By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jun 02, 2023 at 11:28 AM

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For most of us, our dogs are family members. So naturally, we might buy holiday gifts for our pups. Maybe throw 'em a little birthday party. But Frankie Sanchez and Ruben Piirainen are going next-level and hosting a quinceañera for their about-to-turn 15-year-old pug, Myrtle.

A quinceañera is a Mexican / Latin American tradition that marks a girl's transition into womanhood at 15 years old. Normally, this celebration is practiced by human females, but not always.

Sanchez and Piirainen, who own Sabrosa Cafe in Bay View, will host a coming-of-age party for Myrtle The Pug.

The event takes place at the restaurant, 3216 S. Howell Ave., on Saturday, June 24 – which is the actual date of Myrtle’s 15th birthday. Neighbors and their pups are welcome to stop by after 3 p.m.

The fiesta will feature a DJ, taco bar, dog-friendly cake, Modelos and gift bags for human and canine guests. The agenda might include a mariachi band and a small parade.

“Myrtle will be in heaven. She’s a big lap dog and a lover who wants to eat everything,” says Sanchez.

Because it’s Pride Month, Myrtle will don a rainbow tutu on her big day. Her sister, a mini Goldendoodle named Wanda, will get gussied up for the event as well.

“Mostly it’s going to be chill and relaxing. Myrtle is 15 and still super healthy and so we’re celebrating it,” says Sanchez.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.