My youngest dog, a chihuahua named Taco, turned 2 last year. I'm a sucker for a party with a good theme, so I couldn't miss the opportunity to throw him a "Taco Twosday" birthday party!
Both humans and dogs were invited to the event, held at Goar Park. I decorated the gazebo and had a table full of food for both the two-, and four-legged friends.
Being Taco themed, I stopped by Taco Bueno before the party & bought two of their party boxes. These included soft & hard-shelled tacos, burritos, rice, and beans. I found really cute dog bowls at The Dollar Tree, and filled those with chips, salsa, rice, and beans. The tacos and burritos I kept in metal serving dishes to keep them hot. On the opposite side of the table, I had frozen homemade dog treats to help keep the pups cool in June. I left room for presents, which I wasn't really expecting, but was glad Taco received some awesome gifts!
The birthday cake was bought at Three Dog Bakery, and all the dogs loved it! I found the tiny party hats at Party City and added a little extra to the birthday boy's. (Hot-glued gold pipe cleaner around the bottom and a little gold pom pom to the top.) The ties definitely had to be adjusted to fit the dog's heads, and in hindsight, I would've cut off the extra string.
I'm just mad at myself for forgetting to put them on all the dogs before the group shot! Oh well, it was challenging enough to get them all the pose for a picture! As a finishing touch, I had "pawty favors"for all the fur babies. I found plastic treat jars at The Dollar Tree with little paw prints all over them. I filled each with a poop bag dispenser, extra poop bags, a tennis ball, chew toy, and some treats. I was able to find all of those items (except the treats) at The Dollar Tree as well.
Tips for throwing a dog party:
1) Outside is best when dogs are invited (no accidents to clean up!)
2) Pick a place that's enclosed if possible, or at least not near a busy street.
3) Have several water bowls spread out for easy access.
4) Pick a theme! Even if it's just a color combination, it'll make decorating easier.
5) Search the dollar stores FIRST! They always have party decorations & there's usually a pet section as well.
6) Create a Photo Booth. I didn't do that this time, but if you can find or create a cute backdrop, I don't know of any pet parents who would turn down a photo op!
7) Use dog bowls as serving dishes.
8) Be cautious inviting any dogs your fur baby hasn't met yet, or any aggressive dogs.
9) Have poop bags available & ready for all guests.
10) Don't forget the music! (Put some fun songs into the mix like "Who Let the Dogs Out", "Hound Dog", "Dog Days Are Over", "The More Boys I Meet")
Don't know exact cost of Taco Twosday, but I think it's safe to say I kept it under $50 (excluding the alcohol).
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