[STORY] The Day My Dog Ghosted Me

I never thought I could be jealous of a dog toy until that Tuesday morning.

“Mocha! Come here!” I called out, waving her favorite treat—the salmon-flavored one from her new pet subscription box I signed up for after reading a million pet product reviews online.

But my dog—my own emotional support animal—looked at me, blinked… then walked away to cuddle her plush carrot toy instead.

“Wow,” I muttered, “I bought you premium vet-approved pet food, organic dog shampoo, and even that expensive dog calming bed… and you pick a carrot soft toy over me?”

I swear she rolled her eyes.

The morning started like any other—me, messy bun, hoodie, barefoot—opening my front door to a box labeled:

“PawCrate – Monthly Premium Pet Subscription Box.”

Inside the box:

• Organic peanut butter dog treats
• Eco-friendly chew toys
• Pet-safe essential oil spray for anxiety
• A tiny note that said: “Pets don’t need perfect owners, just present ones.”

“Deep,” I whispered.

Mocha sniffed the box, barked once, and looked at me like, “Open it, peasant.”

As I unboxed everything, she circled me, tail wagging like an electric fan. Little did I know, this box was about to cause drama.

Later that evening, I noticed Mocha wasn’t touching her usual kibble.

“Babe, you good?” I asked.

She just licked her paw slowly—her version of “leave me alone.”

Worried, I texted my vet:

Me: “Hey, she’s not eating. Should I bring her in?”

Vet: “Try switching to grain-free, vet-recommended pet food. If she still refuses, come tomorrow.”

So I ordered Blue Wilderness Salmon Recipe—you know, that expensive one that looks better than my own dinner.

But that night, I heard something strange—scratching near the gate.

Mocha wasn’t in her bed.

She was… outside.

Sitting with a stray dog.

Sharing her new subscription box treats.

Betrayal.

The stray dog was skinny, fur matted, trembling slightly. Mocha nudged more treats toward him and looked at me with those watery brown eyes.

She wasn’t ignoring me.

She was asking for help.

I knelt beside them.

“Hey, buddy,” I whispered to the stray. He flinched but didn’t run.

Mocha rested her head on his back protectively.

My heart? Finished.

The next day, I took both dogs to the vet.

Vet scanned the stray for a microchip—nothing.

“Looks like he’s been abandoned,” she said softly. “Malnutrition, mild infection, but he’ll survive with proper pet care and nutrition.”

Mocha stared at me like she’d already decided: “He’s coming home.”

So… I bought:

• Dual dog feeding bowls
• Flea & tick treatment kit
• Hypoallergenic dog shampoo
• Pet anxiety calming spray
• Another subscription pet box—now for two

Name suggestions flooded my head.

Mocha & Latte.

Because yes—I adopted him.

Now every evening, the three of us sit on the balcony.

Mocha sleeping. Latte chewing his squeaky toy. Me sipping hot chocolate, scrolling through pet care blogs and writing honest pet product reviews.

I posted their story online.

It went viral.

Brands started sending us free dog grooming kits, orthopedic pet beds, and healthy dog treats “for review.”

But the best part?

Latte now sleeps without shaking.

And Mocha? Still dramatic.

But now… I get cuddles again.