Frankie the Golden Retriever puppy is living every dog’s dream: pushed through the aisles of PetSmart like a four-legged beauty influencer, tail wagging so hard it might earn its own loyalty points. Perched halfway out of the cart, she cruises the Greenies section with the kind of pure joy most of us only feel on vacation or when the barista upgrades us to a large for free.
Her human jokingly calls this outing “her Sephora,” and honestly, the comparison is perfect. Instead of swatching lipsticks, Frankie is air-sniffing every treat bag, toy, and chew within a five-foot radius. That giant Golden grin, those nonstop tail swooshes—this is retail therapy at its finest. One commenter basically speaks for all of us, saying they hope she walks out with “lots of toys,” and based on her VIP energy, it would be rude not to.
There’s something extra sweet about dogs like Frankie who treat regular errands like the social event of the season. For many pups, a trip to the pet store is more than just picking up food. It’s a chance to practice polite greetings, get used to new sights and sounds, and soak up attention from basically everyone within eye-contact range.
Trainers actually love outings like this when they’re done thoughtfully. According to the American Kennel Club, exploring new environments and engaging with different sights and smells can be fantastic mental exercise for dogs, especially when you fold in simple games and cues. A stroll down the treat aisle becomes a mini training session when you ask for sits at the cart, “watch me” around distractions, and calm waiting at the checkout line.
Of course, the key is knowing your dog. Not every pup wants to be the star of the pet-store catwalk. Some, like my dog Lola, would be more interested in getting in, grabbing the squeaky toy that looks vaguely like prey, and getting back to a safe couch. Frankie, though, looks born for this: bright-eyed, relaxed, and clearly convinced the automatic doors are opening just for her.
Turning Pet Store Runs Into Enrichment Wins
If Frankie has you tempted to schedule your own “Sephora run” with your dog, a little planning goes a long way. Experts note that indoor outings are a great way to combine fun with skill-building—short training bursts, sniff breaks, and puzzle-style toy selection can keep the experience mentally enriching instead of overwhelming. Let your dog explore at their own pace, bring high-value treats for focus, and tap out before they’re exhausted.
Do that, and every lap around the store can feel less like an errand and more like what it is for Frankie: a tail-wagging, confidence-building, joy-soaked adventure in cart form. And if you are lucky, you might even leave with a dog who is as tired and satisfied as if they just spent an hour at the park.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.