Do dogs know it's their birthday?

While dogs don't understand the concept of birthdays, they absolutely pick up on the extra excitement, attention, and treats. Dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions, so when you're celebrating, they feel the joy too. A birthday celebration is a wonderful way to bond with your pup and show them extra love.

How do I find out my dog's birthday?

If you adopted your dog, check adoption papers or ask the shelter for an estimated birth date. If the exact date is unknown, many pet owners celebrate their dog's 'gotcha day' (adoption anniversary) instead. You can also ask your vet for an age estimate based on teeth and physical development to pick an approximate birthday.

MEET LULY: A 3-YEAR-OLD FORCE CUDDLER WHO WALKED ON TWO LEGS ALL THE WAY TO GREECE

April 09, 2026

Meet Luly, affectionately known as "Lu Bear," a 3-year-old cuddle enthusiast with a signature move that no foster dog can escape: the force cuddle. Whether the other pup wants it or not, Luly is wrapping them up in love, and honestly, they usually come around. When she's not smothering her foster siblings with affection, this stuffed-elephant-toting, salmon-loving pup is walking on two legs to score treats or exploring the world with her mom Lina—including an unforgettable summer in Greece, hiking the islands and dipping her paws in the sea. Luly has a way of turning even a rained-out birthday into something better, teaching Lina to appreciate every moment and find strength in the little things. She even conquered her fear of Frenchies when her family fostered one, proving that love really does win in the end.

QUICK FACTS

Age: 3
Next Birthday: March 12, 2027
Nickname: Lu Bear
Special Talent: Walking on two legs to get treats
Favorite Toy: Stuffed elephant
Instagram: @lulyspawtylife

GETTING TO KNOW LULY

What's Luly's favorite toy?
Stuffed elephant

What's her favorite treat?
Salmon

What does she love to do?
Cuddling

What's her most adorable quirk?
She force cuddles every dog we foster or dog sit (even against their will)

A CONVERSATION WITH LULY'S MOM, LINA

How has Luly changed your life?
Luly has made me appreciate every moment. A day working from home with Lu is still a happy exciting day. Before she came into my life, I had lost the sense of appreciation for the little things in life, and now every day is filled with love and laughter.

What's your favorite memory with Luly?
Spending summer 2025 in Greece with her. Exploring Athens and the islands and watching her enjoy the sea and every hike! Carrying her around and having the chance to be in my favorite place with my favorite little being.

What's the most important lesson Luly has taught you?
Luly has taught me that even when things don't workout, something better always comes along. Any challenge I've faced since I got Luly has turned into something even better. Even her birthday this year, it got rained out and it turned into an opportunity to have a photoshoot and home and go out to dinner with her!!

How do you celebrate and make special moments with Luly?
We both dress up and eat her favorite foods. We are lucky to have a community of wonderful humans and pups who meet regularly to spend time, so we celebrate with them at the dog park!

How has Luly helped you through challenging times?
Luly fills me with so much, that even during the most challenging time I'm able to find the strength to keep fighting.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about Luly?
Luly is very friendly to both humans and dogs. She had a fear of frenchies, and as luck would have it, we ended up fostering a Frenchie who has become her sister and protector. Seeing Luly overcome her fear and love her foster sister is so sweet!