Owner’s Perspective

So, you get a new dog toy and you’re excited. You look at it, swing it around in your living room, and you just know your dog is going to love it! You anticipate the excited barks, the wagging tail, and the ensuing game of fetch. I mean, what dog doesn’t love fetch? Everyone loves fetch! Right? (As it turns out… not so much.)

Enter Max, my lovable, bundle-of-energy Boston Terrier. Max loves playing tug-of-war, loves chasing balls, enjoys sprinting after the odd squirrel in our backyard. But fetch? Apparently, not his favorite game. I tossed the toy, expecting him to chase after it. But Max, my ever-faithful, ever-enthusiastic, ever-engaging companion, just looked at the flying toy, then back at me and let out a “seriously?” kind of huff.

Now, maybe I’m reading too much into Max’s reaction (I mean,the huff… it was probably just a coincidence, right?). But there, in his eyes, I saw it. A flicker of… disappointment? Betrayal?(Honestly, I thought we’d cleared the air after the bath incident). My heart sunk. I had failed to entertain my faithful companion.

Max’s Viewpoint

Alright, folks. Let’s get something straight. I’m Max. MAX THE TERRIER. Not Max the retriever. I don’t fetch. Except maybe treats. I always fetch treats. Anyway, here comes my human. New toy in hand. Excitement in eyes. A squeaky, bouncy, toss-able toy… for fetch.

Oh boy. Here it comes. The throw. “Go get it, Max!” She says. I look at the toy sailing through the air. I look back at her. She’s waiting. Expectant. Eager. Sorry, pal, not today. I HUFFED for good measure. I hope she got the hint.

How Peace Was Restored

The guilt. The huff. The pleading look in Max’s eyes. I couldn’t take it. I had to make things right again. I picked up my car keys, promising Max, “Buddy, I got you.”

I drove straight to The Hungry Puppy. If fetch wasn’t Max’s game, I could at least treat him to something else. Something Max actually enjoys. Like a Kong Classic Dog Toy. Max loves puzzle toys, and the Kong was perfect. Plus, I could stuff it with his favorite treats- an extra bit of fun for Max.

Back home, I showed Max the new toy. Packed with his favorite treats, it was immediately a hit. I watched as Max went from cautiously sniffing to eagerly pawing, trying to solve the puzzle and get the treats out. He seemed to forget all about the fetch trauma — the wagging tail was back, the playful energy returned.

Crisis averted. Fetch faux pas forgotten. Dog no longer hates me (until I mention bathing again).

Want to find the perfect toy for your dog, that isn’t all about fetch? Visit The Hungry Puppy! They have a wide variety of dog toys — tug ropes, squeaky toys, puzzle toys such as the Kong Classic Dog Toy, and more. Find something that you and your furry friend will love.

• 🐕 Variety of dog toys — because not all dogs play the same
• 🎁 FREE treats at the counter — because toys can always be better with snacks
• 🏪 In-store shopping — Bring your pup for the full experience
• 💚 Lots of love — We get it. We’re dog people too.