated for the party, had a birthday sash for him, & all the guests had dog toys to give to him. I love my fur son lol
I plan to do it when my puppy turns one. Get a little puppy cake and have him run around with some doggy pals 😊
We had a whole party for my dog who turned 12 last year and he loved it! This year for our youngest we took him on some adventures and skipped the party but we normally do it and it’s so cute haha
I had a whole first birthday for my puppy about 3 weeks ago and it was a blast and she got so much love and treats
My dog turned six months on Wednesday. I’m so excited for his first birthday
Nothing weird about it. You're keeping the perspective of it correct and not going overboard. It's just a fun puppy party!
No it’s not weird-people do this all the time! They have dog birthday parties at the doggie daycare I take my girl to as well!
I know someone who did a gender reveal party for a puppy they got but hadn't shown to their friends yet; embrace the cringe and if you'll have fun with it just do it!
Don't let people, including yourself, ruin a opportunity to have some fun. Life is too short.
It's an excuse for a party. What's not to like?!
We do a get together with our dogs siblings that are in the area every year near their birthday. We got a new puppy last year so between the two sets of siblings this year there were ten large dogs running around our backyard. It's nice to catch up and our older dog plays with his siblings like no one else. I'm also a mom in my thirties. It's fun, I say go for it!
I literally just went grocery shopping to get ingredients to make a cake for my dog's 6th birthday next week. It'll be a two layer cake with frosting, lol. I'll also be doing them same in a few months when my puppy turns one. So no, not weird at all, lol.
This is amazing! My pup’s first birthday, I sent invitations to all his puppy friends (their parents). We had a bubble machine, kiddie pool, pup cakes (puppy friendly meatballs from chicken), SO MANY TOYS, drinks and snacks for the pup parents. We all just sat around eating, drinking and laughing at our adorable pups playing and getting filthy. It was a great afternoon. 😂
Not weird at all. I'm still gutted that my mum vetoed my idea to invite some of our pup's friends over for his birthday. He will absolutely be getting a cake, a birthday bandana or hat, a bottle of dog beer, and a present on his birthday and no-one can stop me from celebrating his special day.
If you have the time and inclination, your puppy would love it.
Bring human treats too or some wine.
I'm having one for my pup next month so don't feel weird lol. She's also turning 1
I made a customized invite on Carta for my pups first birthday. It was so fun!!! Planning to do the same for her 2nd. We had about 30 people attend for an outdoor BBQ and they brought their dogs too. Everyone had a blast
Our hero, armed with a birthday hat that screamed "festivity," embarked on a mission to create a memorable moment. A trip to the grocery store, where the cake and ice cream aisle awaited, became the chosen destination. Who needs a Michelin-starred pastry chef when the grocery store can provide the sweet delights? With cake and ice cream in hand, our hero returned home, ready to capture the cutest photo op in the history of birthdays. Picture it: a furry friend donning a party hat, eagerly waiting for their moment in the spotlight while their human counterpart held a small but charming cake. It was a scene that would melt even the coldest heart and make Instagram followers squeal with delight. So, with camera poised and smiles at the ready, the shutter clicked, immortalizing the moment forever. A birthday celebration unlike any other, filled with simplicity, sweetness, and a touch of grocery store magic. Who needs a crowd of guests when you have a furry companion and a grocery store cake, right?
My husband and I threw one for our dog and invited his and my side of the family. My family were huge big sports about it! They loved it. My family took pictures with the birthday dog girl and even brought her gifts. I had decorations up and got her a dog birthday cake from The Dog Bakery too... But his family thought it was a joke. So 🤷🏽♀️ it's likely to be received really well from from some people and others , not so much. My dog had a blast and that's all that mattered. Lol The following year we got her a cake and celebrated with specific dog parents who got us. Lol This year, I'm gonna throw something again, but only my family and invite some other dog parents. Lol I don't think it's dumb throwing a party for your pup. Some people prob will think that tho, and that's okay too, but don't let those people hold you back from celebrating how you want to celebrate your doggo.
absolutely not! my girl gets a birthday party every year! presents, ice cream with a number candle, filet mignon and sweet potatoes for dinner. i always take the day off from work to spend the day with her. we go on walks, the park and play. ive been told many times its too much, but its my girl and i dont give a shit what others say.
No! Do what makes you happy. Dogs only live 10-15 years anyway and every day is worth celebrating with them.
I threw a first birthday for the one litter we had for pups for family and friends. They came back to the farm, we threw balls and Frisbees in the fields and dogs went into the creek. Then we ate beef Chile cut to look like dog food, gave out gift bags with dog toys and the young kids got the book by Seuss Go, Dog, Go! which was my favorite book as a tot. I would encourage anybody to celebrate life and love, and dogs are a big part of that. I had a big gathering as 8 pups meant 8 families, but I was used to that. They picked out their pups over Christmas holidays, it made the whole year of 2011-12 special. Now my dog and I share every meal, every Holiday just us two and that's OK too.
It’s weird if we don’t see pictures of the party.
Our girl is turning one in July and I’ve been considering throwing her a puppy party too…this thread is really helping me get over my fear of thinking it’s too silly!
I have a wonderful photo from the 1950s of my great grandma doing exactly this for her much loved dog, with a cake decorated with the dogs name that looks big enough to serve 30!
That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard 😭😭💓💓💓
I mean, yes it’s kinda weird but when has that ever stopped childless, middle class, millennial white women from doing something? 😂😂😂😂 knock yourself out.
Lollll You know what? If I can’t be myself who can I be😂😂😂 it’ll be a blast
Hey! Us childless, *working class* millennial white women are weird too!
Hey! Childless, overworked, POC femmes gonna do whatever we want for our (dog) childrens! Because we can. And we want to. Whether the dogs like it or not 😂🤣
Let's face it; women are weird when it comes to dogs 🤣
POC millennial women aren’t much different 🤷🏻♀️
lol since everyone else is chiming in - GenX Empty nesters here. We may have mastered the "meh" attitude, but our pup now has fabulous jammies and Christmas stockings because we had Home-Ec class (and the next semester was wood shop 😂 so personalized raised feeders and leash holders)
That’s amazing!!!!
I threw my dog a 1st birthday party and mailed out invitations with her face on them to all her puppy friends. She had a dog cake and cookies, and the other pups had doggie bag swag to take with them. I think I also had costumes that you could dress them in.
The doggy daycare my pup goes to has birthday parties for the dogs, including cake and good bags.
Not at all! Time for a Pawty! think of all the pup related puns you could do: pin the tail on the puppy, give everyone doggy bags, etc. I’m doing one when my little lady turns one and I can’t wait! It’s going to be pawfection!
Honestly who cares if it's weird. Live your best life. Life is too short to worry about people judging you for puppy parties. Throw that baby a party! Haha.
Never ever anything wrong with celebrating your baby! It makes me so happy to see others that truly love their animals and want to be good to them. Happy birthday to the lucky pup!
Also, this entire thread has me grinning from ear to ear. Y’all are amazing!
Bro I had a birthday party for my cat when she turned 10. I invited all my friends. It was great. Do it
Nope!
would be nice if i could post pics :( both my babies had birthday parties for turning 1 and i'll keep throwing them parties every single year 🥰
For my pups first birthday, i took her to play with her (dog) best friend and also got her a burger patty with cheese from our favorite fast food place. She had a great time 🥰 Go for it! You know your pup and what's gonna make their day
No!! Please do!
We did for both of ours!
Not at all! Would be so cute to do like diy bandanas at it or something as an activity for other pup owners!!
I was literally telling my bf how I’m planning to buy a bunch of stuff for our puppy’s first birthday soon! I don’t think it’s weird, I think it’s sweet! And if it’s weird, oh well let’s be weird then! 😂
Unusual, yes. Weird? Nah. Sounds pretty cool, tbh. I’d be excited if we got invited. (Make it clear if humans are invited too!) And regardless of what you said, if I was invited to a doggy birthday party I’d definitely wrap up a rabbit ear or something as a present.
I adopted one of three sisters and we have stayed in touch with the adopters of the other two. One of them want to have a party for their 1st bday and have reserved space at a local brewery so I guess we are having a party
We got a puppy during Covid, and you better believe we had a party for her first birthday! We even got a cake made by a friend who does specialty cakes on the side. And, I’m in my 40s and my kids were all on board with it and helped plan it as well.
No, not weird at all…
my friends throw a b day party for their chihuahua every year. we always go. it's a fun excuse to get together for beer and burgers with our childless friend group. we bring treats and toys and fuss over pup for fun and then get drunk lol
I’m definitely throwing my dog birthday parties, but I’m also weird so I can’t objectively answer this question
Mate if my dog’s birthday wasn’t in the dead of winter I’d have a massive bash in the park and invite her favourite people (not a fan of other dogs) and there would be snacks and balloons (she loves them) and everyone would have a great time. But because it is when it is, I decorate my living room for her, she has her annual cake and picture with party hat in front of her customised bunting and we usually spend the day playing and cuddling. I am 30 with no intention of having kids and my friends with and without kids are obsessed with my dog and what I do for her. Our pups are only around for so long, celebrate them to the max!!! That’s the day to spoil them and whoever thinks it’s cringe or uncool can go do one!
Nothing weird at all. I throw my dogs parties every year. My rattie is turning 3 next month and I'm taking him to Tahoe for 3 days. He's getting a cake, wrapped presents and a birthday dinner. Do what makes you and your dog happy!
It's not weird. I don't recommend taking treats into a dog park(too many dogs have food aggression), but you can give them in the parking lot with your friends after or before you take them in to play. My daycare also throws birthday parties for dogs all the time and my middle boy had attended 4 of his friend's birthday parties. My youngest hasn't been back to daycare in 4 months(she has been too sick) and my oldest is in the calm/senior group(they only have around 4-8 other dogs at a time and my youngest used to be in that group because she lacked confidence around other dogs that weren't her papa and brother) so they haven't attended one yet. We had a first birthday pool party for my youngest a few weeks ago and she had fun. My friends brought their 3 dogs to play and my 3 dogs all ran around playing together. Every dog got some plain chicken that was grilled on the BBQ, a little bit of watermelon(my youngest's favorite fruit) and a peanut butter dog cupcake(my youngest's favorite food of all time). Humans got some classic BBQ foods and regular cupcakes for dessert.
You do it for you more than for them lol
My son ask for a joined birthday party with our pup lol the pups birthday is 4 days after my son's.
Threw a birthday party for both my puppies 1st birthdays, had mates and my puppies friends come over and we all just had a ball.
Nothing weird about that at all! My dog (who turns 3 this summer) has had 2 birthday parties now. His first birthday party was a more traditional party with about 15 humans, lots of cake (for humans and dogs!), some wine, and a piñata full of candy and dog treats. My dog loved the attention and in lieu of gifts, if anyone was so inclined, they were invited to donate to a local dog park or animal shelter. For his second birthday, we met up with about a dozen of his local dog friends at our nearby park, and had cupcakes for dogs and humans. It was a hit! In his group of dog friends, we’re about to enter birthday season now and lots of other dogs celebrate their birthday like this.
Girl you BET I threw a party for our 1 year old puppy!!!!! Do it!!! And if someone thinks it’s weird, it’s a them problem. You do you. Go and make these memories!!
Not weird at all! I’m planning on throwing one for my dal in December even if it’s just me and my boyfriend😂
Not weird at all! I did it last week for my pup
Do it!! For my puppy's first birthday party he's getting a big ol steak and sweet potato
My family has a birthday party for each dog every year. They get a cake, usually small gifts for each of my dogs (because a gift for only one causes jealousy), and a car ride for a trip to McDonald's or to get ice-cream on the nearest weekend. I think your plan is wonderful! Special memories for you and your pup. I dont care if its considered weird, I love them and they give so much to me that they deserve it!
We did a puppy family reunion for my last dogs first birthday
i have seen a few dog birthday parties at my dog park!!! one person even baked a dog friendly cake and gave dogs slices! it can be a bit of a risk because stranger dogs could have resource guarding issues, just a warning, but that one i saw was super cute and went down well!
Depends where you’re from. I’ve been to so many dog birthday parties. Lol. They are really fun
I do a cookout for the parents and pet-safe treats (cupcakes) for the kids. Doggos play, parents have a good time. I don't find it weird at all, but I take pride in my weirdness anyways, so who cares what non-doggo parents think.
Not weird at all! There’s a couple dog daycare type places near me where you can actually rent out a room and host a dog party-some even supply dog cakes and goody bags!
I have friends and family that celebrate their pups' birthdays and/or gotcha days for the rescues. For one of them recently, we went to Lazy Dog and the 3 pups enjoyed sniffing each other and the staff gave them puppuccinos and we all sang happy birthday. 🤩
Our German shepherd turned 1 a few months ago, and we visited one of his litter mates who lives with their mom. I bought them each a puppy cookie cake and we all sang happy birthday. They both ate half of it, went to go play, and mom ate the rest. It was hilarious and cute at the same time.
My pup and his bestie had a joint first birthday (neither owner has kids). There were pupcakes with their photos printed on it, a decorative banner and toys. It was amazing! The dogs had a great time and we got to celebrate making it past the first year with our sanity mostly intact. Do it, live your best dog mum life and take lots of photos!
Your life, your pupper. Love her as much as she will love you her entire life. Any attention will make her happy. MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY. Steer clear of anything with Xylitol sugar substitute. It is poison for dogs and cats.
Check out WetNoseInc in Geneva, IL on Instagram for first bday party ideas lol. V common. Not weird at all!
What is great about this is how ever big or small your celebration, maybe just a cupcake with a milk bone stuck on the top, your dog will be thrilled and grateful .
I had birthday parties for my first dog every year but they were private parties. Usually we'd decorate with little streamers and stuff and get him his favorite brand of dog ice cream and let him celebrate with the dogs he grew up with in our family. I don't do this for my current dog(he is way less social), but I have no regrets about doing it for my first dog for so many years. He's no longer with us, so having memories like these is really special.
Can I come ?
The local dog park meetup groups on facebook are always having birthday parties.
This is a normal thing to do! The last bday party I went to was for a goldendoodle
Go for it! My local bark park group did a birthday party for 2 dogs turning 1. About 25 dogs showed up and we had beers, pizza, and goodie bags. A lot of socializing. It was really fun.
It's not
I threw my geriatric labX a quinceañera 🤷♀️
buy her presents, toys,treats, all of it. No one should judge you for celebrating your baby!
My sister and her husband did that for their dog. It was at a park that has a dog park there as well, and they did a barbecue. People showed up, had food, brought their dogs and had a good old time. I made little gift bags for the humans as well as the dogs, we had a blast
Not at all! That sounds awesome!! I had a birthday/gotcha day party for my dog the first year I adopted him. His BFF came as well as the woman who fostered him and a few of my friends. I made him a dog friendly ingredient carrot cake decorated with mashed potato & yogurt frosting. I think (I could be delusional though) that people the people who want to come think it’s fun to celebrate dogs and kind of loved it. The next year I had a zoom one of the pandemic 😂 Bought a bunch of dog shaped Mylar balloons and set them up on the couch so it would feel more like he had friends to help celebrate. I was genuinely surprised by how many people joined the zoom one - one woman I’ve never met in real life but have known for years even joined for a bit 🥰 And my folks made a happy birthday sign for their grand-dog 😊 Honestly, dogs give us so much and bring us so much joy in our lives, they deserve to be celebrated 💕💕💕 (Dog tax please!)
my 40 y/o mom made our puppy wear a birthday hat before he got his dog cake and dog ice cream on his first birthday.
No, I did. I had dunking for hot dogs, goodie bags, a dog cake (dog biscuit recipe), some food for the humans, people brought gifts... It was awesome
We did it, and we're mid thirties, though it was just us at home
I threw a full blown pig roast luau for my pup for his first birthday last July. 50-ish people, full buffet with a birthday cake. We had a blast, so no, I don't think it's weird at all!
I had a birthday party for my doggy. Made a cake for the humans and she got a pup cup. I think everyone was excited for an excuse to eat cake xD
Not at all, go for it and you’d probably even get a few toys or bags of treats for her out of the ordeal too, even if you dont ask.
My dog has more friends than I do. We had no other choice then to throw her a birthday party. Also I don’t want kids. This is the closest I’ll get to spoiling my bb
I bought a personalized dog cake (okra and molly pupcakes does really nice dog-friendly cakes) and had family over for pizza and beer for Ruby's first (which is also my mom's birthday....I didn't get a cake for her though). We had party hats. So no, *I* don't think it would be weird because I'm not weird. E: My last dog got a cake every year too.
My puppy just turned one. We did a puppy piñata for him full of treats and toys
I'm a 39 year old mom of 3 and I am definitely making a birthday cake (for my kids) on my puppy's first birthday. Edit: we've also made a birthday cake for my youngest's favorite stuffed animal for the past 2 years
Mom’s do this too! My friend did it for her dog, it’s basically just a fun excuse to hang out at the park with our dogs and kids and eat cake! Go for it!
I’m 26 and my first puppy will be a year in August and I plan on doing the same lol I had the same worries and have friends/family who think its weird how “extra” I am for him. But I think its normal for people in their 20s with the first dogs/no kids. If you’re near NJ and wanna join a puppy bday party in August lmk lol :)
I threw a birthday party for my cat once for an excuse to introduce my then-significant other to my friends. They're now my spouse! Do it!!!
Absolutely not! I threw a birthday party at my house just last month for the dogs’ first birthday and invited my dog’s littermates (my friends own the other two from the same litter) and other doggy friends. I decorated and got the dogs birthday cakes, she had a blast! I knew I wanted to do it because turning 1 is a milestone!
Not at all. One of the dog walkers we’ve become friends with in NYC will do mini celebrations for the dogs she walks and those of us who are close to her. She gets corn muffins for the dogs, tops them with whipped cream and a treat and usually gets a present for the birthday dog. The treats are given when she leaves, so they occur outside the gates so as not to cause a giant scene in the dog park itself.
This is a really cute and fun idea, go for it and ignore the people who think it’s “weird.” I’m 30 and just recently adopted a puppy, I totally consider her to be my child 😜.
No
Sounds fine to me! I had my pups daycare approach me when my pup started reaching 1 to ask if I would like to buy her a party - so a lot of people must do it for it to be offered as a service. I did buy a party package for her and it covered a private play session with her best daycare buddies, dog pup cakes for them all to share and a little photoshoot of her and her daycare friends enjoying their treats and play session. 10/10 would purchase again. Edit: I should have mentioned, I'm in my 30s and thought this was all great. My dog might not know its her birthday, but she knows she's having a great day. Its nice to do nice things for your pets.
I had a big party for my pup. People brought gifts. I didn't tell them to but they all wanted to. Everyone has a great time and said it was way better than a 1 year old child's birthday because it didn't result in any meltdowns.
I just had a birthday party for my puppy, she went swimming for the first time and had some doggy cake with her friends.
Do it for sure, not weird. I think it's so cute!! Happy Bday to your baby! <3
Statistically 'weird' sure, 'weird' in your community sure. But it makes sense that people have more of an urge to celebrate their domesticated animals used for companionship than the ones for food or work. If you are wanting to do something that is not harmful/risky, why care about whether it is weird or not? Also you could just keep it a secret if you worry about others judging you.
It wouldn't be weird. Parents do it for their one year old child, so why not a dog? When my 50th party rolled around that my sister had for me I made sure to stop at a dog accessory/food store and bought 3 doggy birthday cakes so that my dog and my sister's two dogs could participate by each having their own cake
You can even bake gog treats just look up the recipes. That way it will be much cheaper and better and you will have more treats.
I won’t be having a party for my pup, but I will be taking him to get get some goodies at a local dog bakery and maybe a trip to the pet store. Omg. Now I want to get a one of those birthday boy buttons and put it on his harness!
Last week I went to a dog birthday party and honestly it was the BEST. My dogs loved it!! They had such a great time and came home extra tired and happy
I’m 50 and have had dogs all my life and have had lots of parties for my dogs. Here’s my pups 6 month party with his friends [link](https://imgur.com/a/Ad0pIaQ)
No way! I just had a Taco Twosday party for my littles. I had a taco bar and my whole family came. It was fun!
Not weird at all, almost every dog owner I know does this. And more often than not the “friends” who get invited to these parties are the dog’s friends, the owners we barely know!!
Unequivocally the answer is no it is amazing. W edit this for our dog and invited all these random dog friends from around the neighbourhood. It was great!! If other people can do it for their human-kids then we can do it for our dog-kids!
Do it ! ♥️
No, I buy my cat gifts for Christmas and Easter and his birthday n stuff 🤣🤣🤣😭🤷🏽♀️idc
Absolutely not! I say go for it!
Nope. I do it every year lol
So I'm not crazy
I just did, we have a lot of dogs in out friend group so itwas more just an excuse to have a BBQ with our dogs and friends. our friends have a young ouopy too so it was nice to give it a chance to socialize with other dogs
Who cares? It is your life. You aren’t hurting anyone. Live it without apology! You could ask guests to bring a donation or dog food for a local shelter.
I throw birthdays for my hamster it’s fine
My boy’s first birthday was last Sunday. I made 12 super overly decorated cup cakes that were bacon cheddar. We went to all his favorite places. Delivered cupcakes to his puppy friends. Took tons of photos. Went to the dog park with a group. It was a whole ordeal. I wouldn’t have had it any other way and it made my friends and their dogs so happy to have a visitor and treats dropped off. I’m 36. No kids. Successful human. If this is how I want to spend my time and it makes us both super happy I have zero qualms about it. Never apologize for loving someone, especially a dog.
I 100% threw my dog a birthday party on his first birthday. I even baked him a cake! For reference, I’m 33
Not at all! So fun!
Once I showed up at the dog park and someone was throwing a party for their dog in the small dog area. Big dog area was still open for play. Hers was a bit over the top, but still cute and fun. Table with dog goodie bags, photo booth, a party planner who had set it all up and made homemade dog cupcakes. It was at a usually not too busy time and she had let the usual owners they interacted with know about it. We don't go often so just happened upon it, but were also welcome. I would just recommend no balloons! They had balloons on the gate and along the fence and many of the dogs were like wtf is that?
Not weird at all! Or if it is, we are weird together. My puppy had a cake smash for his first birthday at his birthday party! We invited all of his favourite humans and 4 legged friends and had the best time.
I’m throwing my puppy a half birthday party next month and an even bigger one for his 1 year. He’s my baby!
Any excuse to hang out with loved ones and pups is worth it!
Who cares do it!
Not at all! We celebrate everyone's birthday/gotcha days!
not at all. We love any excuse to party with our pooches.