Alpaca Gets a ‘Puppy Cut’ at Starbucks and Baristas’ Reaction Goes Viral – NBC Chicago
Those with dogs are probably familiar with Starbucks’ popular “puppy cup”: a cup of whipped cream served as a treat to pets.
But when a woman came to a Starbucks drive-thru in Wisconsin to ask for a puppy cup for her alpaca, the unusual request sparked quite a response from the baristas working that day.
In a now-viral TikTok, Kerri Harting, owner of Eagle Eye Farm, is seen with one of her beloved alpacas, Oliver, at the Starbucks drive-thru.
Harting, who frequently posts pictures of various “outings” with his alpacas, said the idea came about over Labor Day weekend, when the farm wanted to do something “fun” with Oliver.
“We decided to go to Starbucks because we knew they had puppy cups. We knew Oliver was taking dairy because he’s drinking cow’s milk right now. And so it would be good for him to take a cup,” Harting told NBC Chicago.
In the footage, Harting stops and asks for a “puppy cup for my alpaca.” The barista quickly responds with “absolutely, we’ll see you at the window”.
By the time Harting arrives at the window to get his cup, with Oliver sitting on his lap, a group of baristas are already waiting, phones in hand to record the moment.
“Oh my God!” you shout as she hands the treat to Harting.
The group is all smiles, with one even petting Oliver before he continues to enjoy his treat.
“They were almost already waiting,” Harting said. “They were ready with the camera. They were ready for Oliver.”
Footage of the encounter has been viewed more than 500,000 times on TikTok, and many appear to be linked to the baristas’ enthusiastic response.
“The way she sounded SO cold about it over the speaker but immediately alerted the troops,” one commenter wrote.
“Everyone waiting at the window is so valuable,” said another.
One of the baristas seen in the video even commented on the post herself.
“This absolutely MADE my day,” she wrote. “I’m still talking about what’s going on.”
In the end, it seems like Oliver also appreciated the special treatment from his new fans.
“We didn’t know how he would react, but he loved it,” Harting said.
Oliver is one of around 55 alpacas at Eagle Eye Farm, which is also home to a number of other animals. While other animals may take special journeys, Harting said Oliver seems to enjoy them more than most.
“He really enjoys his little trips, where he enjoys his little adventures,” Harting said. “We take some of our other alpacas on adventures, but he seems to really enjoy being in the car. And we roll the windows down, we like to enjoy the wind in his face, and so it’s always fun.”
NBC Chicago
