ampered pampered pooch parties parties easy dog recipes and crafts to create a howling good time! easy dog recipes and crafts to create a howling good time! a family celebrations book patricia griecci spike the dog photographs nina freni
Contents Background... 3 Ice Cream Cone Cookies...30 Why a Pooch Party...6 Dog Pupcicles...34 Party on Pooch...7 Rabbit Cookies...35 Planning the pawfect pooch party...8 Apple Chunky Muffins...43 Plan your party...11 Pupcorn...44 Party Games...15 Bark Cookies...49 Love My Dog Tea Pawty...24 Pupsicles...70 Puppy s 1st Birthday...26 Templates...69 Puppy School Graduation...34 Party Hats...65 Howloween...37 Ice Cream Cone...66 Christmas...45 Howloween...76 Dog Spa Party...50 Picture Frames...79 Dog 1st Aid...60 How I Got My Dog...81 Play Date Parties...61 Games We Play Together...82 Polynesian Pool Party...65 Recipes Carob Cookies...17 Dog House Cake...18 Birthday Cake...20 Apple Cinnamon Cake...29 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 2
W h y a? People have always gathered together to celebrate special occasions. Parties give an opportunity to have good times and create fun memories. In fact, parties are an essential part of family life. Whether it is simple or elaborate, for many or a few, whatever the occasion, these parties become part of your family traditions. Writing this book forced me to evaluate why I included my dog in all of my celebrations as well as my accomplishments and major milestones. I realized that my dog was part of my family and I wanted to include him in my traditions as well as create rituals to show my love. Family traditions celebrate the special events in our lives including holidays and special accomplishments. These are opportunities to have good times and create fun memories. S o c i a l i z a t i o n : Your puppy needs to be exposed to the world in a safe way. This is especially critical in the early months of a pup s life that he learns about people, other dogs, and other animals, according to one of America s most loved dog trainers. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 6
PARTY ON, POOCH! If you party with Fido or your feline pal, you re not alone. Every year, 10 million people celebrate their dogs and million, their cats birthday, according to the American Pet Association. Some 700,000 throw parties and invite other pets. Many more would celebrate but don t know where to begin. After all, it s not quite as simple as stopping by the local grocery store for a cake mix and can of frosting. But, says Smiling Dog founder Patricia Griecci, it doesn t have to be difficult either. And a pet party can be even more fun than a people party, she adds. Writing this book forced me to evaluate why I included my dog in all of my celebrations as well as my accomplishments and major milestones. I realized that my dog was part of my family and I wanted to include him in my traditions as well as create rituals to show my love. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 7
PLANNING THE PAWFECT POOCH PARTY Dogs are social creatures who love a party just as much as their human companions. Using the following projects, all created by Patricia Griecci, you can create a complete pooch party celebrating your dog s birthday, or maybe have their friends over for fun! The secret to hosting a perfect dog party is planning. When creating a celebration or a family ritual, remember that you need a beginning, middle and an end. Following these ten steps for planning your next event. SET THE STAGE Pick the date, location and theme five weeks before the party. Decide if you want it formal or casual. If your dog is territorial, it may be best to have a party in a neutral place such as a park. Always check with park authorities regarding leash laws before letting the pack loose. Determine the size of the party and make a guest list. When creating a guest list, be aware of how dogs behave in a pack. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 8
Try to avoid any potential conflicts by inviting dogs over that know each other. Keep guests to a manageable number and a maximum of six dogs. DESIGN YOUR INVITATIONS OR USE OUR TEMPLATE Formal invitations need to go out three to four weeks before the event, while two weeks is plenty for a casual party. After you have sent the invitations, its time to get ready for the party itself. CREATE THE DECORATIONS Think about your theme and create an atmosphere that fits your party. Each table should have a centerpiece. Use streamers or other party decorations to give a space a festive touch. Do not use balloons as they are fatal if swallowed and startle the dogs if they burst. Schedule one night per week to create a prop or costume for the party. Purchase several disposable cameras and leave them out so guests may take photographs of the event in action. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 9
REFRESHMENTS: HUMAN Keep the food simple so you are able to enjoy your own party. Finger foods are easy to make, serve and eat. For instance, bake cupcakes instead of a cake which also eliminates the need for silverware. Choose menus that allow for buffet style. Limit drink options to a theme punch or non-alcoholic drinks for adults and kids. One hand free food. One thing I ve learned over the years is to take advantage of my friends generosity and let them assist with the food. I cook for dogs and I have friends that love to bake for humans so I let them. Plan the serving of the food. It s a good idea to scatter the food both people and dogs around the room. Make sure you have enough tables on which to layout the food. Cover your tables with decorate tablecloths or buy inexpensive lengths of fabric. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 10
S h o w t i m e! Day of the party, decorate and prepare the rest of the food. Make sure you have plenty of water bowls and waste bags. Limit the party to two hours. If you re having the party at home, put away breakables and close doors to rooms you want dog free. No matter what happens just laugh and have a good time! Don t forget to give out your dog and human party favor bags to guests. It will be a great memory of a good time! CHECK LIST TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR PARTY Six weeks before the party - Enlist a cohost or volunteer to help with the party - Confer with your guests on a convenient time. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 11
- Choose a location for the party - Choose a theme for the party - Assemble your guest list FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY - Make your invitations - Address and mail your invitations - Create party hats TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY - Plan a menu including a detailed shopping list, and a list of foods that can be prepared or purchased in advance and place in the freezer. - Plan the activities, prizes and music. Make decorations 1. Photocopy the hat template onto plain white paper, enlarging 150 per-cent, or to fit your dog. Place the hat template on a sheet of paper. You will need one sheet for each hat. Trace around the template with the pencil, and mark the spots that will hold the elastic hat strap. 2009 Playmore Publishing All Rights Reserved World Wide 12