Firstly, let’s clarify that I’m not questioning the sentiment of a happy birthday for Bea, it’s a question of whether her birthday is today or in 2 weeks time. Records are a bit contradictory, so we are saying our Queen, like her namesake Queen Elizabeth, can have two birthdays as well.
Whilst I acknowledge that birthdays are mainly a people thing, I do think for any person or dog (or pick your animal of choice), it’s nice to have it acknowledged that people are happy you are here another year later and generally celebrate your existence. Birthdays are happy days, with extra treats and a focus on the specialness and awesomeness of you.
I can’t imagine anyone has done that before for Bea or Sam or so many others like them. They would have been just a dog in a kennel of many, “cared for” but not loved, not acknowledged as individuals and a birthday may have just been an indicator that they were too old to be useful anymore so off they go…
Whilst there may be a new cushion with her name literally on it, a special snufflemat and roast chicken dinner, these are “material” things. I am hoping what we have given Bea every day, not just on her birthday, is the greatest gift to her.
It’s simply love. We love her. She is given cuddles on a sofa or bed, an affectionate fuss when going about the day, a place to sleep safely in arms reach of people. Yes, there are toys that go squeak and are eaten, there is good food and treats (including ostrich bones!) but more importantly, she (and Sam!) are loved and valued and I hope that every day, not just on birthdays, they know that.
