🐶 That Time My Dog Ruined My Zoom Call

It was a big day.

I had a Zoom meeting with a potential client — someone I’d been trying to land for weeks. I’d rehearsed my pitch, picked out a clean shirt, even made sure the lighting was flattering (aka, not soul-crushingly fluorescent).

Everything was set.
Laptop propped on books.
Notes nearby.
Coffee just out of frame.

Enter: Milo.
My 3-year-old golden retriever.
Adorable. Fluffy.
Completely unaware of corporate etiquette.

The call started smoothly.
Small talk, smiles, “can you hear me?” checks.
Then, right as I launched into my key selling point… I heard it.

That unmistakable sound of something being destroyed.

I glanced to the side — and there was Milo, proudly parading through the background with a pair of my underwear in his mouth like he’d just won a trophy.

The client paused.
I froze.
Milo trotted right up to the camera, dropped his “gift,” and let out one joyful “WOOF.”

I tried to carry on. I really did.

But then came Round Two: he jumped on the couch, slipped, hit a lamp, and knocked it to the floor — mid-sentence.

Silence.
Then laughter. From both sides of the call.

I apologized. A lot.
But the client said, “Honestly, I needed that. Let’s continue.”

Believe it or not — I got the deal.

Milo got a treat.
And now, before every meeting, I give him his favorite [long-lasting chew toy] so he’s distracted for at least 30 minutes. I also added a [soft pet gate] to block his parade path.

Lessons learned:
Close the door.
Check the background.
And never underestimate the power of a dog determined to steal the spotlight.