Owner’s Perspective
You know when you’re at the shop, thinking to yourself, “Do we really need another squeaky toy?” That was me, standing at The Hungry Puppy, holding a fluffy duck that lets out a hysterical squeak when you press it. I had promised Max we’d get a new toy, and by the wagging of his tail, I knew, I’d chosen well. The problem was…well, you know those adorable tiny gremlins residing in our wallets called ‘budgets’? Yeah, it was one of those days.

To be fair, I had every intention of buying the little duck because, judging by Max’s wagging tail and eager eyes, it had already scored a perfect ten. “It’s just one toy,” I told myself. “Max needs this,” I reasoned. “Max will be happier,” I whispered, staring at the fluffy, squeaky duck. But then, reality served us a blow harder than the squeak in the toy. Right at that moment, I received an alert on my phone – an overdraft warning from my bank. After a moment of hesitation, I decided it was best to put the squeaky duck back on the shelf.

Max’s reaction was indescribable. His eyes widened. His wagging tail froze mid-air. He looked from the shelf to me and back at the shelf. Then, he slumped down right there on the store’s floor, giving me those “I can’t believe you’ve done this” eyes.

That’s when the guilt hit. The wave of embarrassment. The silent plea in Max’s sullen gaze. It was too much. “Okay buddy, we’ll be back for this,” I told him, patting his furry head. But Max didn’t look up. I left The Hungry Puppy that day carrying a lot more guilt than I’d walked in with.

Max’s Side of Things
“We’re going TOY SHOPPING,” she said. I couldn’t believe my ears. A new toy. For ME. I was elated. I knew it was going to be a GREAT day. The day the squeaky duck would be mine.

Oh, what a journey it was! From nuzzling the toy with my snout to the little squeaks it produced when squeezed, I fell in love. And I saw the smile on her face. SHE KNEW I loved it. SHE. KNEW.

And then, she PUT THE DUCK BACK ON THE SHELF. Who does that? WERE WE NOT JUST BONDING? I was devastated. HEARTBROKEN.

I looked at her then back at the shelf; I wanted to ensure she realized the gravity of the situation. But there was no response. Just silence and the lingering image of my toy, my squeaky duck. Still on the shelf.

Now, I lay here, on the cold linoleum floor, sulking, thinking of that adorable duck. Its squeak resonating in my ears as a melancholic melody. How can I wag my tail in joy now?

Crisis Averted
The next day arrived, and Max was still giving me those accusing eyes of disbelief. It was time to make amends. Still feeling the guilt from yesterday’s fiasco, I picked up the phone and made a call to The Hungry Puppy.

I explained the situation and inquired about the squeaky duck toy. They remember Max. After all, he’s kind of a celebrity at the store. Thankfully, they had one left in stock. I told them I’d be there right after work and, with a feeling of relief, I hung up the phone.

It was a jubilant reunion. Max, the squeaky duck, and I were finally a happy family. Max pounced on the newfound delight, his tail painting circles of happiness in the air. Seeing him play with the duck, hopping around, letting out little barks of joy, I felt the earlier guilt turn into relief.

With the squeaky duck now in our lives, Max seems to have conveniently forgotten the ‘great betrayal’. All is forgiven, all is forgotten.

Crisis averted. Max loves his squeaky duck. Dog no longer hates me (at least until the duck stops squeaking)

There’s always a solution to your pup’s heartbreak at The Hungry Puppy. Check out our wide selection of toys here on our website or give us a visit – for those times when you need to buy forgiveness in the form of a squeaky duck toy.

• 🐕 New squeaky toys available — because love comes in all shapes and sounds
• 🚀 Fear not, budget days — place an express delivery order anytime
• 🏪 In-store shopping — Bring your pup for the full experience
• 💚 Lots of love — We get it. We’re dog people too.