Melissa the Monday Mess-Up Confesses:

I should have checked the hours. I really, really should have checked the hours.

But in my defense, it was Monday morning, I was running on two hours of sleep and half a cup of cold coffee, and Benny had just given me THE LOOK. You know the one. The “my treat jar is empty and this is somehow a personal attack” look.

So I did what any responsible dog parent would do. I grabbed my keys, loaded Benny into the car, and announced with way too much enthusiasm, “We’re going to The Hungry Puppy!”

Benny lost his mind. Tail wagging, happy dance, the whole nine yards. He LOVES going to The Hungry Puppy. It’s his favorite place on earth. He gets to sniff everything, say hi to the staff, maybe make a new dog friend, and leave with a bag full of treats. It’s basically Disneyland for dogs.

We pulled into the parking lot, and that’s when I saw it. The sign. The closed sign.

“Closed Mondays.”

My heart sank. Benny’s tail stopped mid-wag. He looked at the door. Then at me. Then back at the door. Then back at me with a look of pure betrayal.

“Buddy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know they were closed on Mondays.”

He turned around in the backseat and refused to make eye contact the entire ride home.

The Dog’s Side (by Benny)

I have never been more disappointed in my entire life. And I once watched a squirrel climb a tree I couldn’t reach. THIS IS WORSE.

Let me set the scene. It’s Monday morning. My treat jar is empty. EMPTY. This is a crisis of epic proportions. I gave Melissa my best sad eyes, the ones that usually work for literally everything.

And then she said the magic words: “We’re going to The Hungry Puppy!”

I LOST IT. This was the best news I’d heard all week! The Hungry Puppy is my FAVORITE place. I get to smell all the good smells, the nice people give me pets and sometimes extra treats, and I always leave with a bag full of delicious things.

I did my happy dance. I wagged my tail so hard I almost took out a lamp. I jumped in the car and spent the entire drive imagining which treats I’d pick. Maybe the freeze-dried chicken? Or those crunchy dental bones? Or BOTH?

We pulled into the parking lot and I was already planning my entrance. I’d do the polite sit at the door, maybe a little paw shake, really work the charm.

But then we just… sat there. Melissa was staring at the door with this weird look on her face. I looked at the door too. It was closed. CLOSED.

Wait. What? No. This can’t be happening. This is THE HUNGRY PUPPY. It’s always open. It HAS to be open. My treat jar is EMPTY.

Melissa said something about “Mondays” but I wasn’t listening because I was too busy processing this betrayal. She KNEW I was excited. She KNEW I needed treats. And she brought me to a CLOSED STORE.

I turned around in the backseat and refused to look at her. This is unforgivable. I’m never trusting her again. Well, at least not until dinner time.

The Happy Ending

The guilt was unbearable. Benny spent the rest of Monday giving me the cold shoulder, and I couldn’t blame him. I’d hyped him up for the best trip ever and delivered crushing disappointment instead.

So Tuesday morning, I woke up early, checked the hours THREE times, and made a plan.

“Benny! Guess what day it is?”

He looked at me with suspicion. Fair.

“It’s TUESDAY. The Hungry Puppy is open. Let’s try this again.”

His ears perked up. His tail started a cautious wag. Could he trust me? Was this another Monday situation?

We drove to the store, and this time when we pulled up, the lights were on and the door was OPEN. Benny practically dragged me inside.

The staff greeted him like the celebrity he is. “Benny!!”

I let Benny pick out whatever he wanted. Freeze-dried chicken? In the basket. Dental chews? Absolutely. A new squeaky toy? Why not. He deserved it after the Monday Incident.

At checkout, the cashier handed Benny some FREE Treats and Samples, and he took them so gently, like he was accepting an award. We walked back to the car with a bag full of goodies, and Benny’s tail was wagging the entire time.

As we drove home, he rested his head on my arm, treat crumbs on his face, completely content.

Crisis averted. Monday forgotten. Dog no longer hates Melissa the Monday Mess-Up (until I forget to check the hours again).

Pro tip from The Hungry Puppy: We’re closed Mondays, but open Tuesday through Sunday ready to make your pup’s day! Check our hours at 732-938-4470 or shop online 24/7 for home delivery. Because sometimes you need a backup plan for Monday emergencies. Melissa could have also enjoyed some time in the Dog Park with Benny! Our Dog Park and Website are always open!