Our favorite group of very patient and precious pups is winning hearts after a video shows them on their doggy daycare bus, all dressed up for Valentine’s Day and their classmate’s birthday celebration. Birthday boy Vinnie is turning three, and his parents sent pieces of steak to share with his lucky friends. Wearing heart antennae headbands and giant Valentine cut-outs, the dogs wait politely for their turn, each one cuter and more lovable than the last. Vinnie, of course, is wearing a birthday hat of honor and gets seconds on the snacks.
Can you even with these costumes?! And Vinnie’s parents aren’t messing around with the treats.
“Vinnie says, ‘go big or go home on the snacks, friends!'” laughs one viewer.
Another envious fan agrees, “Steak?! I wish I were on the bus today for snacktime! Happy Birthday, Vin!”
Vinnie’s pals Zeke, Ziggy, and Clutch assume their usual cozy positions on the floor, with the rest of the gang celebrating like little ladies and gentlemen in their assigned seats. Human passengers could stand to learn a thing or two about good behavior from these civilized canines.
Related: Golden Retriever Reunites With Mom and Brothers for His Birthday and Pure Joy Ensues
Are ‘Dog Years’ a Real Thing?
Vinnie might be turning three, but what does that mean in human years? We’ve all heard the old rule: one dog year equals seven human years. It’s catchy — but not really accurate.
The idea likely stuck because people once lived to around 70 while dogs averaged about ten, and veterinarians used it as a simple way to explain how quickly dogs mature and why yearly checkups matter. But dogs don’t age in a straight line like that. They grow up fast at the beginning, and then the pace slows.
A better guideline: a dog’s first year is roughly equal to about 15 human years. The second year adds about nine more. After that, each additional year is closer to five human years — though size matters a lot. The American Veterinary Medical Association says it varies when a dog can be considered a senior. Small breeds tend to live longer and are considered seniors around age seven, while large breeds age faster and may be seniors by five or six. A giant breed like a Great Dane can be middle-aged by four.
Researchers still aren’t sure why bigger dogs have shorter lifespans, but faster growth and earlier age-related disease may play a role. What matters most is this: dogs don’t fit neatly into a formula. However long they’re with us, every stage — puppy chaos to gray-muzzle sweetness — counts.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.