{"id":66141,"date":"2025-12-31T08:10:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T15:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=66141"},"modified":"2025-12-30T21:37:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T04:37:00","slug":"lupes-15th-birthday-12-14-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=66141","title":{"rendered":"Lupe’s 15th Birthday (12-14-25)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 0-1 of Lupe’s 5th Dingo Vacation of 2025 to Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma & New Mexico!<\/em><\/p>\n

12-13-25, 3:58 PM <\/em>– A frigid breeze was sweeping over the nearly empty, snow-covered parking lot for KOTA Territory News up on Skyline Drive when Lupe leapt out of Shadow.\u00a0 Off to the SW, the last rays of sunlight the Carolina Dog would ever see as a 14 year old Dingo still gleamed on the Black Hills horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A frigid Black Hills sunset<\/strong> on Lupe’s last day of being 14<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re here to deliver a cake, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 Tomorrow you’ll be 15, Loopster, and this year I had 2 birthday cakes made for you.\u00a0 One is for KOTA Territory News, since reporter Brad Walton and meteorologist Ryan Hill were so kind as to invite you along on their Hill’s Hills Sylvan Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> adventure a week ago.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah.\u00a0 That was a blast, SPHP!\u00a0 Are Brad and Ryan here, though?\u00a0 Looks like KOTA is closed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Someone should be here, Loop.\u00a0 Brad told me specifically to bring the cake today at 4:00 PM, and we’re right on time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going over to the station, the door was locked.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t know the keypad code required to open it.\u00a0 SPHP pushed an access call button.\u00a0 No response.\u00a0 SPHP called Brad on the phone.\u00a0 No answer.<\/p>\n

Well, Dingo feathers, Looper!\u00a0 Wonder what happened?\u00a0 Only 9\u00baF!\u00a0 The cake will be a block of ice in short order, if we just leave it by the door.<\/em><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Ryan appeared inside, unlocking the door.\u00a0 Brad returned SPHP’s call at the exact same moment.\u00a0 Ryan ushered Lupe and SPHP into the comfortably warm KOTA station entryway.\u00a0 A friendly chat with Ryan, notification to Brad, and the birthday cake was delivered.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 15th birthday cake<\/strong> – KOTA Territory News version!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whew!\u00a0 Got that done, Sweet Puppy.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m glad!\u00a0 Brad and Ryan are so nice to me.\u00a0 Their friend Renae was, too!\u00a0 Now what, SPHP?\u00a0 You still have another birthday cake for me, right?\u00a0 Are you going to throw a 15th birthday party for me tomorrow?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 But guess what, Loopster?\u00a0 For the first time ever, we aren’t going to celebrate your birthday here in the Black Hills.<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 Why not, SPHP?\u00a0 Where is it going to be?<\/em><\/p>\n

At Hotel Dixie, tomorrow afternoon, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

In Arvada, Colorado with Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie?<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely!\u00a0 Expecting other guests, too!\u00a0 Your 15th birthday party is going to be a real bash, Looper, but I’ve got a lot of packing to do before we head out dark and early tomorrow morning, so let’s head home.<\/em><\/p>\n

12-14-25, 6:44 AM, still 9\u00baF<\/em> – Unfortunately, not as dark and early as SPHP had intended, but all systems were finally go.\u00a0 On her cold, pink blanket, a certain Carolina Dog was excited.<\/p>\n

Onward, SPHP!\u00a0 I can’t be late to my own birthday party!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP turned the key.\u00a0 Rather reluctantly, Shadow sprang to life.<\/p>\n

Our schedule is going to be a little tighter than anticipated, but you’ll be there, Loop.\u00a0 Promise!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An expectant American Dingo<\/strong> about to begin her 15th birthday adventure<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

420 miles to Hotel Dixie!\u00a0 A winter adventure beyond the Black Hills was almost unheard of in Lupe’s experience.\u00a0 The tight schedule meant only a few brief stops along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An early frosty sniff at the Spring Creek picnic area<\/strong> while still in the Black Hills<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Favorite rock formations<\/strong> along Hwy 270 between Lance Creek & Manville, WY.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The temperature fluctuated wildly, up and down, during the long drive, but warmed up a great deal overall as Shadow sped on.\u00a0 After leaving the Black Hills, Wyoming was bone dry.\u00a0 Mid-December, yet scarcely any snow at all, except what appeared to be little more than a dusting way up on Laramie Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Approaching Colorado, even the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains didn’t seem to have much snow on them.\u00a0 The foothills appeared to be completely snow-free.<\/p>\n

12-14-25, 2:15 PM<\/em> – An unbelievable 67\u00baF!\u00a0 Seemed more like summer than winter when Cousin Dixie greeted Lupe with wild enthusiasm to Hotel Dixie.\u00a0 Incredibly, the grass was still green out on the front lawn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Hotel Dixie<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Definitely looked more like Christmas inside, though.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the extravagantly decorated Hotel Dixie Christmas tree<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP would be staying in the ever-popular Hotel Dixie Cowboy Room tonight.\u00a0 After toting in luggage, SPHP also brought in Lupe’s 15th birthday cake, then stuck video gaming candles into it.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the birthday Dingo got gussied up for her upcoming big 15th birthday bash.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 15th birthday cake<\/strong> prepared to get lit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster<\/strong> ready to party!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Aunt Andrea and Uncle Joe were already here, of course.\u00a0 Andrea had fixed a big pre-cake and ice cream meal for everyone, and soon guests were arriving.\u00a0 Mark came, and began playing the piano, adding to the festive mood.\u00a0 Matt, Cassie, Owen, and Emery showed up a bit later.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
L to R: Owen<\/strong>, Mark<\/strong>, Emery<\/strong> & Andrea<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since Lupe had a tendency to lose her party hat rather frequently, Emery took it upon herself to see to it that the hat was never off for too long.<\/p>\n

The birthday feast came first.\u00a0 Whether Cousin Dixie believed in Santa Claus, or not, wasn’t entirely clear.\u00a0 However, there wasn’t the slightest doubt that she believed in SPHP.\u00a0 Although feeding Dixie from the table was frowned upon by the management at Hotel Dixie, that didn’t stop outlaw SPHP from smuggling hamburger, cheese, and other goodies to both Dixie and Lupe.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dixie<\/strong> anticipating the next juicy tidbit from SPHP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, it was time for the trial by fire!\u00a0 SPHP provided champagne.\u00a0 The candles were lit!\u00a0 Everyone began singing Happy Birthday to Lupe.\u00a0 Owen and Emery were crouched nearby, ready to help Lupe blow out her candles.\u00a0 The American Dingo didn’t seem to mind the massive 15 candle conflagration on her cake at all.\u00a0 She was having fun!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The flaming 15th birthday cake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Birthday Dingo<\/strong> with Owen & Emery<\/strong> during “Happy Birthday to You!”<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And just like that, it was all over and done with.\u00a0 Owen and Emery made certain every candle was blown out.\u00a0 Cake, ice cream, and champagne or sparkling cider for all who wanted it!\u00a0 And presents for Lupe!\u00a0 Owen and Emery helped Lupe open her gifts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The great unwrapping begins! L to R: Andrea<\/strong>, Emery<\/strong>, Owen<\/strong> & Cassie<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe got a Vibrant Life Holiday Hedgehog, Chew Level 2 with squeaker.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> shows off Lupe’s brand new Holiday Hedgehog<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Treats received included packages of Golden Rewards Pigs in a Blanket, and Blue Buffalo Nudges.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Golden Rewards Pigs in a Blanket<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Blue Buffalo Nudges<\/strong>. L to R: Cassie<\/strong>, Joe<\/strong>, Mark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea had also bought Lupe a beautiful, white camping blanket to keep her warm during her Dingo Vacations to Canada & Alaska.\u00a0 The blanket was incredibly soft and cozy!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s very soft and cozy, white camping blanket<\/strong> from Joe & Andrea<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last present was from SPHP.<\/p>\n

Oh, I know what you got me, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you really now?\u00a0 Are you sure about that, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

You get me the same thing every year, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s a T-bone steak!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lucky guess, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 Hope you aren’t disappointed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 15th birthday T-bone steak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 I’m not disappointed, SPHP.\u00a0 Not disappointed at all.\u00a0 I love T-bone steaks.\u00a0 Hey, look!\u00a0 It says “Freshness date use or freeze by 12-14-25”.\u00a0 That’s today!\u00a0 Broil it for me, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fully intend to, Loopster.\u00a0 I always do, don’t I?<\/em><\/p>\n

Good, but wait just a few minutes.\u00a0 I want to show Mika all my birthday loot first, before you broil it.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP lugged Lupe’s birthday loot up to the Cowboy Room where Lupe would be staying, and where Mika was currently trying to enjoy some peace and quiet.\u00a0 If Mika was impressed by Lupe’s good fortune, she didn’t show it.\u00a0 In fact, if anything, she looked a bit miffed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the Cowboy Room<\/strong> with the Blue Buffalo Nudges<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Showing off the T-bone steak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mika<\/strong> (R), not particularly impressed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cats are the strangest breed of dog ever, SPHP.\u00a0 They don’t have any clue at all how to be a good pack member.\u00a0 You’d think Mika would be happy for me!\u00a0 Maybe she’s just jealous?<\/em><\/p>\n

Cats are different, alright, Looper.\u00a0 No denying that.\u00a0 Anyway, ready for me to broil that T-bone for you now?<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was.\u00a0 When the T-bone was ready to eat, the Carolina Dog was kind enough to share a few bites with Dixie.\u00a0 Later on, when SPHP checked the back yard where Lupe had gone to devour the rest of it, not a trace of the T-bone steak remained.<\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 You ate the entire thing, T-bone bone and all?<\/em><\/p>\n

Being 15 has gotten off to a mighty tasty good start, SPHP!\u00a0 And now, after a long day, I suddenly feel like it’s time to hit the hay for a luxurious night’s snooze in the Cowboy Room.<\/em><\/p>\n

Guess so, Loopster.\u00a0 And some serious digesting, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 15th birthday<\/strong>, Arvada, Colorado 12-14-25<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lupe’s 14th Birthday<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Dingo Tales Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, \u00a0<\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 0-1 of Lupe’s 5th Dingo Vacation of 2025 to Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma & New Mexico! 12-13-25, 3:58 PM – A frigid breeze was sweeping over the nearly empty, snow-covered parking lot for KOTA Territory News up on Skyline Drive when Lupe leapt out of Shadow.\u00a0 Off to the SW, the last rays of sunlight … Continue reading Lupe’s 15th Birthday (12-14-25)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":66126,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[105,1722,106,1815,296,26,1683,1816,451,104,526,863,1814,885],"class_list":["post-66141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dingo-tales","tag-american-dingo","tag-andrea","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cassie","tag-colorado","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-dixie","tag-emery","tag-joe","tag-lupe","tag-lupes-birthday","tag-mark","tag-matt","tag-owen"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0617-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=66141"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66141\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66202,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66141\/revisions\/66202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/66126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=66141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=66141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=66141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}