I owe Paw Patrol an apology.
When my daughter was three, this became THE show to watch. Pups showed up on classmates’ t-shirts and backpacks, and she begged to watch it. I thought these talking dogs were inferior to the characters and shows we loved on PBS Kids and Disney Junior. I didn’t want to let this new show into our household. One day, I caved, and we gave it a try.
I am so glad that we did. Since roughly 2016, we’ve watched these pups add new characters, travel to different destinations and times, made friends with cats, and had a big-screen movie. Rubble even got a spin-off!
The series has an uncanny way of connecting to our family’s interests in construction, dinosaurs, the ocean, dragons and knights, and, most importantly, DOGS.
My children are almost seven and nine years old. Last Christmas, I drove to New Caanan to purchase a Paw Patrol tower off Facebook Marketplace because they are no longer sold in stores. So many times, I find them with pups in the Barbie house, added to magnatile creations, and traveling throughout the playroom. Paw Patrol consistently brings them together in play and is a television show that can be agreed upon.
Undoubtedly, my children are growing up; new “tweeny” shows have come into the mix. When I think our season for Paw Patrol may end, we see the movie trailer for the new movie, and just like that, the excitement for the pups is back!
Thank you, Paw Patrol, for the happiness you bring our family. I should never have doubted the value of your entertainment. I look forward to following the pups wherever they go next for as long as my children allow it.
