CW: How did you decide to host a birthday party for your dog?
Margaret: I don’t have kids of my own but wanted to do something fun for my friends’ kids, so this seemed like a good idea. I had heard of people doing this and thought they were totally crazy, but I have found if you keep it in context, and don’t get too out of control, it’s really just a great excuse for kids and dogs to get outside and run around and experience something new! I found that while kids go to a lot of people birthday parties, they don’t go to lots of dog birthday parties so it sticks with them. It’s a lasting memory.
CW: Any tips for other would-be dog party throwers?
Margaret: Keep it simple. While I probably spent more than necessary, it can get out of hand very quickly. When the other dogs get there, make sure all dogs are supervised and that they behave before totally trusting them. I consider it to be more for the kids. The dogs will have fun, but they won’t remember it in twenty-four hours. The kids will talk about it for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Margaret Mcallister
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