November 13th -

Today is the first year I am missing my sister's birthday. No, not my twin. Because that would mean I am also missing my own birthday which makes no sense.

But rather, my four-legged, low to the ground fluffy little weiner dog's ninth birthday.

Chloe Joyce Klein is an Isabella Blue Dachshund. She was imported from Texas, and took two flights to get to me. Her given name from her breeder was Joyce, but obviously that name wasn't sticking. So, we named her Chloe to rhyme with her half-sister Zoe who lives with our cousins.

I will never forget the day we picked her up at LaGuardia Airport. I was wearing a long sleeve that had a velvet puppy face on it, to fit the occasion, obviously. I had my pearl pink Nintendo DS in hand, alternating between Style Savvy and NintenDogs - preparing myself for what was to come.

And to think it's been almost 10 years. Time flies.

Chloe didn't make friends as easily as we wanted. She gives off major big dog energy, which is a turn off to many dogs that she interacts with.

So, we were thrilled when we received a birthday party invitation in the mail, not for me, the then 11-year-old, but for my dog.

"Come Celebrate Bessie's Second Birthday!" 

Treats and Games will be provided. 

All family are welcome!

Treats and games? I was sold. All family are welcome? What was I, a plus one? Whatever. A party is a party. 

I remember that day like it was yesterday. 

We put Chloe on her leash, and left the house 10 minutes before the party to give us enough time to walk down the hill, and enough time for Chloe to sniff and pee wherever she pleased.  

We get there and there was music playing. All the neighborhood dogs were in attendance. It was like a block party. 

There were human snacks and dog snacks. The dogs were all running around in the back and us humans were all watching, laughing inside over some pretzels and lemonade. Is that what it's like for parents watching their young children playing outside together? That moment aged me. 

It was time for birthday cake. The pups were called inside, and we serenaded Bessie. Now, of course, there were two cakes. A cake for the pups and a cake for us. They chowed down. No pun intended.

Birthday cake always signals the end of the party, so once they were all done licking the plates clean, again, no pun intended, it was time for goody bags. 

Yes. The dogs got goody bags. 

Lollipops made with a skinny bone for the stick and hide swirled into circle and other various treats.

So thoughtful. But I was jealous. I wanted a goody bag. 

Chloe doesn't even know that she was just at a party. She went to more birthday parties that year than I probably did. 

I love her just the same.

Happy birthday Chloe Joyce Klein! I love and miss you. See you next week xo