Starbucks has had a quiet win that hasn’t gotten much notice in the press. The “pup cup” is a small, 2 ounce cup of pure whip cream, its size varying a bit depending on how the barista adds that white peak on top. Pup cups are free.
For anyone who is wondering why Starbucks would hand out free whip cream, I’ll offer my own explanation. I view the pup cup as a stellar move on the part of sales and marketing execs. It’s perfect for knocking a tired woman off the fence.
Lets look at a scenario:
Lady puppy and I are driving back from our walk around the lake. We are nearing a Starbucks with a drive-thru. The drive-thru is essential. I don’t want to leave the dog in the car while I go into Starbucks, especially once the weather is warmer. I also want to relax. That lake has built up my biceps and triceps enough; my girl is still learning to heel, and she is not a natural. I’m dog-tired. Even Lady puppy appears to be tired.
I could go straight home. Home has cold brew, coffee, tea, matcha and chocolate. But I am ready for a treat. I could have my cold brew RIGHT NOW and my puppy adores those tiny cups of cream.
Will I drive on and save my $5.00? Lady puppy may be the deciding factor. She will be so happy if I pull into that line. Every time I pass a Starbucks, she adds a silent vote in favor of excessively expensive coffee.
Pup cups are catching on, too. Dunkin handed me one recently and so did McDonalds. I didn’t think to ask. Smiling clerks asked me if my dog would like one, and, uh, duhh! Yes!! I’ll go back to those fine establishments, too.
For readers who frequent drive-thrus and have not stumbled on pup cups — those who aren’t dietary purists, anyway — I suggest the next time you swing into a line, ask the question: “Do you have pup cups?”
Update: Dunkin is now charging a dollar — (!&$!#*$!) — although they give you an 8 ounce cup instead of a 2 ounce cup. I’m not happy about this. Two ounces is a treat. A full 8 ounces of whip cream feels like poor puppy parenting, not to mention a source of possible potty training accidents.
Zombie phrase for the day: Whip cream is probably better for dogs than McNuggets.
Ihhhbbb greebzzz prahhly behhddahhhh bohr dahhh dahhhnn bihgduggguhzzz.
