So this is a Part 2 to my post about Shazam today and training with my sidekicks as I got errands done. Tony got to work on life skills too but some of his adventures were a little illegal…
So first we went to the recycle center where you return your cans and bottles for refund. He started on the ground but I quickly realized the place was pretty dirty so he got tossed in my shopping cart for his safety. It was also REALLY loud in there (see video) but Tony was unphased.
Next, I “smuggled” him into Costco at the return desk. No dogs allowed inside however too hot to leave him in the car. So I tossed him in the cart along with the car battery I returned for the recycle fee and strutted thru the door like I’d done it a million times before. No one stopped me though my courtesy counter person did tell me he wasn’t to be there. She relaxed when I mentioned the day’s heat and my agenda to leave and not shop. But Tony was a perfect puppy ambassador!
As we left I decided to stop in at Costco Liquor for a little Bailey’s Irish Cream for my day-off Happy Coffee. We strutted in and asked the lady at the till as we kept on walking, “Is it ok he’s in here?” And she purposely looked the other way and said, “What dog?”. I got a cute side eye pic of him while waiting to pay… I have to say that I felt a little judged by him for indulging in my Happy Coffee vice!
Our next stop was Home Depot (top pic) who also officially DO NOT have a “Welcome Pet” policy. So again, Tony went into the cart (to contain my illegal cargo and limit any outside criticism) and we walked through the door like we owned the place. We did our shopping and did not get a stink eye… and again, Tony was a perfect gentleman. I also realized that Tony being a red dog blended into the Home Depot orange decor so he couldn’t have dressed in better camouflage!
We had to do a revisit to the Pet Friendly Canadian Tire as I forgot something on my list… sorry, no photos but again he was super happy to get out and about with me and this time he got to walk around and visit.
Just like Shazam, Tony got to practice riding shotgun in the truck. He wasn’t quite as comfy as Shazam but he did very well. He makes me laugh with his ”old man sit” with his derpy smile on his face. I swear this guy needs a Hawaiian shirt and a cigar some days!
And again we ended with some Puller ring fetch and a walk at Y-Knott Ranch. They were calling for thunderstorms today so while we were there the clouds were rolling and the skies were rumbling. All four boys were neutral in the topic. At one point they looked up at the sky when a distant Thunder rumbled but there were otherwise no reactions.
So, why have I shared with you Tony’s illegal presence at Costco, Costco Liquor and Home Depot? Not bragging. Not trying to be all gangster about it. It was legitimately too hot to leave Tony in the truck… sometimes this happens. It was REALLY EASY to ask people for the grace when you have a well behaved puppy/dog. When you have sketchy looking terrorist on the end of your leash, folks are less likely to look the other way. This experience was good for Tony today but it was also good for vendors and patrons to witness cordial pet behavior. The more we can present good examples of having four-leggeds worthy of privileges, the more privileges society will grant us.
Be sure to do your part to raise and train your canine to be an ambassador.
It helps us all.
If you missed it, here is Part 1 that goes with this post: