$2 Tater Thursdays - Dog Park & PetSmart

Today turned out to be the perfect Tater Thursday. On our way to get into the SUV, Tater started his "eh-eh," letting me know he wanted me to see something. There was a little white butterfly in the front yard and he began to chase it, laughing so cute the entire time. Then, off we went to...the Dog Park!

When we first got there, a little jack russell greeted Tater at the gate. The owner came over and held his collar so Tater could pet him and I asked if it was OK if Tater gave him a treat. Instant friends! This little guy came up to Tater quite frequently afterwards. It was all women dog owners there at the time and they LOVED that Tater came to visit. I think it made their visit a little better,too! Tater found a tennis ball in the grass area and began to bounce it around, chasing after it. If only Jack had been there to play! I wasn't crazy enough to take two goldens, a toddler and my pregnant self to the park! :) Airplanes flew overhead (which fascinates Tater). I let him run around for awhile and then off to our next stop...

Petsmart! Some may say that they have higher prices,but they provide such a unique shopping experience that it can be worth it! Today wasn't a shopping day but a "mini-zoo day." We checked out the "birdies," "kitties," mice/rats, fishies and of course, more doggies! Their Doggie Day Camp was empty but there were a couple "shoppers." Now the whole point of $2 Tater Thursdays isn't to spend $2, but to try to not spend more than $2 for the entire outing. But, Tater and I both knew that when we got home, we'd get "yelled at" by Homer & Jack so we picked up some treats for them. I gave Tater his $2 bill and he handed it to the cashier (which she loved!).

We came home and had a picnic under our little tree with Homer & Jack.(pictured above) Tater loved giving them their treats and they seemed to forgive us for ditching them.

Total cost for our outing: $1.29. Since we had to go to the bank and return movies that were due, it wasn't any extra gas expense. I didn't want the extra money to be "rolled over," as I'd like to keep it to $2 or less, so we decided to put the change in a special Piggy. At the end of the year, we'll take one really nice outing with what's left.

If you decide to do a doggy park adventure, here are some tips:
1)Remember: The dog park is for the dogs! Don't expect the dog owners to protect your child. Always ask if it's ok to pet each dog. Never give them a treat without permission. And avoid large gatherings of dogs. They could "play fight" and accidently knock your child over.
2)Dogs will be dogs! If you don't like your child being licked or jumped on, don't take them! The little dogs like to jump a lot and yes, your child could end up with a small scratch. But as long as you keep a close eye on them, they'll be ok. Also, if the dog park is PACKED, don't stop! You want to have fun, not get hurt.

So if your week has been a little "ruff," consider taking the day off and checking out your local dog park!