Dogs are left outside storefronts all the time, patiently waiting for their humans to return from their shopping. Normally they won’t mind much—these pups usually get plenty of smiles and pats, but it’s a different story when the weather is too hot or cold, and the risk of being stolen becomes significantly higher.
Since we have yet to reach the point where dogs are allowed in all stores, parking your pup is the next best thing. Brooklyn-er Chelsea Brownridge is responsible for the fast growing number of Dog Parkers around the city, with as many as 100 becoming available by late spring 2016.
Brownridge says it was her own complications with her dog that sparked the idea; Winston was forced to wait at home while his human and her friends took a long walk to Prospect Park. Unfortunately, he couldn’t tag along because the group planned to stop for breakfast along the way. Sorry, Winston.
If only there were some way he could visit the park and wait safely outside the restaurant while his humans ate… huh.
[bp_related_article]
By the time the boxes are in the hundreds, you can stowe your dog for 20 cents per minute or $12 per hour using an app on your phone. Each “parker” is secure with radio signal locking capabilities, and you won’t have to worry about how your pup is doing inside—each box comes equipped with a webcam and is fully temperature controlled. That means no more shivering pupsicles in the winter months.
Better yet, you won’t ever have to stress about your dog being stolen. You can even reserve a box 15 minutes ahead of time, like a tiny, tiny hotel room. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Even store managers are psyched about the boxes’ appearance; coffee shop owner Keith Goldberg told the New York Post:
You get a range of responses, from, ‘Wow, great,’ to, ‘Seriously?’ to, ‘Do they have one for kids?’ We’ve had a couple of people use it in the past couple of weeks . . . I’m just happy to have another service I can offer my customers.
Us too, Keith. No one should put their dog’s wellbeing at risk just ’cause they want to hang with friends. Brownridge is working with store owners (who usually own some sidewalk space directly out front) to distribute more of her boxes; they’ll surely catch on quickly!
It’s brilliant, I say, brilliant!
Interested in receiving monthly boxes of dog goodies? Head over to the BarkBox website!
