Translating…
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Image: Barkbox
Last week, monthly subscription serviceBarkBoxreleased their “Overstuffed” November box that includeda “pigs in a blanket” toythat looked more like a Fleshlight than the iconic hors d’oeuvre:
Pigs in a blanket dog toy
Image: Barkbox
Fleshlight
Image: Fleshlight
A Facebook ad displayed photos of the toy, conveniently available in three sizes:
Original ad
Naturally, theinternet took it to a horny place, and the ad went viral with comments insinuating that the dog toy was produced with a much different purpose in mind. According to BarkBox, the viral fame was good for business: they sold out in three hours on theirBarkShop— and they even included a last-minute gift with purchase. Sales were up 200% above average for a normal, non-promotional day.
According to the company’sblog postabout the ordeal, BarkBox toy designers had no idea of the possible connection. “For the record – NEVER crossed my mind and I am a fairly nasty human,” said an anonymous employee over BarkBox Slack. “They’re just two pigs stuffed into blankets… When you see them in person, it certainly doesn’t read as a sex toy… I think.”
Sensing dollar signs, BarkBox has leaned all the way in to this viral mistake. In addition to the blog post, they sent out PR pitches to hungry reporters, andeven made a TikTok about how “thicc” the toyis.
If you have a hankering to get your dog the closest toy to a Fleshlight they’ll probably ever receive, you can buy ithere. Otherwise, a bone is probably fine.