Dogs have an incredible way of brightening up our days with their playful energy and contagious joy. Whether we own a dog ourselves or simply see them during a stroll around the neighborhood, their presence has a unique ability to lift our spirits. For some, like Doug Owen, a work-from-home dad in Tennessee, the love for neighborhood dogs goes beyond just a casual smile or wave. Doug has taken his admiration for the local pups to new heights by creating something truly special—a free dog treat machine right in his front yard.
Doug Owen, an independent contractor who works from home in East Nashville, doesn’t have a dog of his own. But that hasn’t stopped him from appreciating the furry friends that trot by his window each day. For Owen, seeing dogs pass by offers a little break from the workday grind, providing a moment of pure happiness.
“Just seeing a dog walk by makes the day better,” Owen shared during an interview with WTVF. “It’s one of those simple pleasures that can really lift your mood and lower your blood pressure.”
One day, while working at home, Owen had a lightbulb moment. Inspired by his love for the local dogs and wanting to do something extra special for them, he decided to set up a free treat machine on his front lawn. What began as a simple idea has since turned into a beloved fixture in the neighborhood.
To make his plan a reality, Owen bought an old gumball machine for $80, and with some modifications, he transformed it into a dog treat dispenser. He named his creation “Doug’s Dog Delights.” The machine, brightly labeled and sitting proudly on his lawn, is now a one-stop shop for dogs craving a treat during their walk. Owen believes his treat dispenser is unique, stating, “It’s probably the only one in the country.”
But Owen didn’t stop there. While the gumball machine was originally designed to accept coins, Owen generously decided to offer the treats for free. “The treats are on the house because, you know, dogs don’t carry cash,” he joked in an interview with The Washington Post. His sense of humor, paired with his generosity, has made Doug’s Dog Delights an instant hit with both dogs and their owners.
“Every dog deserves a treat,” Owen said, explaining his motivation behind the project. And the neighborhood pups couldn’t agree more!
Since installing the dog treat machine, Owen has noticed that many dogs now make a beeline for his house, eagerly anticipating their snack. The machine has become a regular pit stop during daily walks, and it seems the dogs have learned exactly where to find it.
“The dogs know it’s there,” Owen said, laughing. “I’ll see them pulling their owners in my direction. They’re like little magnets heading straight for the treats.”
Neighborhood dog owners are thrilled with Owen’s thoughtful gesture, which has brought an unexpected sense of community to the area. One resident, Kevin Patterson, mentioned how much his dogs enjoy stopping by for a treat.
“My dogs know exactly when we’re approaching Doug’s house,” Patterson told The Post. “They get super excited and practically drag me toward the machine. It’s become a little routine for us. Plus, it’s been a great way to meet other dog owners in the area—we chat as we stop by, and it’s turned into a cool way to connect.”
What started as a simple project to make local dogs happy has had ripple effects throughout the neighborhood. Owen has noticed how the treat machine has helped him engage with people he might not have met otherwise.
“The neighborhood has changed quite a bit in the last five years,” Owen shared. “But since I set up the treat machine, I’ve definitely met more people. It’s given us something to talk about, a conversation starter, and I think that’s brought a sense of connection.”
The cost of filling the machine with treats has been modest, with Owen estimating that he’s spent about $100 so far. But for him, the investment has been worth every penny. The joy it brings to the neighborhood dogs, and the sense of community it fosters, is priceless.
“Seeing the dogs’ reactions and knowing that it makes them happy—it’s a small thing, but it feels good to do something that brings people and pets together,” Owen said.
And while Owen has no plans of stopping, his hope is that others might be inspired to follow suit. He dreams of seeing more communities set up their own free dog treat stations, creating little pockets of joy for both dogs and their owners.
“I’d love for other people to do something like this in their own neighborhoods,” Owen said. “It doesn’t take much—just a bit of creativity and kindness. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.”
As the popularity of Doug’s Dog Delights continues to grow, it’s clear that this unique project has become a highlight for the East Nashville community. What started as a quirky idea has now turned into a heartwarming tradition. And for the dogs that pass by Owen’s house each day, it’s the best part of their walk.
“Every dog deserves a treat,” Owen said with a smile. “And if I can be the one to give it to them, that’s good enough for me.”
He pretended to be a Veterinarian. It's not a surprise to learn that at least one dog has already been confirmed dead as a result of his fraudulent veterinary work. On top of that, he kept multiple dogs locked up improperly without any food or water.
Thanks to Doug Owen, the dogs of East Nashville have a reason to wag their tails a little more, and the neighborhood has found a new way to come together. As dog lovers, we couldn’t be more excited about this sweet, innovative idea!
Whether you’re a local resident or simply passing through, be sure to swing by “Doug’s Dog Delights” and witness firsthand the joy it brings to the community. It’s not just about the free treats—it’s about the love, connection, and kindness that Doug Owen has shared with his neighbors, one dog treat at a time.
Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member
Click ‘SHARE’ below to pass it on to a friend or family member!
The post Gumball Machine Transformed into Dog Treat Dispenser Becomes Local Sensation appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
via Whisker Therapy