Yesterday was my human, Paul’s birthday!
Happy Birthday, Paul!
Every year for his birthday, Hsin-Yi likes to plan a surprise and she always tries to think of something different that people don’t usually do for birthdays.
One year, she took him to drive a ‘Monster Truck’…
…another year, she took him to watch the airplanes at Auckland Airport (because Paul is really interested in airplanes!)…
…and another year, she got a special Zoom Tour for him to visit the cheetahs at Auckland Zoo (because Paul really likes kitties and what better than to stroke gigantic ones?!)…
So this year, she remembered that there was something Paul said he always wanted to do ever since he was a little boy…
…DRIVE A DIGGER! 
So she found some nice humans from A&R Equipment Hire who helped her make this year’s birthday surprise – and yesterday morning, we all drove off to a farm in South Auckland…
…where a digger was waiting!
Paul kept trying to guess what the surprise was but until we arrived at the farm, he had no clue!
It was a great surprise and he was so excited when he saw the digger.
It was his dream come true!
The nice human, Glynn, from A&R Equipment Hire, gave Paul some lessons…
… and then gave him some jobs to do with the digger…
…and Paul had a wonderful time digging trenches and scooping up dirt for 2 hours!!
(Hsin-Yi said that she could not undertand how anyone could find that exciting for so long but this is one of those strange things about male humans…!)
In the meantime, I was in heaven because I had just discovered that there was cow poo EVERYWHERE in the field! Huge big splats of the stuff – everywhere – ohhhh, wonderful!! Usually, the closest I get is sneaking a small mouthful of dried sheep poo when my humans take me for a walk in Cornwall Park but out here on the farm, there was fresh stuff everywhere and Hsin-Yi was so busy taking pictures of Paul with the camera machine that I had already gobbled up 7 large cow pats before she realised what I was doing - (BURP!) - Ooh, excuse me! :)
I was also busy making friends of my own…as you will see in this video:
- well, OK, so we didn’t quite end up best friends but I think the cow didn’t speak very good ‘dog’ and she didn’t realise I was trying to be friendly!
Before we left, I got to take a picture with Paul and the digger…
…but the best part was that on our way home, we stopped at Eve’s Pantry and picked up Paul’s favourite cake: passionfruit cheesecake.
Well, normally, I am not allowed cake because I am “dairy-intolerant” which means that if I eat milk or cream or anything from a cow, I get an upset tummy…but Hsin-Yi said that I had already eaten so much cow poo that day – what did a little more cream cheese matter? 
Hee! Hee!
And guess what?
I got to have my piece of cake on a plate at the table – I’m never usually allowed near the table when the humans are eating - that was SUCH a big treat!!
Mmmmm….YUM!!!
...gnom...gnom...gnom...
mmm...can I have yours now?
After all that cow poo and cheesecake, I could barely manage to stagger to my bed…
My humans went outto a nice restaurant for a birthday dinner and Hsin-Yi was happy because she finally got a chance to change from her yucky everyday ‘dog clothes’ into a pretty dress and put some of that paint thing on her face called ‘make-up’ which makes female humans feel prettier.
Hsin-Yi says she never gets a chance to “dress up” because everyone in New Zealand is so casual and she is always just doing doggie stuff with me so has to wear clothes which don’t mind being covered in mud and slobber.
I was good, though, and did not slobber on my humans before they managed to get out the door! 
Wow, that’s a great set of birthday surprises! Once for my birthday we got to watch the cheetahs run at the Wild Animal Park, but we didn’t get to touch them!
What a fantastic birthday surprise. Paul is one lucky man!! Those cake photos are fantastic Honey! We love the one of you looking at Paul’s piece!!
Can’t believe you weren’t sick after all that cow poo!!
Take care
Clive
Happy Birthday, Paul! Looks like you had a wonderful day! Hsin-Yi, you are a very creative lady! And, Honey! I think you had as much fun as your dad! What a great outing!
Happy Birthday, Paul!
Glad you had a pawesome day doing something you wanted so much!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Paul, Happy Birthday to you! What a wonderful birthday story and what a great lady you have there beside you! That was such a cool surprise, Paul!!
We just loved, once again, this story. Everytme we see that you have a new post, we just run to your blog!
Love
Pipa
Happy Birthday, Paul! You are a lucky husband. Our male human will be envious of you if he knows that your wife always celebrates your birthday with such a great surprise. All our female human does for her husband on his birthday is cooking a meal which she calls ‘special birthday dinner’ but actually is not much different from their everyday meal.
Also, Hsin-Yi looks marvelous in her mini dress!!
Hi Honey,
Can you tell your Dad to dig all the way to the Netherlands so that you can come play with me?
And, Happy Birthday Paul!
Love,
Homer and family.
Happy birthday to Paul!!! Mom says she can’t let Dad see this post or she will have to try to measure up to your Mom:)
Looks like you enjoyed those mounds of dirt too.
Woos, the OP Pack
Paul, I think one or two of those fireworks we saw over the Hudson were in your honor! Probably the Happy Face ones! You have such a wonderful, thoughtful wife to go to such effort for unforgettable birthday presents. And the two of you looked so gorgeous for your night on the town.
Honey, you were so cute playing with that mudball! I think you had has much fun digging in the dirt as Paul. And seeing you next to that cow made you look like a little dog for once.
A fantastic birthday -- that you so much for sharing your special day with all of us.
Your pal,
Petey
P.S. I haven’t gone too nuts with big dogs when I’m on my leash! Your clicker tips have really helped.
Happy birthday to Paul! He should have birthdays more often so you can have more cake Honey!
Happy Birthday Paul!
If we had known, he could have come to the estate when the barn was going up. Lots of big, manly equipment showing up almost every day for Master and his pals to mess about with.
Ha! My people always wear slobber clothes too. Even guests are warned to dress for slime. I suppose that is one reason I am not allowed in the sleepy room so that they can at least keep some clothes slobber free.
Mango
P.S. Momma thinks maybe because Pee-Wee and I are gulpers that maybe the raw diet is not for us, but thanks for the info. I mean I almost swallowed a tennis ball just yesterday.
Wow Honey! You sure has beed busy while I been gone. What a great idea Hsin-Yi has to give Paul suprises for his birthday. Human males is quite strange, but then I guess they don't get why we like to chew on a bone for ages huh?
That Stingray thing you found looked very scary and interesting and your clicker tutorial videos be great!! This tuesday I gonna link to efurryone who been playing so we can all keep track of each other.
~lickies, Ludo
That looks like an awesome day for all three of you! Happy birthday to Paul!
Happy birthday Paul! Wow -- that looked like a great day. We absolutely understand where Paul is coming from -- we ourselves would have really enjoyed running after that digger thing and woofing at it! We've told our female human that it's a 'man' thing and she wouldn't understand, he he! Hey, that cake looked seriously yummy too -- you were a lucky girl to get some of it, especially since you got to eat it at the table too. That photo of you eyeing up Paul's piece is TOO funny, he he he! Tail wags -- JD and Max.
Happy Belated Birthday to Paul!
Wow, we can tell that you couldn't wait to try the b'day cake (pic no. 1).
What a great b'day present that being prepared by Hsin-yi. You too enjoyed your time together with Paul, right? *wiggles*
Licks,
Adele, Vincent & Bella
Happy b-day! It really sounds like an awesome day! 7 cow poos and cheesecake… What could be better! Hope you are feeling ok after 'over insulging'! We love the how you are staring at the cake in the first pic and the one where you finished your cake! Very cute!
Moose + Dana
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!
Your dream came true, thanks to thoughtful caring and beautiful Hsin-Yi!
You did what, Honey?
Gobbled up 7 large cow pats?
Holy cow! Talk about gourmet food!
I bet it tasted better than cheese cake!
Love ya all.
(Hsin Yi is so lovely in her dress, did she say she painted her face, I don't see it, ah, that's the art of painting me pretty, Hsin Yi, my Maltese tiny heart falling for you!)
Hi Honey -- we forgot to mention, we made a new blog friend recently -- Penny from Melbourne -- and she recently found a video of you dancing on You Tube and posted it on her blog she was so impressed with you!!
http://mydog-parlance.blogspot.com/2009/07/great-…
We told her that we're huge fans too and that she should swing on by your blog. You're pawsome Honey -- you're always inspiring people and dogs!
Tail wags -- JD and Max.
That was just SOOOO khool!
My mom is that kind of person too -- usually listening to what special people mention and tukhking it away fur another time!
The khake looks PAWESOME!
What a great birfday celebration!
Tank woo fur sharing it with US!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Your digging skills are pretty doggone good!
What an excellent birthday surprise!! Paul is one spoiled puppy.
Happy Biwfday Paul!
Fwom the looks of things, you suwe had the bestest Biwfday. Honey, youw Mom is not only bootiful, but a fantastically thoughtful hooman. Gifts that awe so thought out and pawsonal awe the best!
I’m so glad that you wewe able to shaw the cake wif them..umm, honey, I think Paul might be pawt tewwiew (all that digging, hehehehe)
smoochie kisses
ASTA
Happy birthday Paul! And you are extremely creative with surprises, wow! And it sounds like Honey had just as great of a day
Happy Birthday Paul! You are one lucky man to have Hsin-Yi as your wife
Such interesting presents from her!
Oh Honey…7 splats of poos? Are they really that good?
Whoa Paul!!!! Happy Happy Birthday! Wishing you good health today and everyday! Lovely wife and lovely dog!!! You are one lucky man!!! Hsin-Yi is really good in planning your birthday! I bet it’s another memorable one for you! My mom has a lot to learn from her!
Big Birthday licks for you! Love, Dino
Paul is sure a lucky guy to have two females taking such good care of him! Happy Birthday Paul!!
lolololololololololol!!!! Paul is living the dream, huh? Honey we giggled so much at you digging in the dirt while Paul was digging dirt too! HAHAHA! we laughed so hard because PAul was just scooping dirt and dropping it in another spot. hahaha! That man who owned the digger was very nice too huh? you could tell he thought you were a beautiful girl and you were so gentle and well behaved. He probably has never seen such a big, docile beauty like you.
we really enjoyed seeing you eat cake off the table. We like how you are looking at Paul’s full plate and yours is empty. hehehe!
Happy birthday Paul. If you ever come to NS you are welcome to operate out back hoe and tractors!
cheers!
Happee Birfday, Paul!! Looks like woo all had a pawsome day!
We wuv to sneek in sum goose poo wen we iz at da parrk wif mommee--she getz sooo mad at us. But duzint she know dat it is SOOOO yummee??
Honey, yur mommee and daddee look soo nice in da last pikture!
Wuv,
Gus and Waldo
Happy birthday Paul!!!
Honey, ur humans have really really interesting birthday surprises!!! we’re jealous!!
Happy happy birthday!!
love,
Camry, Chevro and cayenne
Happy Birfday to yer Daddy! It looks like you all had funs. My Daddy would have liked that birfday present too. He likes big masheens.
Silly peoples. Dont they know balls and bones is much more fun then that??
Yer pal Dozer
wow what great birthday surprises -- your mommy is so imaginative -- that shows such caring. that is wonderful. happy your daddy had a good birthday -- and fun on the digger.
hope you enjoyed your cake looked yummy
Woodrow, Sweetie & MJ
Happy belated Purrth……..ummmm Birthday Paul!!! Sounds like you have had some great birthdays!!
Honey, we bet your breath smelled great after your visit to the farm!
Happy Birthday Paul
What a great surprise, we love digging. We could really move alot of dirt if we had one of those machines.
We hope you didin’t get sick from eating all that cow poo.
Love Ruby & Penny
Happy Birthday Paul
What a great surprise, we love digging. We could really move alot of dirt if we had one of those machines.
We hope you didin’t get sick from eating all that cow poo.
Love Ruby & Penny
Happy birthday Paul!
You had such treats, Honey….bet you wish it’s Paul’s birthday everyday! The passionfruit cheesecake looks really yummy! Hope you didn’t have any tummy upset after the cake and the cow poo.
Happy Birthday Paul! What an adventure.
Honey, it looks like you had a pawsome time eating all the forbidden treats… including poo poo!!! BOL. Hope your tummy doesn’t release toxic gas…!
Your mommy is bootiful, BTW.
Hee hee, how cute that you and Paul both like to dig. That video of you digging at the same time was great. But Paul does need to eat his cake faster…why do humans eat so slowly?
Your humans certainly make a handsome couple! And you are handsome also, Honey. You make a very sweet family!
Teddy
Happy birthday Paul!
What fabulous ideas for birthdays for male humans.
I’m not sure about the cow poo eating though. My labrador Daisy’s favourite forbidden treat was cat poo. She would dig it up in the garden, gobble it up, and then come and try to give me a kiss! Gross.
Your humans make a gorgeous couple -- you are certainly an attractive family!
Happy Birthday Paul!
We would have love to join you digging! Wooo …. that looks like a lot of fun!
HOney, you lucky dog! You got to taste poo and cheese cake for the day! And Hsin Yi is such a fantastic event planner!
Licks and wags
TUffy and the Dog Woods Pack
lol--i have become so enamored wih you Honey that i have been reading your blog from begining to end (just leave it up all day at work and sneak peek on breaks--hehehe). Now that i know all about you i was wondering if you could help us with a few questions. We were wondering about your raw diet-- we do not eat a raw diet, but a high quality kibble (Go! Natural--made here in Canada) and a variety of human food such as beef, chicken, ham, fish, eggs (lots of eggs!) cheese, milk and yogurt, apples, bananas, natural peanut butter--etc
The meats we mentioned are all cooked though--what are your thoughts on that? Perhaps the absorbtion is not as good, and perhaps with the kibble it is too much mixed with such variety--or perhaps not. who knows.
The raw food diet definately appeals to me but not for these reasons:
The human food they do get is mostly organic--raised on our own farm, even though in the cooked form. So… cheaper and easy access for us, and we know exactly where it comes from.
secondly we are away from home on camping/backpacking trips for days at a time. Kibble is convenient in that way for travel --especially when backpacked over 3 and 4 days where it must be carried in. (UGH!)
do you think i am feeding ok? they are very healthy and at good weights, although sensitive in the tummy with runny poo if too much change --or if i spoil with too many treats.
what are your thoughts --i would love to hear from you as you have such a good handle on Honey and what goes in (and out) haha! If you don’t have time that is totally cool --i completely understand.
and sorry about the rotten spelling/grammar--i am terrible for sure.
and how do you pronounce your name, we would love to know! Your life is very interesting to us--all those wonderful adventures and travelling, modeling, dancing--etc etc
if it is easier you can use my e-mail above! thanks again!!!
janice
Happy late Birthday to Paul! What a GREAT surprise! Hsin-Yi is so clever to come up with those unique birthday surprises! Paul looks very happy in that last picture and the digger ones too!
Tell Hsin-Yi she looks beautiful with her dress and makeup too. Glad you got to have some cake as well!
Kisses,
Nala
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