The new Netflix film Mixtape culminates in a New Year’s celebration, and star Julie Bowen had a celebration of her own while filming: her 51st birthday.

Bowen jetted off to Burnaby, British Columbia, for her role as Gail, the paranoid grandmother of Mixtape’s young protagonist. The role required leaving behind her family in the United States due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But Bowen still managed to make the most of her birthday-in-exile, with some flowers, balloons and puppy love from her pet pug, Gertie, who accompanied her on the trip. 

Fun fact: Pugs were historically bred to serve as companions to the ruling families of China. They lived in the literal lap of luxury, lounging on the thrones of emperors and guarded day and night by troops of guards. That’s a far cry from the life of poor Gertie, who was forced to brave the wet Canadian weather wearing only a very cute and stylish little raincoat. But Bowen and Gertie managed to find warmth where they could in the chilly woods of British Columbia.

Bowen also made an on-set connection with Nick Thune, who plays grumpy record store owner Anti (When asked “Anti what?” the character responds simply “Anti everything.”). The Modern Family star posted a sweet goodbye to Thune on her Instagram the day she wrapped on Mixtape, saying, “Thanks for being an all around decent human.” Between her canine companionship and new friends made on set, not a bad working birthday for Bowen.