Celebrating Birthdays: Kodi Turns Seven

Kodi turned seven on Monday, October 6.

Kodi on her 7th birthday (56 pounds)

Her birthday celebration started on October 5 when we were celebrating my sister, Myrna's, birthday (also October 6). After a lovely brunch at Atlantica in Cohasset, the birthday party consisting of Myrna, Peter, Mary, Liza, Lesley, Amelia, Diana and I adjourned to Guided Discovery for more champagne and conversation.

Amelia at Atlantica with "flower" turtle
Amelia loves turtles

Liza and Mary at Atlantica interacting with Amelia

Kodi's official celebration started by having her sing her song.  We sing "If you're happy and you know it" and substitute the word "speak" for the phrase "clap your hands."  Kodi performed flawlessly despite not performing this particular behavior for many months.

Kodi joined Peter, Mary, Liza and Diana on the settee

Lesley opening a present for Amelia (a Marimeko jacket)

We then sang happy birthday to Kodi (and, of course, acknowledged Myrna's).  Following this, I used the occasion to convert Kodi from counting to six when asked her age to counting to seven.  It took two repetitions.  She now reliably counts to seven when you ask "how old are you?

She then performed for the group with the following behaviors (all flawlessly):

• Sit
• High five
• Left paw
• Right paw
• Down
• Settle
• Count to 1
• Count to 3
• Count to 7
• Stand
• Back-up
• Turn around
• Down
• Crawl
• Sit
• Get your hedgehog
• Get your squirrel

Kodi got extra cheese and seemed very content with herself.  She then resumed her position of the settee.

She continues to be an absolute joy.

Written by Les