Let’s have a little heart-to-heart about something that shouldn’t even need saying: being kind to retail workers. You know, those amazing humans who show up every day to help you find your dog’s favorite chew, recommend the perfect food for your finicky cat, or explain—again—why expired coupons don’t work. (Seriously, they don’t. Let it go.)

Here’s the thing: my team is incredible. And yes, I’m completely biased—but it’s also 100% true. They’re some of the hardest-working, most passionate, and genuinely caring people you’ll ever meet. Especially this week. The week before Christmas is like the Olympics of retail and grooming. Our groomers are working overtime to get every dog holiday-ready, fitting in extra appointments, and somehow managing to send pets home looking cuter than ever, despite being busier than Santa’s elves. And still, they’re doing it all with a smile.

But let me warn you—if you’re rude to them, you’ll meet a whole new side of me. The Capricorn in me comes alive, and she’s like hangry gremlin. Suddenly, I go from “calm and collected” to full-on “headbutt with precision.” I LOVE my team. They work their tails off for you, and they deserve nothing but kindness.

I get it, though. Life is hectic this time of year. Maybe you’re hangry because you skipped breakfast, or traffic had you questioning your holiday cheer. But here’s the thing—none of that is a free pass to take out your frustration on someone who’s just trying to help. If anything, come grab a holiday toy or treat for your pup, and let their wiggling butt remind you that life isn’t so bad.

Here’s a little reminder: yelling doesn’t solve problems. Rolling your eyes won’t magically restock shelves. And sarcasm? Well, that’s just embarrassing for everyone. You know what does work? Kindness. A smile. A simple “thank you.” Those small gestures go a long way—not just for my team, but for you, too.

At Dog Krazy, we see the best in our customers every day. We love it when someone comes in ready to share a story about their pet or light up our day with their positivity. But the occasional grumpy outburst? Let’s just say it’s not our favorite. If you’re having a tough day and can’t bring yourself to be kind, maybe hit pause and come back when you’re feeling better. We’ll still be here with a smile—and if you bring your dog, the smiles will be even bigger!

So let’s make a pact. Next time you step into any store:

  • Say hi to the amazing person greeting you.
  • Be patient if things take a minute.
  • And for the love of dogs, don’t let your holiday stress ruin someone else’s day.

Kindness makes everything better. My team works hard—especially this week before Christmas—to make your day great, and they don’t deserve anything less than your best. Let’s keep it human, keep it kind, and remember—life’s too short to be anything other than awesome.

And seriously, come in now for Christmas cookies. Our inventory is shrinking by the day, and your pup deserves the best treats from Santa Paws. You wouldn’t want them stuck with regular cookies while all the neighborhood dogs are flaunting their fancy holiday snacks, would you?