My animal-loving daughter turned 9 recently and requested an Animal Rescue Birthday Party. Honestly, I tried to talk her out of it at first. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off. I was certain she would rather have a party hosted somewhere other than my house.
She was persistent, as usual. We started planning.
We set the party up as a game. I gathered 12 small stuffed animals about the size of a Beany Baby and took their mug shots one by one. We printed the photos out as wallet sized cards, one for each guest.
When her friends arrived, they each were given an animal picture and told that this animal was lost and possibly injured and they had to find them somewhere in the house. The search was on!
Once the animals in need were found, the kids brought them to the animal hospital (which we created on the coffee table) to be examined with stethoscopes and the toy veterinarian kit and treated with bandages and a play IV.
Caring for the newly rescued pets at the animal hospital.
Some of the animals were very seriously injured and required extensive treatment by their new caretakers.
A rescued pup after treatment.
When the little animals were all bandaged up they were taken to the rest area, created out of doll tents and beds.
A rescued dog resting comfortably.
After a good long nap, the animals were released by the vet on staff to go to the animal playground for some fun.
Initially, I was worried that this game would get boring fast, but the kids played along for over an hour. They loved it.
To keep with the theme, we used animal designed balloons, plates, cups and napkins.
Animal print balloons.
A good time was had by all. The guests left with their adopted pets, goodie bags and big smiles.
