When it comes to pets, birthdays are just as big a deal around the Floofins & Co. staff as our human friends and family’s birthdays. Well, maybe we go a tad more over the top for our pets, but why not?

July 10th marks the 11th birthday for the original Floofins: Portia and Priscilla, aka “Prissy”. The girls will be celebrating, as they do every year, with a personalized liver cake from Happy Dog Bakery in Downers Grove.

For the rest of us out in Floofins-land, birthdays (or gotcha-days for those of us who have rescues without official birthdays) are an opportunity to do something new and unusual or just a comforting ritual for your pet.

Recently, a blog post from BarkBox (makers of a monthly subscription box with treats, toys, and other fun items) came up with a list of “31 Creative and Mind Blowing Gifts For Your Dog’s Birthday”. The list had some great ideas that you can check out, but we will highlight a few of our favorite items.

For the health minded, a product called FitBark will allow you to track your dog’s activity and sleep levels. Think of it as an activity tracker for dogs! Check them out at https://www.fitbark.com. Or you can make the day festive by decorating your pet’s crate. Those who want to hold onto lifetime memories can engage the services of a professional photographer.

Other suggestions to make the day special include:

New games
Agility class
Personalized birthday treats
Puppy party
Dog massage
Taking your dog out to dinner

No matter how you celebrate, the greatest gift you can give your pet is the love and attention it deserves for always being there for you. To everyone celebrating a birthday or a gotcha day, have a great one from all of us at Floofins & Co.