I’ve always celebrated all of my dog’s birthdays and remember every one to this day. No big birthday cake, but I always do something special to honor the occasion. It usually involves a new toy, treats, and extra time with my birthday dog enjoying an outdoor activity together.
According to a study by the Purina Pet Institute, 43 percent of dog owners celebrate birthdays, while 29 percent celebrate their cat’s birthdays. If that’s accurate, them I’m actually in the minority.
In contrast, a recent article in Psychology Today by Stanley Coren, PhD referred to an online survey by Kelton Research. Of 1,000 people tested,
- 81 percent of dog parents know their pets’ birthdays
- 77 percent have celebrated their pets’ birthday by buying him or her a birthday present
My beloved Yellow Lab, Sanchez, turned nine years old yesterday – May 17. How could he possibly be nine already? He was just a puppy yesterday, wearing his “Puppy in Training for Guide Dogs for the Blind” green jacket. Even though he was bred and raised to be a guide dog, he was “career changed” at 18 months of age, for being “too much dog” and I was then able to adopt him.
He’s taken the term “career changed” quite literally, as he’s since had a multitude of careers, including agility, musical canine freestyle, acting, student greeter, and mascot/ dog model / musical muse for Through a Dog’s Ear. If he had become a guide dog, he’d most likely be retired by now. And I would have missed all of the wonderful birthdays we have shared together, including the current virtual party celebrating the wonderful gift he is in my life.
Do you celebrate your pet’s birthday? Thanks for answering in a comment and taking our poll. If you don’t know the actual birthday, do you celebrate your adoption date or make up a date? A fan on Facebook, called it their “Gotcha Day.” Love that! What do you call it?
Have you seen the new Adoptable Pets page on Care2? Check it out here! Please also share with your friends. We’d love your help in finding homes for these adorable animals!
Have you tried Sound Therapy for your dogs? Through a Dog’s Ear is the first music clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system.
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