Fred the Forgetful Father Explains:

In my defense, I didn’t know dogs kept track of birthdays.

I woke up this morning to find Buster sitting by the calendar in the kitchen, staring at the date. October 7th. His birthday. The day I had completely, utterly, catastrophically forgotten.

He looked at me. Then at the calendar. Then back at me. The disappointment in his eyes was palpable.

“Oh no. Buddy, I’m so sorry—”

He walked away with his tail down, went to his bed, and let out the longest, saddest sigh I’ve ever heard. No morning zoomies. No breakfast excitement. Just pure, heartbroken silence.

I felt like the worst dog dad in the history of dog dads. How could I forget? Last year we had a whole party with dog-friendly cake and everything!

Buster‘s Birthday Banter:

Today is my birthday. MY BIRTHDAY. The one day a year that’s supposed to be all about me.

I’ve been dropping hints for weeks. I sat by the calendar every morning. I brought Frank my birthday bandana from last year. I even practiced my “birthday boy” sit.

And what did I wake up to? Nothing. No special breakfast. No presents. No song. Just regular old Tuesday.

Does he even love me? Does he even remember adopting me three years ago today? The best day of my life, and he forgot.

I’m not being dramatic. Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. But this hurts. This really, really hurts.

The Happy Ending

I spent the entire morning making frantic phone calls. By noon, I had a plan.

“Buster! We’re going out!”

He barely looked up, but I coaxed him into the car. When we pulled up to The Hungry Puppy, his ears perked up slightly.

The staff had helped me set up a surprise birthday party at The Dog Park. There were balloons, a dog-friendly birthday cake, and a table full of wrapped presents. Six of Buster’s dog park friends were there with their owners.

The moment Buster got to the park and everyone sang “Happy Birthday,” his tail started wagging so hard I thought it might fly off. He dove into the cake, opened presents (with my help), and played with his friends for two hours straight.

We loaded up on new toys, premium treats, and a birthday bandana that said “Birthday King.” On the way home, he sat in the passenger seat wearing his crown, looking like the happiest dog on earth.

Crisis averted. Birthday saved. Dog no longer hates me, Fred the Forgetful Father (and I’ve already set seventeen reminders for next year).

Celebrate your pup’s special day at The Hungry Puppy! We can help you throw the ultimate dog birthday party with treats, toys, and space at our dog park. Because every dog deserves to feel like a birthday king. Call 732-938-4470 to plan your party!