Weather-permitting, and depending on the task, sometimes I take Murph with me to run errands. Quick ones, like to the gas station or dry cleaners. Things where I know I won’t be inside for very long. But lately he has some new favorite places to accompany me because he knows he’ll get a treat too: Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.
Dunkin Donuts
Yes, I know. Donuts are no better for my dog than they are for me, but every once in while I like to indulge. Mostly on Sunday mornings after a nice walk in the park.
It used to be I’d take Murph and myself to a favorite bagel hangout…until a Dunkin Donuts opened a block down. Well, truly I avoided the temptation for nearly a year after its opening. It was only remembering their chocolate cream-filled donuts that I used to enjoy as a girl that tempted me to stop one Sunday morning a couple months back.
However, even though it was early it was way too hot to leave Murph cooped up in the car. That’s why I was delighted to discover their drive-thru. I pulled right up, ordered my donut, and pulled ahead to pay.
As people often do when they see Murph, the cashier asked what kind of dog he was and complimented his good looks (which I swear Murph understands because he always seems to stand –or in this case, sit—a little taller). Then she said, “Would he like a doggie donut? They’re free.”
“Of course!” I asked, laughing at the thought that they baked up donuts especially for dogs.
But alas, what she produced was not a donut-just-for-dogs. It was but a simple donut hole. Plain, unglazed, but Murph didn’t care. To him it was heaven.
And he never forgets a free handout. He now knows what I’m saying when, after a park-walk, I ask, “Wanna get a donut?”
Starbucks
I’m not actually much of a coffee drinker, but every so often I like to get an iced mocha or something.
Well, thanks to our impending move and the fact Murph and I sometimes have to evacuate the house at the last minute for showings, Starbucks came in really handy one day.
Our realtor was bringing a caravan by and had called when they were 15 minutes away. It was only 10 a.m., but the temps were already well into the 90s. Too hot to take Murph to the park like I normally would’ve. But I didn’t just want to sit around parked down the block. Since I was thirsty and a cool coffee drink sounded like a nice treat, I decided to drive us to our neighborhood Starbucks.
Well, imagine Murph’s surprise when the clerk saw him and asked if he could have a treat. He knows that word so he answered for me: with an excited tail wag. She handed it over and he munched on it happily while I paid the tab and got my drink.
Another successful drive-thru mission in Murph’s eyes. And if I dared come home with donut-dirty fingers or coffee-laden breath when he wasn’t with me? I shudder to think how crushed my errand-running boy would be.
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