The Lady with the Leash Says:

This morning started like any other day. I grabbed my keys, and immediately, Max went into full alert mode. Ears up, tail wagging at maximum speed, that look in his eyes that says “THIS IS IT. THIS IS THE DAY.”

We got in the car, and I could see him in the rearview mirror, practically vibrating with excitement. Every turn, every stop sign, he was tracking our route like a GPS with fur. And then… we drove right past The Hungry Puppy.

The betrayal in his eyes was instant. His tail stopped mid-wag. He let out this long, dramatic sigh that somehow conveyed every disappointment he’s ever experienced in his entire three years of life. I tried to explain that we were just going to the vet for a quick checkup, but he turned his head away from me and stared out the window like I’d just cancelled Christmas.

The rest of the day? Cold shoulder. He wouldn’t even look at me during dinner. Just ate his kibble with this wounded dignity that made me feel like the worst human on the planet.

Max’s Perspective:

BETRAYAL. That’s the only word for it. BETRAYAL.

She grabbed the keys. THE KEYS. You know what keys mean? ADVENTURE. FUN. THE DOG PARK AT THE HUNGRY PUPPY WHERE ALL MY FRIENDS ARE.

I got in the car. I was ready. I’d been practicing my zoomies all week. I had at least seventeen different butts I needed to sniff. There’s this golden retriever named Buddy who always brings the BEST tennis ball, and I was going to convince him to share it this time.

We turned onto Hwy 33. We were getting close. I could practically smell the park. And then… she drove RIGHT PAST IT. Didn’t even slow down. Just cruised on by like The Hungry Puppy Dog Park doesn’t even exist.

I couldn’t believe it. We ended up at the vet. THE VET. They stuck a thermometer where thermometers should never go, and the whole time I’m thinking about how I should be running through tunnels and splashing in the pool right now.

I gave her the silent treatment all day. She deserved it.

The Happy Ending:

But then, just when I thought the day was completely ruined, she grabbed the keys again. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but… we pulled into The Hungry Puppy parking lot. THE ACTUAL DOG PARK.

I ran so hard I think I achieved flight for a solid three seconds. Buddy was there with his tennis ball. There were at least ten new butts to sniff.

And you know what? She’s not the worst human after all. We’re friends again. At least until tomorrow when she inevitably disappoints me in some new and creative way. But for now? Life is good at The Hungry Puppy Dog Park.