The Owner’s Side
Let’s rewind to this morning. It’s Tuesday, yoga day. My day to find zen in a world of zoom meetings and endless laundry. Normally, Baxter and I go to dog park before sunrise, then I drop him at home, and off to my sanity recovery – yoga. I’ve followed this routine for months, rain or shine (okay, fine, rainy days are for snuggles and Netflix, not Yoga). Baxter loves it, I love it. It’s our thing.

So, on this faithful morning, I got up, ready for the day, yoga mat in one hand, coffee in the other, completely oblivious of our usual stop at the dog park. I mean, it was Yoga day for dog’s sake, of course I would remember the park (she tells herself, swigging coffee disconsolately).

Baxter’s reaction? Uh, let’s just say it wasn’t subtle. He sat in front of the door, leash in his mouth, ears drooping like limp broccoli. He looked at me, then at his leash, then back at me. Sigh. I’ve abandoned my promises. I’ve shamed my lineage.

Baxter Sounds Off
Okay, let’s set things straight here. She FORGOT. FORGOT the park! One does not simply forget the best place in the world! ESPECIALLY NOT ON A TUESDAY when all my friends are THER— okay, Baxter, deep breaths…

Mornings are perfect because of the park. We play fetch, run with friends, sniff things — it’s blissful. Then she has her human time twisting like a pretzel, everyone wins. But today? No fetch. No park. No friends. JUST BETRAYAL. My faith in her slipped like a rawhide from my teeth.

I gave her my best “You Crushed My Dreams” look. Tail tucked in. Ears down. Eyes VERY sad. Respect the dramatics, people, this is a DOG TRAGEDY here!

How Peace Was Restored
The guilt was relentless. I even felt a phantom dog leash in my hand all day. His “you crushed my dreams” eyes haunted me. No amount of deep breathing or yoga poses could shake off the guilt. It was time. I grabbed my keys – redemption was inches from grasp.

Like a beacon on a gloomy day, The Hungry Puppy’s dog park shone in the horizon. The wonderland of dog favs, from bully sticks to enrichment toys (a necessary distraction after the park faux pas) — it was Baxter’s ultimate dream come true. And then there it was, The Hungry Puppy’s on-site Dog Park, the peace keeper in our home.

I was ready. Baxter was primed. Letting him off the leash as we entered the park, I watched him zoom to fetch his favorite squeaky toy. He hid it, retrieved it, played tug, showed it off. Then, treat time. The moment I unwrapped the bully stick, his tail started wagging at approximately 1,000 miles an hour.

His tail hasn’t stopped since we got home. He even let it wag a little while he chewed that bully stick and dramatically ignored me from across the room. Peace was almost restored.

Crisis Averted. Wagging tails prevail. Dog no longer hates me (and I’ve added three reminders on my phone)

Had a moment of dog parent forgetfulness? We’ve all been there. At The Hungry Puppy, we get it. Whether it’s toys or tasty treats that will get you back in your dog’s good graces, we’ve got you covered. Check us out at thehungrypuppy.com

• 🐕 Dog Park — the ultimate peace keeper
• 🦴 Premium treats — distractions always help
• 🏪 In-store shopping — Bring your pup for the full experience
• 💚 Lots of love — We get it. We’re dog people too.