Google’s Ten Toblins
- In the 19th arrondissement of Paris, near the Buttes-Chaumont park, a Monday evening took a decidedly canine turn. Gil Anselmi, a 27-year-old photographer, hosted a birthday party...
- Guests embraced the theme, some sporting snout makeup, others wearing "Didier" T-shirts, a nod to a 1997 film.
- "I especially do this for the joke and for my friends.
Dog Days: Parisian Celebrates Canine Birthday in Style

In the 19th arrondissement of Paris, near the Buttes-Chaumont park, a Monday evening took a decidedly canine turn. Gil Anselmi, a 27-year-old photographer, hosted a birthday party for his Australian shepherd, Sony. The playlist, featuring DJ bobo’s “Chihuahua,” set the tone for the dog-themed festivities.
Guests embraced the theme, some sporting snout makeup, others wearing “Didier” T-shirts, a nod to a 1997 film. Balloons adorned the living room walls, all in honor of Sony.
“Basically, dogs don’t care,” Anselmi said with a smile. “I especially do this for the joke and for my friends. It is indeed voluntarily ‘Décing’ [awkward].”
The guest list for Sony’s canine anniversary was carefully curated. Dog owners and their friendly pets gathered in the apartment, all sharing a connection with Sony, many having cared for him in the past.
The rise of Dog Birthday Celebrations
Celebrating a dog’s birthday is a growing trend in France. Mylène Bertaux, a journalist and author of “Toutoute” (Fayard, 2024), suggests this “Dog Birthday” vogue began around 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In less than 50 years, the dog went from the niche to the sofa, then from the sofa to the bedroom, even to the stroller. More and more dog owners take them on vacation, confide in them and sleep with them, offer them gifts at Christmas and celebrate their birthday.
The trend reflects a broader shift in the relationship between humans and their canine companions.
Dog birthday Celebrations: A pawty in Paris
Recently, a Parisian apartment in the 19th arrondissement hosted a unique event: a birthday party for an Australian Shepherd named Sony. Let’s dive into this heartwarming trend and explore the details of Sony’s special day.
Who Hosted Sony’s Birthday Party?
Gil Anselmi, a 27-year-old photographer, organized the dog-themed birthday bash for his Australian Shepherd, Sony. The party took place in his apartment near the Buttes-Chaumont park in Paris.
What Was the Theme of the Party?
The theme was all about dogs! The playlist featured DJ Bobo’s “chihuahua,” setting the tone for the canine party. Guests embraced the theme with snout makeup and “Didier” T-shirts, a reference to a 1997 film.
What Did the Celebrations Involve?
The apartment was decorated with balloons. Many of the guests were dog owners and their pets. The event was described as a voluntary “Décing” (awkward),done for fun by Anselmi and enjoyed by his friends.
Is Celebrating Dog birthdays a New Trend?
Yes, celebrating dog birthdays is becoming increasingly popular in France. Mylène Bertaux, a journalist and author of “Toutoute” (Fayard, 2024), suggests this trend began around 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
what Does “Toutoute” say About This Trend?
According to Mylène Bertaux’s “Toutoute,” dogs have become more integrated into human lives over the past 50 years. She notes that dogs have gone “from the niche to the sofa, then from the sofa to the bedroom, even to the stroller.” Owners are increasingly taking them on vacations, confiding in them, and celebrating their birthdays.
Why This Trend Is Growing
This trend reflects a broader change in the human-animal relationship. More and more, dogs are seen as family members, leading to increased celebrations of their lives.
Key Takeaways:
Here is a table summarizing the key aspects of the article:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebration | Birthday party for an Australian shepherd named Sony |
| Location | 19th arrondissement of Paris |
| Host | Gil Anselmi, a photographer |
| theme | Dog-themed, with music, costumes, and decorations |
| Trend | Growing popularity of dog birthday celebrations in France |
| Source | Mylène Bertaux’s “Toutoute” (Fayard, 2024) |
