Observed each year on March 23rd, National Puppy Day celebrates the unconditional love and affection puppies and dogs bring to our lives. It’s only fitting that my sweet girl’s birthday falls two days before National Puppy Day on March 21st. This year we celebrated a major milestone in Kirby’s life – the big 1-0.
It’s hard to believe I’ve owned Kirby for nearly a decade (it will be 10 years in May). She’s been apart of my world for many major life events in the past decade including:
- Turning 21
- Moving into a new house at Auburn with 4 of my friends (thanks for putting up with our shenanigans Kirby)
- Dad being diagnosed with head and neck cancer 2012
- Graduating from Auburn University
- Moving back to Ohio
- Graduating with my doctorate in audiology from the University of Cincinnati
- Starting my first “big girl job” at Starkey Hearing
- Dad passing away from head and neck cancer 2019
- Turning 30
And so much more!
I know everyone says their dog is “the best”. Everyone claims there is no other dog like their dog, but truly Kirby is one of a kind. The past decade has been filled with many peaks and valleys. I do not think it is a coincidence that Kirby came into my life just 3 months before my dad was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2012. If you’ve never noticed, dog spelled backwards spells God. As Kirby enters into the double digits, I am happy to report she is absolutely thriving and her puppy-like personality is still just as vibrant. Besides, haven’t you heard? 10 is the new 5!
With National Puppy Day and Kirby’s 10th Birthday both being in the same week, it only made sense that we throw a big birthday bash!
Pawsome Festivities:
Here’s how we celebrated!
Pup Cup
By now I am sure you have heard the term “pup cup” or “puppuccino”. If you are not familiar with these terms, a pup cup is a small cup of whipped cream. Oh the simple joys in life! I’m not sure who first invented the idea but I know Kirby had her first pup cup a few years ago at Starbucks. Since then I’ve found many other chains (including Chickfila) and even local coffee shops offer free pup cups for your favorite pooch!
We took Kirby through the BIGGBY Coffee drive-thru on RedBank Road and they couldn’t have been nicer! BIGGBY added their own special touch by adding a Milk Bone on top.
The Party Accessories
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Bandanas:
I will use any excuse to buy Kirby bandanas. My personal favorite are made locally by Bowsers Bandanas. These bandanas use snaps and are SO easy to keep on and also hold up well when washed.
However, I suffer from procrastination so these birthday bandanas came from Amazon.
2-Pack confetti birthday bandanas
Birthday girl bandana
I ended up not using the birthday girl bandana because it was a little big on Kirby. Definitely better for a large breed dog.
Party Hat:
Truth be told, Kirby hates hats. However, the moment I saw this I HAD to have it. For all of the birthday princes out there, don’t worry they also make the crown in a blue version.
Toys:
Arguably the most important element to the entire birthday party
Birthday cake squeaky toy – Amazon
Giant Tennis Ball – Amazon
This brings out Kirby’s natural herding instincts and she loves to chase it around the house
Happy birthday tennis balls – PetSmart
Teddy bear squeaky toy – PetSmart
Plush duck squeaky toy – Amazon
This duck is one of Kirby’s favorite toys. She loves her green and pink duckies! I first discovered it at Kroger and once I found it on Amazon, I ordered a few replacements back at Christmas.
The Cake
Personalized birthday cake: Three Dog Bakery at Rookwood Commons
Address:
2649 Edmondson Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45209
Three Dog Bakery appears to be a franchise. Click here for their main website.
I took Kirby into Three Dog Bakery at Rookwood last weekend and she was able to sample some yummy fresh baked treats while they personalized her cake right on the spot! The cake was less than $25 and I was instructed that it could last in the fridge a week and up to a month in the fridge!
Kirby absolutely LOVED the cake. It was very easy to cut up into bite size pieces. I don’t think we will need to worry about this cake lasting more than a week!
Ways to celebrate National Puppy Day
I hope seeing Kirby partying has gotten you in the mood to celebrate! To round up this celebration of life, here are a few ways you can celebrate your own pup today!
- Buy a new toy – for impulse pet purchases I highly recommend Homegoods. The toys are inexpensive, cute and hold up well! I found one of Kirby’s all time favorite toys here! I have bought more of these bunnies from Homegoods then I can count!
- Take your four-legged best friend on a walk or hike
- Plan a puppy play date
- Treat your pup to a dog friendly treat – a pup cup is calling your floof’s name!
- Spaw day – they deserve it!
- Puppy photoshoot – after a spaw day or bath, be sure to snap some photos!
- Donate supplies to your local animal shelter
- Sponsor a shelter pup or foster
- Work on a new trick – Even Kirby still enjoys putting on a show and learning new tricks. Most recently we learned “double paw” (double hi-five)
- Take a puppy nap together
Wishing you the happiest National Puppy Day! I hope you day is filled with lots of wet kisses and cuddles. Be sure to give your fur baby some extra love today! Never forget: while our dogs are just one part of our lives, we are their whole life!
