Throwing a big pawty for your pet?

(Reuters) – Children aren’t the only ones being lavished with expensive birthday parties. Pet owners are also marking their dog’s special day with celebrations.

Lexi, a year-old black and white dachshund, celebrated her birthday in a Manhattan apartment with multi-colored balloons. She munched on dog-friendly cakes made of peanut butter, yogurt and carob, sipped Prosecco and nibbled on miniature cocktail hot dogs with her 15 canine guests.

“I’ve met so many people in the neighborhood, thanks to her,” said actress Robin Brenner, who said she wanted to do something special to celebrate the occasion.

“She’s kind of brought us all together.”

But not all dog owners are ready to meet the challenges of holding a party for their pooch at home.

New York-based media buyer Jessica Winston, has held two birthday parties for her 3-year-old Bichon Frise, Ernie, including last year’s “Bark Mitzvah.

“In dog years,” she explained, “Ernie turned 13.”

She recently celebrated her pet’s third birthday at a dog-friendly watering hole, “Drop Off Service,” in Manhattan’s East Village.

The birthday dog, along with eight guest, spent a snowy, Sunday afternoon lapping up homemade “pup cakes” made of oats, carrots and cream cheese, while beer and hors d’oeuvres were served to their owners.

As Ernie and his dog pals donned birthday hats and received gift bags and doggie Snuggies, or blankets, their human companions sang “Happy Birthday.”

Brenner and Winston are not alone in their quest to honor their dogs with a canine cotillion.

Betty Wong, owner of Pawtisserie, a dog bakery in Brooklyn specializing in natural dog treats, has seen a sharp increase in the number of people throwing birthday parties for their dogs. Read the rest of the article here