PetSugar

Happy Howl-oween: Lucky Dogs Get Loot, Too

PetSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:30:48 -0700

Have you planned your Howl-oween party yet? Even if you're not having all your furry friends over, consider treating the special pets in your life to a goodie bag just for them - think of it as treats without the tricks.

North has a couple besties from Pet Camp and doggies of my friends (and, of course Samson), so I picked up some Halloween treats to hand out. I especially love these Grriggles . . . how could I resist such a clever product name?! Heehee. See what loot will go in the sacks in a widget when you read more.

Happy Howl-oween: Planning the Perfect Pet Party

PetSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:00:59 -0700

It's important to keep your pets inside on Oct. 31 – animals can easily get spooked by the strange faces. If you're lucky enough to have indoor space, why not invite over your doggy's furry clique for a Howl-oween bash?

Be realistic. Know the size of space you have, the energy level of the pets, and how long they (and you) can deal with a party. Don't try to pack in too many pups (when the number of animals multiplies, so does the risk of accidents and the amount of flying fur). Make sure you know how the dogs will react to each other by choosing BFFs.
Set some ground rules. Make sure not to have any candy – especially chocolate – out in the open. Even if your dog can't or won't get it that doesn't mean his furry friends will be as well-behaved.

See the rest of my tips when you read more.

Create a "photo studio." Gather decorations and props in a separate space before the party starts. Encourage guests to arrive with pets in costume for a photo opp in the closed door room – this way they will focus more on you and the camera than visiting pals. Dogs can be monitored for their studio time and then let back to play with everyone else after you get the perfect piccy.
Don't force it. If things don't go well, have a backup plan or call it an early night. Consider inviting pals to meet up at the dog park on the afternoon before or even the Saturday after to take photos. That way dogs can arrive in costume for a picture and then have it removed for frolicking.

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The Scoop: Evite Adds a Pet Party Invitation Section!

PetSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:30:06 -0700

I love parties (North does too), so how exciting is it that Evite has added a special section for pet-centric events? Wheee! Just looking through the choices made me think of a bunch that I'd love to plan – do you have any furry fiestas coming up? Even if you haven't made plans yet, I'll soon be sharing tips for throwing a Howl-oween bash for (you guessed it) . . . dogs! Check out more of my fave invitations when you read more.

Happy Birthday, North: Two Sweet Cakes For My Sweet Boy!

PetSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:15:36 -0700

When cruising around looking for a perfect birthday pawty-cake recipe for my pup, I found a site that sells fondant for dogs! That's means if I wasn't super last minute, I could have ordered him either special treats with his adoro face on them, or just sent in a photo and special ordered their pet-friendly fondant (made of whole-wheat flour, peanut butter, milk, soy flour, baking soda, brown sugar, and milk) already set up to top 12 pupcakes! For his next fiesta with fellow furry friends, I'll bake up either the Peanut Butter Carrot Cake or the Ginger Banana Version . . . 'cause he's got a sweet tooth. Check out both recipes below when you read more.

Peanut Butter Carrot Party Cake
Pup Cakes -n- Cookies

North loooooves peanut butter so how could I resist a recipe with that main ingredient?!

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Directions
Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8" round cake pan or greased 12 cupcake pan (no liners!) and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool. Puree cottage cheese in blender for icing. Decorate with more peanut butter and carrots.

Print recipe with images | without images

Ginger Banana Party Cake
Pup Cakes -n- Cookies

Not too sweet for pets but with extra scent and flavor . . . and optional sprinkled nuts for fun!

Ingredients

2/3 cup mashed bananas
1/2 cup softened butter
3 large eggs
3/4 cup water
2 cups Unbleached Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions
Beat together mashed banana and butter until creamy. Add eggs and water. Beat well. Stir in dry ingredients. Beat until smooth, Add nuts. Spoon batter evenly into oiled and floured bundt pan or greased 12 cupcake pan (no liners!). Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes, remove from pan, replace on rack and cool.

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Happy Birthday, North: Location, Location, Location

PetSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:00:20 -0700

While I haven't given North a party in years, this year needs to be special – he's our resident celebripup on the site after all! There are so many options for having a doggie-friendly event – like Molly's party for Oliver's first birthday last year – and it's easy to get bogged down by the details.
After deliberating about North's fiesta for weeks, I've settled on an intimate gathering at a friend's backyard! This way there won't be any uninvited guests eating North's cake, safe space for my pooch to ~~pee~~ play . . . and plenty of room for any spillage (that doesn't involve cleaning carpets or sofas)! There are many options for holding an event for a pet – other than someone's house – check out my list when you read more.

People park: A park with an off-leash area is a great place to throw a party for dogs! If you're lucky enough to have one with a picnic area, get there early to stake out a spot and bring balls for people and pets to play with.
Dog park: This is a tad trickier, but a fun place for an insta-party. Check with the rules of the park and then get to planning. Bring enough supplies for everyone like party hats for the people – and stake out a spot outside the park with special treats for the pups – sharing is caring – and both of you could make great friends in the process!
Rented room: If money's no object, rent a dog-friendly room or event space! Some pet stores, like Atlanta's Hipbone Pet offer rooms for your private party. If you're lucky enough to have a BFF at a doggie bakery or pet store, these are already guaranteed dog-friendly spots that may let you stop by off hours for your gala.
Daycare: If your dog's best pals are at daycare, ask them if they ever allow private or semi-private events like NYC's Biscuits & Bath. Keep in mind it may cost per pet, and likely impossible to bring dogs without proof of vaccinations.

Have more great location ideas of your own? Share them below!

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Happy Birthday, North: Two-Legged Vs. Four-Legged Parties

PetSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:15:41 -0700

Just a couple more days 'til North's big day! Up first in the party planning, the guest list. If your pooch doesn't play well with others, happens to seriously lack in the BFF department, or simply adds up a gala's worth of "aunties" and "uncles" on his own, consider throwing a two-legged gathering. North knows and looooves my friends and, while he's got pals from adventure walks and day care, I'm not close with any of those pet parents. After much deliberation, I've decided to make this my smooshy's special day – he seems to think he's human anyway – and use him as the center of attention.

Going the "one dog only" route for a blowout birthday bash works well for small spaces, rental units, etc. whereas a big park picnic at a dog friendly place can have many unexpected non-RSVP'd guests. Would your lil prince or princess want to be the one furry star or do you think it's the more flying fur, the merrier? Share your thoughts about including other animals in the comments below!

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Do Tell: Have You Thrown a Pet a Party?

PetSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:30:17 -0700

North's sixth birthday is Friday and I've been deliberating about his party for weeks! Although I love lavishing him with presents all the time – that he loooooves ripping open – he last partied it up big time on his very first birthday.

Since I'm no stranger to helping friends with their doggies and cats, I'll be sharing my pet birthday ideas in a series this week. Before I get started, I'm curious to hear your words of wisdom if you've ever thrown (or attended) a party for your furry friends?

Do Tell: Have You Ever Fostered a Military Pet?

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:55:04 -0800

Today is Veterans Day to honor the men and women who have served this country, but have you stopped to consider who serves the soldiers if they go overseas and have no human family members to watch over animals in their absence?

Well, that's where NetPets's MilitaryPetsFOSTER Project comes in. The nonprofit has a huge database of foster homes in all 50 states as well as several foreign countries willing to house dogs, cats, fish, birds, horses, and more for up to 16 months. Acting as matchmakers, they help find a local party willing to take care of a beloved animal while the owner is stationed elsewhere. By using this service (or others), have you ever taken care of a military pet?

Banished From the Bash?

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:30:06 -0800

I hosted a Christmas party at my house on Saturday night to catch up with old friends before we all went our separate ways for the holidays. Now, North enjoys parties as much as anyone else I know (two or four legged), but I made the decision to bring him to daycare on the morning of. You see, he adores company so much that I worried his desire to meet-and-greet would cause unfortunate party fouls involving Pomegranate- Champagne Punch and my microsuede couches. Eek!

My little guy loves going to Pet Camp and they always greet him by name when I walk in, which makes both of us feel extra special. I thought of it as offering a relaxing weekend retreat . . . so instead of watching me prep snacks, he could play with tons of other dogs and new people in a safe environment. What do you think – if you are having a special party at your house, is your pet present or banished from the bash?

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Guide to Planning a Phenomenal Pet Birthday Bash

PetSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:55:09 -0700

Pets may not countdown to their birthdays or dread passing years as they get older, but they can feel the love when you shower them with treats and attention on their special day. More than half of you say you whip out the party hats for your beloved's real birthday, which makes me feel better about the hoopla I put into planning my lil guy's big day. Preparing for a kitty soiree or puppy party? Check out some of my favorite tips!

Have You Ever Thrown a Pet Birthday Party?	Things to Consider When Planning a Pet Party	Pet Party Location Suggestions
Two Sweet Pup Cake Recipes	More Birthday Cakes for Pets	Simple Outfit Changes Get Him Noticed on Birthday Walks!