Floyd celebrates birthday with dog show and cake

A DOG from Witheridge Hill has celebrated its seventh birthday in style.

Floyd, a Jack Russell Boston terrier cross who turned seven on Monday, celebrated at his home, the Rising Sun pub on Saturday.

His owner Kate Makin, 42, who runs the pub, organised a party and dog show in his honour.

About 80 people and 20 dogs turned up on the day and there were prizes for first, second and third in the competition.

Miss Makin had organised a dog show for Floyd’s birthday for the last three years and this year added an agility course and served treats for the dogs and their owners.

She said: “It is always well received. We normally do a doggy show at Easter time and one for Floyd’s birthday. We were panicking about the rain so for it to hold off is nice.”

Miss Makin, who has pictures of Floyd in the pub and a tattoo on her back of him and Ada, her other dog, said her dogs play a huge part in her life.

She said: “They are part of the family and having a pub they are part of that, too.

“Having a party for him is a way of celebrating them and Floyd loves it. It’s also a good excuse to get together with family and friends.”

Miss Makin supplied cupcakes for the guests and made a special “doggy cake” made of apple, carrot, beef and peanut butter. She had the cake decorated with fondant icing figures of dogs. Floyd had candles lit on the cake and Happy Birthday sung to him by all his guests.

Miss Makin said: “The cake took me a couple of days to make and then I decorated it the next day. The little figures have been made by my goddaughter and her friends — we all made one.

“Everybody who comes in the pub knows what Floyd is like. He rules the roost, he’s loud and keeps an eye on everyone one coming in and out. But he is really, really friendly — a happy Jackie.”

Miss Makin said Floyd enjoyed his birthday and was even given presents by his guests. She said: “Floyd had a lovely day and was spoilt rotten. He always knows it’s his birthday party when his bandana goes on. He knows it’s his birthday and he gets super excited.

“He’s thoroughly spoilt as you can see Floyd received lots of toys including a squeaky champagne bottle, rope toys, balls and lots of his favourite treats like chicken jerky.

“It’s hard to buy presents for a dog but I bought him a chuck it ball and a tug toy, which he loves.”

Miss Makin said she also holds parties for Ada, a Boston terrier who is five.

She said: “Floyd and Ada are inseparable; Floyd always starts the mischief but Ada will be right behind him as back-up.

Carole Hunt, from Henley, brought Wren, her three-year-old border collie.

Wren won musical sits, a game where when the music stopped playing the dogs had to sit on the ground. She was also chosen as reserve best in show and came second in best in breed.

Ms Hunt said: “She was very good she won a goody bag with lots of treats, a tennis ball, some poo bags and a squeaky bird. Wren had enjoyed them very much, she always enjoys the tennis ball and treats.

“It was a really lovely afternoon, Kate put on an agility display. Floyd had a fabulous birthday cake, it was made of beef and vegetables, only for dogs though Wren now wants her own. Wren’s met Floyd before and it was a great day, a dog show at a pub, a great place to be.”

Jeannie Page, from Marlow Road, Henley, won the best rescue with Jade, her miniature schnauzer.

Jade only has three legs after one had to be amputated. Mrs Page said: “It was very good fun, she organised it very well, the classes ran well and the birthday cake was lovely.

“It was nice to win. They had a dog show there last year, Kate even noted that Jade had improved over the year. She loves other dogs because that’s what she has been brought up with. We’ve met Floyd before. It’s always good to celebrate a dogs birthday isn’t it?”

Charlotte Morgan, from Greys Road, Henley, brought Jimmy, 12, a cavachon, and Tilly, 10, a chihuahua.

She said: “It was such a fun day it was full, dogs, children and adults so much fun and my friend’s daughter took their dogs into the show and they absolutely loved it.

“We have known Floyd since Kate took over the Rising Sun and attended many of Floyd’s parties before. It was really impressive for a dog’s birthday and really good fun.

“His cake was amazing, mine would be lucky if they got a treat I have never seen anyone put on something so special for a dog’s birthday.” Katy Beckford, from Highmoor, brought Bobby, a rescue mini pincher, poodle, chihuahua cross.

She said: “He loves Floyd, he’s not very friendly with many other dogs but particularly Floyd he gets on with. He got him a squeaky champagne bottle and he came second in best rescue. He loved Floyd’s cake and really enjoyed the sausages.”

The full results of the dog show are as follows:

Best in show: Willow, a cocker spaniel

Reserve best in show: Wren, a border collie

Ultimate sausage catcher: Rolo. a cocker spaniel

Musical sit competition: Wren, a border collie

Golden oldie: Lola, a sharpie bulldog cross

Cutest youngster: Ozzie, an Australian labradoodle

Most heart melting eyes: Reggie, a Cavachon

Loveliest lady: Truffle, a mini dachshund

Fabulous fella: Rolo, a cocker spaniel

Best rescue: Jade, a mini schnauzer shown by Jeannie

Pure breed: Willow, a cocker spaniel

Cross breed: Dash, a Bedlington terrier whippet