Bistro + Bones = A Banner Birthday

You asked for it, and I got it: I began my fourth birthday celebration with my humans at French Market Bistro. When I shared the official poll results with my human daddy, he practically sprinted to the phone to make the reservations. French Market Bistro is one of his favorite places to dine with me. He likes it because the food and wine are very, very good. I like it because the outside dining is positioned directly in front of the door, so I can greet people as they arrive and wish them a pleasant evening as they leave.

My humans started the festivities with a toast to me. They thanked me for four wonderful years (minus about eight weeks when I still lived with my Golden Retriever mother). They went on and on about what a well-behaved and sweet girl I am. They talked to each other about how much they love going places with me. They said that even my little “flaws” (my hip and elbow dysplasia) make me special, and they said they wouldn’t change one single thing about me. Wow, it’s amazing that my head didn’t just blow up right then and there as I listened to them gush; but it was all very nice to hear and reminded me that I am truly and greatly loved.

After an abundance of pets from other diners (many of whom told me all about the Golden Retrievers and other furry friends in their lives) and lots of happy birthday wishes from the very friendly wait staff, I settled in under the table to rest patiently as my humans enjoyed my birthday meal. Somehow that doesn’t sound quite right, does it?

So when my humans finally finished eating, I sat up and stared at my human mommy. It was a stare that clearly said to her, “This is my birthday celebration. Let’s go somewhere where I can get something special to eat.” Next stop: dessert.

On our way home, we stopped by the new location of Latte e Miele, which means “milk and honey” in Italian. Look at me–I had stars in my eyes from the moment we arrived. That’s because I know that this place loves dogs.

They love dogs so much that they offer gourmet dog bones. Have you ever seen anything quite so beautiful?

I waited very patiently outside . . . oh, who am I kidding? I could not wait for my daddy to get back with my dessert!

Do I have a wonderful daddy, or what? He reappeared with bones for me and yummy gelato for my mommy. He scored some points with the females in his life that night.

When the nice lady behind the counter found out that I was celebrating my birthday, she said that the bones were her treat . . . and what a treat they were! My entire birthday was a treat. I know that I am an extremely lucky dog. I have humans who really, really love me. I get to go to wonderful and exciting places and meet lots and lots of very nice people. I have more toys than hours in the day to play with them. As I put my golden head down on my soft bed that evening, I prayed that one day every dog in the entire world would have a birthday as special as mine.

---