Puppaccino Pup (aka a ‘shill’ for Starbucks?!) – Photo: L. Weikel
Cultivating Separation
Brutus and I took a ride yesterday. By cultivating separation, we’re trying to get the pups to experience a little bit more of life without their sibling being constantly intertwined in their movements. We probably should’ve started this sooner, as the separation really seemed to freak Pacha out. I only say that because of Karl’s description of her reaction when Brutus and I left in the car. She kept looking out the kitchen door to see if we’d returned, and when we didn’t after about 15 minutes, she retired to our bedroom and buried herself under the covers. She even managed to win Tigger’s sympathy. He willingly shared our bed with her.
The separation didn’t seem to be quite as traumatizing to Brutus. At least, he didn’t whine or cry when we left. (Did I fail to mention Pacha cried at the door?) He did, however, express reluctance to stay in the small but comfy dog bed I placed in the passenger seat. He demanded to sit in my lap. This surprised me, as he’s willingly snuggled in that before, on other forays into the outside world.
Brutus – Photo: L. Weikel (I didn’t let him stay there very long)
Pit Stop
As part of our little excursion, I stopped at a local Starbucks and went through its drive-thru, ordering a beverage for myself. I’ve done this before with Spartacus or Sheila in the car and recall randomly being offered a dog treat on occasion. Never, however, have I ever heard the person filling my order ask, “Would you like a puppaccino?”
In fact, I thought I misheard her. “S’cuse me?” I asked. “No, I didn’t order a mochaccino.”
OMG, YUM. – Photo: L. Weikel
With this short snout, thank goodness I have a long tongue. – Photo: L. Weikel
She laughed. “Nooo! Your puppy! What a cutie!” I beamed involuntarily and reached over to pet Brutus, who’d finally decided to return to his shotgun status. “I asked if you’d like a puppaccino for your little guy.”
A puppaccino? I’d never heard of such a thing (but it made me laugh). She explained that it was a splurge of whipped cream in a tiny sample cup.
Needless to say, I couldn’t say no.
What? Do I have something on my face? – Photo: L. Weikel
Positive Reinforcement
As you can see from the accompanying photos, Brutus enthusiastically endorses the Starbucks custom of providing puppies with whipped cream chasers. And I’m thinking this deliciously unexpected bonus will only serve to reinforce the notion in his mind that when he goes on adventures in the car with Mommy, there’s no need to be sad. Heck, a puppaccino could be in his future!
I just wonder if he told Pacha?!
Thank you, Mommy! – Photo: L. Weikel
(T-5)
Oh my goddess, such sweet pictures. My girls are never separated unless one goes to vet without the other. The one left at home will sit at the door or window until they are reunited. I hope both your pups get to experience puppachinos
Thanks, Donna! And I thought Sheila and Spartacus were close. These two have never known life without each other (whereas Sheila had almost four years of our undivided attention before the Spart-man arrived). Pacha definitely needs a puppaccino experience!