My Blog has received a lot of new Followers just recently so, for their benefit, I should explain that our beloved Ray has an amazing relationship with our local Lululemon** store! The staff were so receptive to helping socialize him ( he had no social skills and was afraid of everybody when he first moved in with us in March 2013), that he now looks forward to meeting people. That is a huge improvement from his earlier tendency to lunge and bark, hoping they will go away! (They usually did!)
A few days ago we took Ray downtown and, on our way, we passed a very small store that had the Lululemon logo outside, plus their water bowl and dog biscuit stand. We went in and recognized the staff, who explained that their regular store (probably around 250 yards further down) was being renovated.
Yesterday, we again took Ray downtown and, as expected, he immediately homed in like a biscuit seeking missile to the new Lululemon store. He met the staff, and had a biscuit, so we continued with our walk… not expecting the following scene to be played out in front of us!
As we approached the old (being renovated) Lululemon store, we noticed that the front was completely covered with a tarpaulin. Ray, however, presumably picked up on all the wonderful scents that he associated with the store… and he was clearly confused!
He would sniff all along the bottom of the tarpaulin until he found his way to where the front door would be. Then he just stood there and stared at this unfamiliar sight! After a few moments, he wandered back to where the tarpaulin started, and repeated the whole process! After a few repeats, we decided that perhaps we should intervene, which we did by giving him treats and generally coaxing him away from the store.
I guess from his perspective, it must have been very confusing. Given how much importanceΒ he puts on his sense of smell, it must have been quite the challenge for him. “This is where Lululemon is relative to everything else. It smells like Lululemon, but it looks different… and where’sΒ the biscuit bowl!”
He probably initially thought what a wonderful place this is to live! Two Lululemon stores, and he still has the TD Bank and a number of other dog friendly stores! π
** Note: A search term of Lululemon will produce an interesting collection of Posts!
Nice post. Thank you for the share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome. Thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed it. π
LikeLike
Oh Ray! I’m glad your human had treats for you during this frustrating renovation. Good job trying to sniff things out, though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am really spoiled… but don’t let my humans know that I know! Woof! Ray.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, for one, give thanks to Lululemon every single time I go to the gym.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Maxwell. Why on earth are you going to a gym? Do they have biscuits there as well? Woof! Ray.
LikeLike
The lure of yummy biscuits π My soulmate might just be your dog, Colin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like he may well be, but his projected lifespan is much shorter than yours… so some self-control on your part may be beneficial!!!! π
LikeLike
haha The Nose doesn’t lie! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
It just misleads the canine brain that’s connected to it!! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never under-estimate a “treat-driven” dog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh we celebrate it! Being food motivated was his ticket to becoming the lovable guy that he is today! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, your Ray sounds like a dog who knows what he wants and where to get it π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Christie. He’s the expert! He can get treats out of Lululemon before they open; after they are closed, and when under renovation! If you or I tried that… you can guess the outcome! π
LikeLike
Trust your nose, R. …and trust your dad.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woof! Ray.
LikeLike
LOL – So Ray goes for the expensive work out gear – eh?! So does my future daughter in law! π Wonder if it looks as good on him as it does on her?
That’s great that they treat Ray so good!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
C’mon Jodi… he’s not the least bit interested in their clothing, but totally dedicated to socializing with them because they have big tasty biscuits! They really have been invaluable with helping him lose his fear of people. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
of course you know i’m teasing π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do…… but when I told Ray, he gave me a strange look! π
LikeLike
LOL! Oh Ray! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLike
How cute! Wouldn’t two Lululemons be great? Ray would be in Lululemon heaven! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh he certainly would! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a cute story about Ray and Lululemon π I remember how dog friendly stores are out west I think that’s so great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those stores make it so much easier to teach a dog that the world is not a threat to them, and that people are in general friendly. Ray’s habit of barking at everybody soon stopped!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha good for Ray he’s such a fast learner! Very good lessons for everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dogs are so much fun xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes they are… and they’re a guaranteed education for anybody willing to learn! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes just off to exercise our beautiful Lab! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy! We have 15C/60F here today so really looking forward to taking Ray out! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is 8c here and we have a gale blowing across the UK called Doris so Ruby and I almost flew across the fields!! Home now both warn out!:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Worn out is good… under better circumstances would be better! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!! All fed now Ruby asleep , me relaxed! ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol! sniff, sniff, seek, destroy biscuit π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLike