I didn’t grow up with dogs and at first I was very hesistant about bringing a dog into our home. I was concerned about the shedding, potty training, the chewing, the drool, the time, the vet bills and the list went on and on. My husband on the other hand grew up with dogs and was anxious to add one to our family. After much discussion that went no where, he ended up just purchasing Taylor, a ¾ golden retriever and ¼ cocker spaniel mix, (without getting my final okay) and then showed me her puppy pictures afterwards.
This little face - sealed the deal...
Eight weeks later I was in love with the idea of getting a puppy. The weekly puppy pictures made me more excited to finally meet our new dog. Shortly after bringing Taylor home, I quickly learned that a great bond and love instantly develops between you and your dog and they are an incredible addition to the family and home. Their capacity to love unconditionally is amazing and that is more than enough reason celebrate their birthday. I know throwing a party for your dog may sound strange to some, but I think it’s a great reason to get together and enjoy a beautiful day outside…and the pups deserve to be celebrated. This isn’t a typical recipe post, but I wanted to share how I decorated the cupcakes for this dog party and an easy favor bag idea that can easily be used for other parties.
For Taylor’s birthday, we sent out an Evite to our friends with dogs. To my surprise, 27 people and dogs RSVP to meet us at the Laguna Beach Dog Park at 11:00am! (She’s one popular pup!) The dogs had a great time running and playing while the people enjoyed catching up and socializing. Of course we can’t have a party without cake and favors. I made Strawberry Cupcakes for the people and included doggie cupcakes in the “doggie” (favor) bags for the pups.
These Strawberry Cupcakes are so delicious. I used fresh strawberries in the cupcake and the frosting. I used a large star tip (Wilton 1M tip) to create a swirl on top of the cupcake, added shimmer sprinkles and a dog bone candy to the top. No fuss cupcake decorating that is cute! You can find the recipe for this strawberry cupcake on a previous post.
Doggie favor bags stocked with all the party essentials!
These “doggie” bags were perfect for the party and super easy to put together! Cut and paste your image onto the front of the paper bag. Fill with treats and goodies and then fold the top over. Using a hole punch, punch a hole in one corner of the bag and thread 2 pieces of curling ribbon through the hole and tie a simple knot on the front of the bag. I tied the ribbon on the side because I wanted people to be able to get into the bag without having to untie the bow.
For the treat bag I just stuck dog stickers on the snack size bag and filled with treats. Taylor is a golden retriever mix so the stickers were perfect for this occasion. I found the paw print party hats at my local grocery store (on clearance for 50 cents for a pack of 8 – what a steal!) and the doggie cupcakes were from the TJ Maxx HomeGood Store. You can also find these cupcakes and other gourmet dog treats at most PetSmart, Petco and speciality dog store.
Thank you everyone for making Taylor’s day so special. She had a wonderful time and was pretty worn out. Note: all those presents are from our friends and family. They are the ones that are spoiling our dog rotten…not us. Just thought I should clarify…
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Adorable!
Thanks Erin!
This post is so adorable & so is Taylor. Her b’day bash looked like it was a blast. You are such a great mommy. I love the strawberry cupcakes with the tiny bone on the top. The doggie goodie bags are too cute!
How fun! Happy Birthday Taylor!
p.s. The dog named Parker looks like a Wookie, which is awesome.
How wonderful! The love for and from a dog are precious gifts. How wise you are for acknowledging the significance of Taylor in your life.
On the walk along Lake Washington that I take almost daily in the summer, there is an upscale restaurant (The Beach Cafe) that hosts a Dine with Your Dog night every Wednesday. They set up tables on the lawn, and the event is always packed. It makes me smile seeing all those dogs and their human companions enjoying a meal on the lake together. Pure joy! 🙂 …Susan
haha Wow! Some dogs have better lives than people. Such a cute way to celebrate. If only they knew how happy they made their owners anyways. 🙂
Maria: Thank you so much for the dog b-day wishes! You’re right – Parker actually gets that quite often – that and ewok! =)
Luna Cafe: That’s so true…it is such a precious gift. The Dine with your Dog night sounds amazing and such fun. I love that we are starting to see more and more dog friend places. Take care!
The Duo Dishes: Isn’t that the truth!
I was so touched with your story about your dog Taylor. And your dog party that you threw is such a terrific idea. Your little treat bags are so creative and great. Taylor is so handsome and is lucky to have such good parents! I LOVE all animals but dogs have such a special place in my heart. It’s really really wonderful to see a dog have such a loving home. I wish all dogs in this world were so fortunate.
The strawberry cupcakes look lucious!
Hi Heidi! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Dogs are such special animals. We are so lucky and grateful to have such a wonderful dog and companion in our lives. It breaks my heart to learn that so many are mistreated.
Oh my goodness. Is that the cutest puppy picture EVER!???
Thank you Jaden!! That puppy face helped her get away with so much…and she still does! =)
how did i stumble onto this i don’t know… but im so glad i did. this has got to be the cutest thing in the world! he is precious and one lucky dog to have a mommy like you. speaking of being a mommy— you are going to be a great one!