Starbucks Archives - Owl Medicine: Shamanic Healing

Pacha’s Glamour Shot – Photo: L. Weikel

TE4P

What kind of a joint do we run around here, anyway? One based in equality? Fairness? We always thought so. Until recently, that is. But then rumblings of discontent began. Rumors started circulating. Banksy-like political messages started appearing in the cat litter and puppy kibble: TE4P. A slogan was born.

Everywhere we looked, this cryptic “TE4P” started showing up. Karl and I were perplexed. Concerned. What was the message? Who was behind it?

Cletus engaging in outreach – Photo: L. Weikel

Grievance Aired

Finally, Cletus engaged in some ‘outreach.’ On behalf of the newest additions to the household, he felt it incumbent upon him to report a grievance. Evidence, as well as word on the street, indicated that Pacha was not receiving the same level of benefits as her brother Brutus.

Tigger coughed up the fact that matters grew exponentially more egregious when it was discovered that I’d even written a post about the violation. Word of Brutus’s wildly inappropriate receipt of an exotic treat in a little red cup was going viral. There was talk of a walkout.

“Please,” I begged Cletus. “Tell me what TE4P stands for! How can I remedy a situation I don’t understand?”

If looks could kill – Photo: L. Weikel

Unbelievably Dense

Cletus scowled at me with disdain. “Seriously. How could you fail to understand that Pacha deserves the right to treats as much as Brutus. We had to stand behind her – and all pups similarly situated. TE4P! Treat Equity for Pacha!”

Then I heard it. Pacha barked it. Brutus growled his fearsome puppy growl in support. “TE4P! TE4P!” Even Tigger, Precious, and – of course – Cletus saw the inherent inequity and began plotting their efforts to win Pacha a puppaccino experience.

Management Caves

Of course! As soon as we realized the unequal treatment we’d rendered to our beloved pups, we knew the situation had to be remedied. The following photos tell the rest of the story.

Did I hear Mommy say, “Puppaccino for Pacha?” – Photo: L. Weikel

“OMG. Yum. Mmmph. Snarf.” – Photo: L. Weikel

A stalker is sensed – Photo: L. Weikel (Cue theme from Jaws)

Interloper does a sneak runaround – Photo: L. Weikel

HEY! Wait! How the heck….? – Photo: L. Weikel

Thanks, Cletus! You rock! – TE4P Forever! – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-2)

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?!