The other kid's birthday

Internet, I need your help.

In a few short weeks Truman will be four years old. I know, hard to believe, right? Time flies when you’re being tormented by a deranged, rabid chipmunk masquerading as a something vaguely canine.

It seems just yesterday that his wee, squishy body could almost fit into the palm of your hand… Not that you’d actually hold him that way if you wanted to keep all ten digits, but I’m just saying, IT COULD.

baby truman The other kid's birthday
(Yeah, I’ll pretty much take any excuse to use this picture again. SHAMELESS!)

(Oh, and this one too:)
puppy truman2 The other kid's birthday

(FEEL THE BURN OF THE CUTE.)

Truth be told, he’s morphed from an adorable, psychotic rodent of a puppy into a pretty awesome, obedient dog. And I honestly never, EVER believed I’d say that. There were times back when Truman was a puppy when I truly thought we’d unknowingly doomed ourselves to a lifetime of being trapped indoors with a miniaturized version of the Looney Tunes Tasmanian Devil character. In my mind, I couldn’t even coherently list all the drugs I was going to have to consume to make it through such a life with my sanity anything close to intact. Perhaps something in a Big Game Tranquilizer, dosed hourly, would suffice?

Lucky for us Truman’s psychosis waned as he grew, and now, at almost four, he’s near becoming the warm, cuddly throw pillow of a dog I’d always longed for.  And as such, is deserving of many, many good boy treats.

birthdaytruman1 The other kid's birthday

So here’s where I could use your help. What would you get for the dog who has everything — fame, adoring fans, lots of semi-mangled damp squeaky toys? Because I’m at a loss, quite frankly.

He has special affection for items shaped like pink elephants and things that smell like ass, if that helps.

  • kariweber

    Pet insurance. Trust me, you never know when you will use it. I think that it should come standard with the purchase of a puppy. Especially one with such "coffee-table-corner height eyes"
    Just look at how often Amalah has used hers!

  • http://unmitigated.typepad.com Middle-Aged-Woman

    So, I'm guessing you already tried rubbing a little pink elephant on your ass?

  • http://99nonessentials.blogspot.com jac

    dude, doggie cake, new toys, lotsa love 'n kisses!
    that or a new doggie puppy to be best friends ever with :-) imagine a little bitty mini-me for tru!

  • http://www.califmom.com califmom
  • http://www.hope4peyton.org Anissa@Hope4Peyton

    Run, don't walk!, to The Spohrs Are Multiplying, i think you'll find the thing that every dog wants right there. Hunt over.
    BTW, I just read your essay in Sleep is For the Weak. It was perfection.

  • http://plainjanemom.com Erika Jurney

    'Frosty Paws' dog ice cream is always a big hit!

  • http://www.sweetney.com sweetney

    Middle-Aged Woman: HOLY CRAP.

  • Sils

    I was going to suggest a puppy, but someone beat me to it.
    Does he like other dogs? Maybe a day at doggy daycare so he can play with some other pups or a trip to a dog park?

  • http://backpackingdad.blogspot.com Backpacking Dad

    Middle Aged Woman stole my suggestion.
    Wasn't it obvious? Like that stupid commercial where they say "Everyone likes warm chicken breast. And everyone likes cold salad. So wouldn't you just love a warm chicken breast on a cold salad? Come give us your four dollars." And then I'm all "I like chocolate, and I like steak, but I don't ever want to eat them together.

  • http://baltimoregal.blogspot.com baltimoregal

    Come over to Howl (formerly Chow, Baby) in Hampden, 3531 Chestnut Avenue, (410-235-2469).
    They have SO many great toys, I cannot even tell you.
    They have the rubber toys like this one http://tiny.cc/NvnX5 and the cutest little plush ones that my puppy DEVOURS WHOLE but that Truman would probably like. Also killer real meat treats.
    (Or you can buy the toy at Target, but Howl is way more fun, and local shopping- you know, and then you could get lunch next door at Dangerously Delicious Pies!!!)

  • http://kerrianne.org Kerri Anne

    Our pug Iggy turns one! August 31st. We are thinking we'll let him spaz out as much as he wants and buy him a doggy cupcake. Or six.

  • http://aschmittylife.blogspot.com Mrs. Schmitty

    He needs a bitch. What else would he need, silly?

  • http://www.formationofme.com/blog regan

    You get him a week at my house because I want a pug and my husband is not sold on the idea. I think Truman can change his mind.

  • Lolagranola

    Right there with you the first psychotic days of puggy ownership. My guy, Genghis, was known as the flying furry sausage with teeth–anything in his way, be it shoelaces, fingers, that sensitive little roll of fat on your back right above your belt, he'd go for and nosh on. He's four now, too, and just awesome.
    Anyway, for a special birthday? Food. We let Genghis have some carrots and cheese, his two favorite foods. Then we took him for a ride in the car, because he is a freak and loves it.
    Happy Birthday, Truman!

  • MM

    We've got some pink poodle dog toys at work, I could run around with one in my pants all day and mail it to ya. I'm just sayin'.

  • http://wonderspot.net WonderSpot

    So my 1 year old dog won't always make me wish for a pet rock instead? Can I hold you to it? For her birthday I took her to a dog park and didn't make her stop sniffing dog butts. She seemed happy.

  • http://www.citizenofthemonth.com Neil

    This is a hard one. He's so famous, it is like asking what to get Lassie for her birthday.

  • http://www.aboyagirlandapug.blogspot.com Meg

    Happy 4th Truman! Thanks so much for the hope you have just given me. We have a 3-year-old pug and today I was just sitting at my desk trying not to add up the extensive damage he has done to the home and my shoes…I could have taken an awesome cruise.

  • http://jonniker.com jonniker

    I usually buy Sunny a bag of those Dingo treats with the meat in the middle and call it a day.

  • http://themommydiariestmd.blogspot.com Diane

    Peanutbutter. Anything made with peanutbutter is a dog favorite.
    Happy Birthday Truman!!

  • http://www.dutchblitz.net Angella

    We do not have a dog, so no advice. I just had to tell you that the crown photo made me snort and giggle.

  • http://bethalea.blogspot.com just beth

    Hi! I'm a total stalker of yours, and I had to delurk because YOUR POOCH IS SO CUTE! So, get him this! http://www.terrificpets.com/pet_supplies/dog/toys
    I just think every dog should have a monkey. Yours may already have one, but I had to recommend something!
    xo
    b.

  • Maria

    I haven't read all the comments, so I hope this isn't a repeat.
    Ditto the Frosty Paws.
    Also, a new outfit from http://www.spoiledchiens.com/ or http://www.spoiledrottendogz.com

  • http://lianatheodora.livejournal.com Liana

    Something my family used to let our dalmation do on special occasions was sleep on the couch. It was a special treat because normally we didn't let her…also, once in a while we let her be a lap dog, which she was really too big to be but seemed to want to anyway.
    So…if there's anything he loves that you normally don't let him do (something that wouldn't destroy furniture, etc) I'd let him do it as a special treat.
    Also, of course, yummy meat-based treats and some new, pristine, ready-to-be mangled chew toys.
    Happy Birthday, Truman!
    xoxo, One of your many adoring fans :)

  • http://www.clusterfook.com Lisa

    I'm sorry I don't have a suggestion for a gift because I'm not a dog owner but I just had to say that the picture with the pink tiara is over-the-top, gushing with cuteness that makes me want to kiss my monitor.
    Oy, Truman is a cute dog. Happy Birthday!

  • http://sameoldstlbee.blogspot.com Susan

    Being as I am new the puppy scene (adopted 2, 12-week old Westie brothers 3 weeks ago) and am just now starting to calm down shit down over our crazy and rash decision, I don't really have any suggestions for a good birthday present for Truman. I'm sure whatever you decide, Truman will love. He seems to be that kind of cool pup!

  • http://torristravels.blogspot.com barbara (b)

    Another dog just for Truman?
    b

  • Vicki

    I say get him a new jeweled collar, some fancy dog treats, a doggy cake, and something new to chew up. And maybe a blow-up dog to, ummmm…well, you get the point…

  • nani

    I think he needs a dog, too. He's still young enough to enjoy it, and it's his karma. He's also old enough to do most of the basic training for you, as well.

  • http://kwanzoo.com/social-trivia Liz

    I second regan's suggestion, except Truman should come to MY place, because we want a pug and have no room for a second dog – at least, not permanently. But he could definitely stay weekends. I promise to spoil him!

  • http://www.sweetney.com sweetney

    As much as I would like to get a puppy friend for Tru, I've been vetoed by Jamie.
    Bad, bad, Jamie.
    I like the ideas of playdates with other dogs though. At least a doggy daycare stint or something. He needs doggy friends, man.

  • http://loraleeslooneytunes.com/ Loralee

    A doggie pillow with Joss Whedon's face on it.
    (Dude. EVERYONE wants one of those. I just wouldn't inquire what is done with it in the dark. Ehem.)

  • http://baltimoregal.blogspot.com baltimoregal

    I'd be open to a playdate- as long as he is up for VIGOROUS exercise. Stella is quite the wrestler.

  • http://jackandjillputupablog.com/ jack and jill put up

    I always take my yellow lab to a dog bakery…I show him the treat…and make him wait with anticipation…stay, stay, stay…okay! And a day at the park for sure. Have to run off those calories…wanna see my cute puppy? Aren't we all so proud! http://jackandjillputupablog.com/?p=7
    Happy B-Day Truman!!!

  • http://jackandjillputupablog.com/ jack and jill put up

    I always take my yellow lab to a dog bakery…I show him the treat…and make him wait with anticipation…stay, stay, stay…okay! And a day at the park for sure. Have to run off those calories…wanna see my cute puppy? Aren't we all so proud! http://jackandjillputupablog.com/?p=7
    Happy B-Day Truman!!!

  • http://jumpwithfaith.blogspot.com Kim

    His own website?