Your dog’s Adoptiversary, also known as their “Gotcha Day” is an important milestone. The anniversary of rescuing and bringing home your furry best friend is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the happiness they have brought to your life and the unique bond you share!
Why It Matters
Do you need a specific reason to celebrate your favorite canine companion? Not really, but setting aside a special day is a wonderful idea. While many dog owners get to celebrate their dog’s birthdays when they get a puppy, rescue dog owners often do not have the same privilege.
That is why Doggy Gotcha Days are so important to many pet owners. It gives them a specific day to celebrate their dog coming into their lives, making it a little more special and a little more meaningful. Your dog will also enjoy an extra special day where they are pampered and spoiled while spending the whole day with both human and furry friends they love.
Before planning your dog’s Gotcha Day party, think about what they want, what their preferences are, and if they would even enjoy a big celebration. Some dogs, especially rescue dogs, might be a little shy or anxious when it comes to crowds or new things. Whether your dog is a social butterfly or prefers more intimate excursions, we can help you plan the best Adoptiversary party!
Choose A Location
Choosing the location for your dog’s Gotcha Party might be the most important decision. There are many different options depending on your dog and where you live. Some dogs might be more comfortable in their own backyard, while others might love a visit to the local dog park with their friends.
If the city you live in allows dogs at restaurants, an outdoor patio party at your favorite happy hour would be a good time for both your dog’s furry friends and their human friends. Make sure to let people know what they can bring, and whether the party will be on or off-leash!
Invite Friends
Don’t forget to invite your dog’s friends (both doggo and human) to their Gotcha Party! A dog-friendly party is a great way to spend the afternoon watching dogs play while enjoying the company of friends.
However, sometimes even the most well-socialized dog might not enjoy the company of other dogs, other people, or either. These pups would probably enjoy a more intimate or private party to celebrate their Adoptiversary.
Choose A Theme
Decorate your pup’s Adoptiversary party with a unique theme that fits their personality. Have a “Pawty” party complete with a bone-shaped cake, balloons with paw prints, and special doggy bones as party favors.
Or you could have a summer festival, with frozen treats, a pool, and doggy ice cream. Whatever theme you choose, your dog is sure to have a blast!
Make Treats
No party is complete without treats and a cake! There are many doggy-friendly cake and treat recipes online so you can make your dog something delicious to share with all of their friends.
Most dog bakery items have fairly similar ingredients to human cakes! They are made with flour and eggs with flavoring like vanilla, peanut butter, or pumpkin. Ingredients to avoid when making your dog’s birthday treats include sugar, salt, and chocolate. These can make your dog sick if they consume too much.
If making your dog’s Adoptiversary party treats sounds like too much work, check out your local pet store. They often have in-house bakeries and can make something perfect for your dog’s celebration!
Have Puppy Games
You cannot have doggy friends over and not play games! Plan something fun for your pup and their canine buddies like a big group walk, bobbing for balls (think bobbing for apples but with tennis balls!), or an obstacle course. For dogs that are good about sharing, you could scatter treats and kibble in the grass for extra enrichment!
Gifts!
Who doesn’t like opening presents? Even your dog will enjoy ripping into boxes and bags to reveal the Gotcha Day presents their friends have brought them. New toys, bully sticks, or a comfy bed are all wonderful ideas to bring as a gift to a doggy Adoptiversary Day party.
Don’t forget party favors to send home with your guests. Perhaps some yummy gourmet treats, bandanas, or canine guests can take home a ball from the bobbing-for-balls game!
Does your dog have plenty of toys or maybe does not like to play? Then in lieu of presents, you could have a donation drive for the shelter they were rescued from. Shelters are always grateful for donations, including food, beds, towels, sheets, and monetary donations. Reach out to the shelter and ask what they need. A donation drive could even become an annual tradition to celebrate your dog’s Adoptiversary!
Solo Celebration
As I mentioned earlier, not every dog will enjoy a big lavish celebration. However, that does not mean you cannot honor their Gotcha Day! Take a solo day to enjoy your dog’s company and spoil them. This could look like an extra long walk, a field trip to a hiking trail or the beach, or an intimate date to your favorite dog friend cafe.
In addition, make it a “say yes” day to celebrate the anniversary of your furry best friend coming into your life, changing it for the better. Allow them to choose where your walk take you, allowing them to sniff out the route. Afterwards, take them to the pet store to pick out their own new toy and bag of treats. This is a special day that can be commemorated whether or not you have a big party or a small celebration!
Final Thoughts
If I had to plan my rescue pup’s perfect Gotcha Day Party, it would probably be a big group hike. I am lucky enough to live in an area with a lot of dog-friendly hikes. I think my rescue dog’s favorite way to celebrate his Gotcha Day would be running around the woods with all of his canine besties!
Whether you have a big party or a solo date with your dog, make sure to take lots of pictures to capture the happy memories of celebrating your dog’s Adoptiversary!
