New to the POM Party? Toast Has Some Advice…

Written By Sharlee Allmond

So… it’s your first POM Party? Relax. I’ve been doing this for years.

I was invited, obviously.

If you’ve never been to a POM Party before, here’s my first piece of advice: just have fun. POM Parties are about bringing our dogs together, meeting new people, making memories, and, as my mom always says, “getting your serotonin boost for the entire month.”

As if this face isn’t enough.

Come Prepared

A few things you’ll want to bring:

  • A leash

  • Water

  • Treats

  • Your phone

  • And your best POM Party attitude

One very important warning about those treats, though: keep them hidden.

If treats are sitting somewhere within easy access or, worse, visually available, you will be stalked.

Especially by me.

I take snacks very seriously.


Your POM Doesn’t Have to Be the Life of the Party

Not every POM is going to run into the party and immediately make 47 new friends. Some are shy. Some are nervous. Some prefer to stand back and observe.

That’s completely okay.

Even spending a little time around other POMs can be a great way for your dog to become more comfortable, experience new surroundings, and socialize at their own pace.

Puppies are welcome, too, as long as they’re appropriately vaccinated and ready to safely socialize.

And if you’re not a POM?

Well…

I only like hanging out with my own kind.

Nothing personal. Please politely excuse yourself. JK!

Be Ready to Meet the Humans, Too

Here’s something you might not expect: the humans have just as much fun as we do.

At POM Parties, I hear laughing, chatting, stories being shared, and people who showed up as strangers becoming friends.

Honestly, humans are pretty social creatures.

I just let them think they’re there for us.

Charge Your Phone. Seriously.

There will be photos.

Lots of photos.

Make sure your phone is fully charged because there will be plenty of opportunities for adorable pictures, group shots, selfies, and moments you’ll want to remember.

And lucky for you, I’m basically a professional poser.

Selfies? Excellent.

Photos? Obviously.

A dramatic little paw kick while walking away? My specialty.

And Finally…

Don’t worry about doing POM Party “right.”

Come as you are. Let your dog explore. Say hello to someone new. Take too many pictures. Laugh a lot. Stay awhile.

You never know who you’re going to meet, what story you’re going to hear, or where your POM will wander off to next.

Honestly, I usually don’t know where I’m going either.

And that’s the fun part.

See you at the next POM Party.

— Toast the Host
Professional Wanderer. Snack Inspector. Selfie Expert.

Sharlee Allmond