Anyone who has ever had a dog knows the silent treatment is real. Dogs may not use words, but their eyes, body language, and refusal to even look at you say everything. That was exactly the case with Chooch after his dad took him to the vet. What started as a simple trip to make sure he was healthy quickly turned into what Chooch considered a betrayal.
On the way there, he was full of excitement, his head out the window, soaking up the breeze. But the moment he realized where the car had stopped—outside the vet’s office—his joy turned to suspicion. The shots, the poking, the prodding, and the endless wait in that sterile room were just too much for him. When it was finally over, Chooch climbed back into the car, but his attitude had changed completely. He stared straight ahead, ignoring his dad’s attempts to cheer him up with pets, silly voices, and promises of treats.
Back home, he gave the ultimate cold shoulder—no tail wag, no kisses, no running to the door. He plopped himself down on the porch like a grumpy king and refused to even glance in dad’s direction. The guilt on dad’s face was undeniable, but it didn’t matter. Chooch was determined to hold onto that grudge.
Of course, dogs don’t stay mad forever. It only took a few hours, a full dinner bowl, and the sight of his favorite toy for his mood to change. Soon, Chooch’s tail was wagging again, his eyes softened, and he finally gave in to his dad’s scratches behind the ears. By bedtime, he was curled up like nothing had ever happened.
It’s funny how dogs teach us lessons about forgiveness. While Chooch was stubborn in the moment, his big heart wouldn’t let him stay upset for long. All it took was a little time, love, and understanding. Now, the grudge is gone, and dad can finally laugh about the whole ordeal.
He’s over it now 😂.
