Dogs need parties, too

March 12, 7:51 PMAtlanta Party Planning ExaminerJennifer Weber

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Decorative party hats add to the special doggy decor.

Why shouldn’t a dog have a party? There’s so much to celebrate in their lives! A birthday, a new trick, making new friends – these are all good reasons to have some fun. Planning a party with your pal is a great way to introduce your pet to the neighborhood, or bring old friends together for an afternoon of socializing.

The space. To plan your party you’ll want to decide how much room you will need for the number of guests you will be inviting. By choosing your venue first, you will be able to realistically manage your guest list and avoid an over-crowded party. Keep in mind that dogs – both big and small – will need plenty of room to run around and adequate space to conduct personal business.

The guest list. If your dog belongs to a daycare and plays with familiar faces on a regular basis, these would be excellent friends to invite to the party. Additionally, dogs you pass on your daily walk through the neighborhood, or friends and family members’ dogs would be great additions. Depending on your space, keep your guest list to 6-8 dogs, but no more than 10. Don’t forget to factor in at least one adult to every 1 or 2 dogs.

The invitations. The possibilities for party invitations are endless. You can go as simple as a printed invitation with the dog-day details, or as extravagant as custom-printed dog tags. Either way, make your guest feel special and allow enough time for your intended guests to RSVP.

The decorations. Balloons are a quick and easy way to decorate any space. Mylar balloons in the shape of dog paws, bones, or pictures of dogs will match your theme. Party hats are also a great addition, and provide a comical photo opportunity with your pal and his guests. For party favors, buy jumbo dog bones and tie each with a colorful ribbon, or wrap several little bones in a cellophane bag for smaller dogs. Attaching a tag with each guest’s name to the favor will add a special touch. Personalized party paraphernalia can be found online, or at a local party store boutique.

The food. Most dogs will have a food/dietary regimen in place, and pet owners will not expect, or probably want, a tempting feast laid out for their pooch. Instead, plan on cake or individual cupcakes made with pet-friendly ingredients that are safe for your dog to devour. Have plenty of water available in bright colored, decorative pet bowls, or set up a water station with decorative ice cubes and bottled water for each guest. For an extra special treat, set up a doggie bar with 5-6 different types of treats. Find treats that vary in shape, size and color and place each batch in a separate container. Add scoops to each variety and leave plastic goodie bags or Chinese take-out boxes for your guests to fill.

The entertainment. An assortment of dog toys will keep the party going without fail. Scatter a few toys in different corners of the room, or create playful diversions such as a hoola-hoop to jump through, or a plastic pool filled with water for splashing. Bacon-flavored bubbles are also a great activity and can be found at a local pet store. If you have a talented group of canines, a “Best Trick” contest can be a fun activity when a special prize is up for grabs. For the adult companions, create a collar or dog bowl decorating station as a keepsake from the party.

The departure. At the end of your festivities, be sure to thank your guests and invite them again for another get-together. Create a “calling card” with a picture of your dog and his name and phone number and leave them by the door to pass out for future walks or play dates.

With just a little planning, the right mix of company and a reason to celebrate, you and your dog will be on your way to full social calendar. But planning a dog party isn’t for everyone. If the thought of baking a dog-friendly cake or finding pet-friendly party favors seems a bit overwhelming, check out these local resources to help you and your best friend host a terrific tail-wagging event:

The Atlanta Dog Spa offers a two-hour party including custom-made party invitations, doggy bags full of treats, a birthday cake and a personal photographer for the event.

Wag-A-Lot offers rentals of their 2,500 square foot multi-purpose room for that special doggie event. The large space is entirely indoors and, subject to availability, is available for a two-hour period.

Taj Ma Hound serves up healthy, all natural homemade treats and “Yappy Barkday” cakes featuring fresh ingredients such as shredded carrots, honey, peanut butter, white and whole wheat flour.

The Hotel Indigo hosts a Canine Cocktail Hour – a unique experience for you to share with your beloved pet, held every Tuesday between 5-8pm during the summer. Dogs will enjoy complimentary treats and a water bar while enjoying sights and sounds of the patio. (Contact hotel for details).