At West Street Dog in downtown Raleigh — a lively off-leash dog bar and doggy day care — the scene is usually full of tail-wagging chaos, with pups bounding around in pure joy.
But Pogo? She’s not here for that.
The 4-year-old American bulldog-boxer mix has made it very clear she’s above all the commotion. Instead of romping around with the other dogs, Pogo climbs onto a barstool like a regular customer, calmly observing the mayhem from her elevated throne with a look that says, “Hard pass.”
And honestly, she’s kind of iconic for it.
A recent video of Pogo chilling on her perch went viral, with viewers cracking up over her vibe. Some say she’s a classic introvert. Others insist she’s just not a “dog’s dog.” Whatever the case, the internet agrees: Pogo is a whole mood.
Her mom, Grace Wheeler, who works at West Street, brings her rescue pup to work every day — and she totally gets Pogo’s princess energy.
“When she climbs up on the chairs, we’re pretty sure she’s just letting the other dogs know she thinks she’s better than them,” Wheeler told The Dodo. “She’s always done that — even at other kennels. If there’s a chair, she’s on it. She’s our little judgmental queen!”
But the barstool thing is just the beginning. Pogo has picked up a lot of human habits.
“She loves snuggling in bed like a person, perching on anything elevated — chairs, benches, sometimes even people,” Wheeler said. “She rides in the car with one elbow casually hanging out the window, like she’s driving around town on errands. She’s honestly more into people than other dogs.”
And despite her aloof demeanor, Pogo has become a bit of a local celebrity.
“She has a lot of fans,” Wheeler said. “We post her on West Street’s Instagram all the time, and people actually come by just to see her.”
While Pogo might not be chasing balls or rolling in the grass with the rest of the pack, she’s carved out her own role — part mascot, part diva, all heart.
“She’s brought so much love and joy to us and to everyone she meets,” Wheeler said. “She’s just… Pogo.”
As long as there’s a comfy barstool and some admiring fans, you can bet Pogo will be there — quietly judging, and totally content.
Want more of Pogo’s no-nonsense charm?
Follow her on Instagram and TikTok to keep up with her adventures — from barstool lounging to side-eye mastery.
