Mum defends herself after giving daughter free Starbucks cup meant for dogs
Now we all know that Starbucks is no stranger when it comes to secret menu items.
And it's clear the 'hidden menu' favourites extend beyond just people, as the coffee shop chain have also added a little something for your four-legged friends.
But, it seems not everyone treats the menu addition the same after one mum was forced to defend herself for giving her daughter the free Starbucks cup meant for dogs only.
It all started when Lauryn Clare took to Instagram to share her life hack with her 15k followers.
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She explained asking for the menu item, which was totally free, would make her little one 'just as happy as [receiving] a $5 cake pop'.
If you hadn't already guessed it, the item we're all referring to is none other than the Pup Cup or Puppaccino if you're fancy.
The secret menu item is literally just whipped cream in a 3 oz. espresso-sized cup but it's clear that dogs and kids can't get enough of it - Lauryn's daughter included.
While many praised Lauryn's hack, others rushed in to slam her for 'taking advantage of the system'.
One Instagram user claimed the trick 'teaches dishonesty', while another said it was 'called a pup cup for a reason'.
A third slammed: "How bout don’t go if u can’t afford it."
However, another defended her, saying: "Get over it people. Leave her alone. If you don’t like it, be a grown up and scroll past!! It was meant to be cute. And it was. Geez…"
And a fifth called the hate comments 'ridiculous'.
Since then, the mum has shared her response to the critics online asking 'what is the difference' between whether it's her daughter enjoying the sweet treat or a dog.
"If Starbucks is saying that with a paid drink, a cup of whipped cream is free, what is the difference between me buying a drink and getting a pup cup for my kid, and you buying a drink and getting a pup cup for your dog?" she also told PEOPLE.
Lauryn added that she 'would totally pay for the whipped cream in a cup', however the 'great, non-expensive treat' is something that the huge coffee retailer could 'probably could afford to keep free'.
Starbucks has since confirmed that the secret menu item would be staying free even after the debate, with a representative telling the outlet: "We love seeing the different ways our customers brighten loved ones’ days with Starbucks.
"Customers can order a side of whipped cream with the purchase of a beverage at no extra charge"
Topics: Parenting, Dog, Animals, Pets, Real Life, True Life, Starbucks, Food and Drink
Rhiannon Ingle