Bonnie the Reading Dog Celebrates her 12th Birthday
Bonnie, our beloved sponsored reading therapy dog, just turned 12, and she celebrated with a successful Books with Bonnie event and a special birthday party! Surrounded by young readers, cuddly stuffed animals, and plenty of tail wags, Bonnie’s big day was filled with stories, crafts, and, of course, lots of love. Keep reading to find out more about all the fun from her birthday celebration! Her dog-mom Sierra will also share some tips for throwing a memorable birthday party for your own dog. Whether you’re planning a simple treat-filled gathering or a full-on doggy bash, she has some ideas to make it special!
Books with Bonnie: Teddy Bear Clinic & Birthday Party for Bonnie
Bonnie had an incredible time at her latest Books with Bonnie event, where she was joined by Brittany from Dusty House Crafts and her daughter, Sarah—the amazing stuffie vet! The kids had a blast reading with Bonnie, getting creative with crafts, and making special birthday cards for her. To top it all off, they sang to Bonnie, making her birthday truly unforgettable. She absolutely loved being celebrated!
Held on Friday, March 29th, at Petrie’s Family Games in Colorado Springs, this free children's literacy event welcomed early readers through 3rd grade. Kids were encouraged to bring their teddy bears for a visit to the Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic, where they learned how to care for their beloved stuffed animals. Plus, there were fun crafts to enjoy, and the first 20 kids even got to adopt a free stuffed puppy! It was a fantastic day filled with joy, learning, and creativity.
How to Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday (The Bonnie Way!)
Want to throw a special party for your pup? Here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by Bonnie’s birthday celebrations with Grandma Lucy’s!
Step 1: Plan the Party
Start by choosing a date and a location that best suits your dog’s personality. Whether it’s a backyard gathering, a park adventure, or a cozy get-together at home, make sure your pup and their friends will feel comfortable and have fun. This year, we’re celebrating Bonnie’s 12th birthday at Petrie’s Family Games in Colorado Springs!
Next, consider picking a fun theme to make the celebration even more special. A “Books & Barks” theme could highlight Bonnie’s love for reading events, while a “Twelve-tastic Celebration” embraces the joy of turning another year older. Once you have a theme, decorate with balloons, streamers, and of course, a festive bandana for the birthday pup! Bonnie always wears her best from Pyr-Paw Shop.
Step 2: Buy or Bake Special Treats
No birthday celebration is complete without delicious treats! Bonnie always gets a special cake and goodies to enjoy. Some of our favorite places to order from include AJ’s Dog Bakery, which makes custom treats for any occasion, and Grandma Lucy’s, which offers healthy and tasty options for dogs of all sizes. We always stock up on Grandma Lucy’s Singles (freeze-dried) treats and Organic Oven-Baked Treats, and we love handing out their sample packs as a thank-you to our guests!
If you’d rather bake something special for your dog, try this Grandma Lucy’s 3 Bears Birthday Cake Recipe!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Grandma Lucy’s 3 Bears Dog Food (rehydrated with warm water)
• 1 cup oat or coconut flour
• ½ cup unsweetened plain applesauce
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol – we recommend Budder Buddy)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup mashed banana or pumpkin puree
Frosting:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a small cake pan with coconut oil. Rehydrate Grandma Lucy’s 3 Bears Dog Food according to the package instructions. In a bowl, mix oat flour, baking powder, applesauce, peanut butter, egg, and banana/pumpkin until well combined.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, mix Greek yogurt and peanut butter until smooth, then spread it over the cake. For extra flair, top with Grandma Lucy’s treats, blueberries, or shredded carrots for a healthy twist!
Step 3: Invite Friends (Four-Legged & Human!)
A party is always better with friends! Whether you invite other pups or just your closest human companions, make sure everyone will enjoy the celebration. If you’re inviting other dogs, consider their personalities—some love big gatherings, while others may prefer a quieter event. Always keep your pup’s comfort in mind!
Step 4: Share the Goodies & Say “Thank You”
Set up a snack station with delicious, dog-friendly treats. Don’t forget the humans, too! A fun way to thank your guests is by preparing goodie bags filled with Grandma Lucy’s treats or food samples. It’s a small but meaningful way to show appreciation for everyone who comes to celebrate.
Step 5: Celebrate!
Make sure to capture the memories! Take plenty of photos to cherish the special moments with your pup. We’re especially grateful for Kayla Jean Photography, who always helps us document these fun events.
Most importantly, be present and enjoy the time with your dog. Whether you’re hosting a big party or simply going on a nature walk together, what matters most is showing your pup how much they mean to you.
Find out more about the benefits of canine literacy programs:
Dogs in the classroom? The Benefits of Canine Reading Buddies https://www.akc.org/public-education/educator-resources/professional-learning/dogs-classroom-benefits-canine-reading-buddies/
Reading Educational Assistance Dogs ® (R.E.A.D.)® https://therapyanimals.org/read/
About the Author:
