Since October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, perhaps you’ve decided to do that –welcome a dog into your family.
Getting a new dog, be it a puppy or adult, is an exciting occasion. One worth celebrating. Why not do just that by throwing a puppy shower?
What a Puppy Shower Is
If you’ve ever attended (or maybe planned) a wedding or baby shower, it’s the same thing, just applied to a pet.
It can be as elaborate an affair as you want, or you can keep it small and intimate. You can also invite other dogs to your party in addition to their human counterparts.
Difference Between a Puppy Shower vs. Other Types of Showers
Puppy showers are usually thrown after the puppy arrives, whereas wedding and baby showers usually happen before the big event.
The crowd may be a little different, too. Generally showers of the other varieties are attended by females of the human species. Puppy showers can be a mixed gender –and species!— affair.
Generally, the new pup’s owner is responsible for coordinating a shower get together instead of a friend or family member hosting it as is tradition in the other two instances.
Gifts are optional. Everyone likes to receive gifts, sure, but many puppy showers are simply about welcoming the puppy and socializing him or her with other humans and pets.
What Happens at a Puppy Shower
Much the same thing that happens at wedding and baby showers also happens at puppy showers. Shower-goers can bring gifts if the shower-thrower deems that appropriate. But throwing a party where it’s enough just to have people come to celebrate the arrival of the new pup is fine too.
Just as with any party, a fun puppy shower will have food, games, and prizes or favors –for both people and pets. Basically, anything you would do to entertain the humans, you can also modify into a pet activity.
Types of Puppy Shower Gifts
Like I said above, gifts are not always expected but are certainly always appreciated. If you’re so inclined to get one, and the host or hostess is not registered at any pet shops or boutiques, here’s some things that always make great gifts:
• Toys
• Treats
• Bedding
• Gift certificates to pet shops.
• Gift certificates to kennels, boarders, or groomers.
• Homemade certificates for dog walking or dog sitting services.
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