Tank turns 15 !!!

Many of you have met Tank, Brett's big, black dog, who lived with us on Turner Rd for years. He is getting old and grey but just celebrated his 15th birthday with a dog party. 15 is very old for a large sized dog. Tank is getting a lot more grey, creaky joints, and is losing his hearing but he is still a shiny-coated, easy-going, friendly dog. You just might have to shout a little to get his attention.

Brett and Liz held a party for him on Valentine's day and since a number of large dogs were involved, they held it at Lexie Dog, a new doggie place in downtown Lake Oswego. The main play room was decorated with streamers and balloons. There was a big sign on the door declaring "Welcome to Tank's birthday party". Brett did a great board showing pictures of Tank as a youngster, teenager and many of his trips backpacking and snow shoeing. There was a "human's" table with lemonade, cupcakes laid out in the shape of dog bones and snacks for nibbling. Then there was the doggie table with a banana and peanut butter cake with cream cheese frosting. YUM! There was a bowl with heart shaped dog treats and a party favor for each dog with more heart treats and a doggie donut in each bag to take home.

Tank's friends included Tillee (Brett and Liz' other dog) and her sister, Poppy who are both Bernese Mtn. Dogs, 3 Portuguese Water Dogs (Shasta, the mom and brother and sister, Jamaica and Mr. Lincoln. Lincoln is our dog), a Rottweiler and another non-denominational dog. They all had a lot of fun chasing balls and each other. Then the fun began with bobbing for apples. The Portuguese Water Dogs won the prize for the "Dogs in the water the most" and Tillee won for most apples eaten.

Next, the dogs were grouped together by who got along best into smaller side yards and Tank remained the center of attention when his cake was brought out. We weren't sure how all the dogs would do in one location with food around so we played it safe. Once Tank was able to spot the cake, he licked the frosting happily while Brett took pictures. We cut up the cake and all the invitees inhaled their pieces. The humans were then served cupcakes to round out the day.

It was a wonderful tribute to a great dog. Tank took his glucosamine and pain pills ahead of time and seemed to enjoy watching all the youngsters make fools of themselves. It was just a man's-best-friend day.