Winston’s Birthday Party

~ beetleypete

Resplendent in his yellow bandana, local canine celebrity, Winston, arrives to celebrate his 15th birthday.

The dog-walking community of Beetley came together on a dull and foggy afternoon yesterday. We were all keen to attend the party organised by the lovely Michelle, to mark the great age of her popular dog, Winston. Despite being deaf, and having numerous health problems, old Winston had his usual bright eyes, cheerful expression, and lively demeanour. It wasn’t long before more guests began to arrive, including Ollie, who felt the need to leave his mark on the litter bin.

Michelle and her partner had made a huge effort for both dog and human guests, including party favours to take home for all attendees, and enough home-made dog biscuits to feed a pack. There were also two birthday cakes, one of them dog-suitable.

It wasn’t long before some of the party-goers were enjoying themselves in the river.

Rocky the Newfoundland doesn’t get around too well these days, so was happy to lie down on a groundsheet and enjoy his present, consumed in under a minute.

As Winston was helped by Michelle to ‘pant out’ his birthday cake candle, Buddy the French Bulldog was too excited to appreciate the moment, and rushed past to find someone to play with.

The table containing the dog treats was irresistible though, and Mabel the terrier was unable to stop herself jumping up to investigate.

A good time was had by all, and with almost every dog in Beetley attending, along with their owners, it was a great success. By the time I had to leave there were well over twenty canine guests in attendance, and there had been no fights, no bites, and no tantrums. The dogs were well-behaved too! Thanks are due to Michelle and her friends for their effort in organising a great local event. To Steve for sending me the photos taken on his phone, and to the following party guests for their participation.

Arlo and Buddy, the French Bulldogs. Remy the English Bull Terrier, two more Buddys, one a black terrier, the other a retriever. Toby the Jack Russell, Rocky the Newfoundland, Poppy the Lakeland terrier, Lola the Shih-Tzu, Paddy the Collie, Mabel the Terrier, all the Spaniels, including Ellie, who came out of her usual reserved shell for the party. Ollie of course, who dutifully sniffed everyone, and played well with Remy, and all the others I have missed out.

This was the kind of event that reinforces community, in a small village in the English countryside.

78 thoughts on “Winston’s Birthday Party”

  2. Pingback: Winston’s Last Walk | beetleypete

    1. Winston is a special dog around here, and Michelle very helpful and popular too. I always imagined that his party would attract a good community response. Many thanks for reading, and leaving a comment. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  4. Aww! That is lovely. I love how all the local dog walkers came together to celebrate his birthday. Hope dogs and people alike had a lovely day. How refreshing to see something nice and uplifting for a change in our grim world.

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  5. Love such events too. Thank you for the nice posting, Pete!
    When I read the Headline I thought you were thinking on Churchill. Lol
    Almost like a Hunting Society, but without Hunting Trophies. I hope you and Ollie had a lot of fun. Best wishes, Michael

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  9. Great post and pictures 🙂 Sounds like everybody had a lovely time including your dog Ollie 🙂 The food (the man suitable ones) look delicious as well 🙂 I hope the dogs loved those homemade dog biscuits that you talked about 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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      1. That was my Mum’s favourite TV show,. Lara. She had a channel here called ‘Animal Planet’, and she would watch whole days of ‘The Dog Whisperer’ on a loop! 🙂
        Thanks for the link.
        Best wishes, Pete.

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  11. This sounds and looks fabulous. Considering what my recent birthdays have been like, I feel a bit envious as well. Thanks for sharing, Pete, and happy belated birthday to Winston!

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  18. Winston was the name of a great old dog in our family – he was my grandmother’s – looked like Churchill when a puppy – I used to sit with him in his basket. A golden labrador when labs were Real and Big. Taken.over by my aunt – then I would say Can I hold his lead and get pulled over.

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  21. We used to have an Old English Sheepdog named Winston (born 1970). His full registered name was Sir Winston Marco Polo, and we often called him Winnie. He spent his early life in a fenced backyard in the city, and his later years in the country, roaming the steep hills and valleys, living among cats and ducks, and often encountering horses and cows.

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    1. She did indeed, Edith. Michelle has her own serious medical issues to contend with, but she never lets that stop her caring for her neighbours, as well as lots of animals. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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