Australian Shephoarder

Even More Off-Topic: Bad Customer Service

We built a pool.

It was one of the worst experiences of my life.

Finally, though, we had a cool pool.

I wanted to keep it that way, so for maintenance, I chose the people who built it: Atlantis Pools of Tulsa.

I knew during the building process I had dealt with several APT employees who were not nice. But since the construction was over and we were on a "weekly" service contract, I had not had much contact with the employees in the Atlantis Pools office.

But today I was educated, given a whole new meaning of customer service. And I have discovered that at Atlantis Pools and Spas of Tulsa, the phrase "customer service" is actually opposite from that. It means "customer hindrance." Their idea of customer service is actually the antithesis. Their business ethics and responsibilites actually run in the negative range.

They claim "weekly" service; but actually offer "whenever" service.

I was assigned a day, Monday. Last week, Monday was Memorial Day -- a holiday. So, no service last week. Another Monday came and went -- then I noticed that nobody had been out to service the pool this week. So I called, thinking there had been some mistake.

No. No mistake. They had no plans to service my pool and didn't even have the good business sense to inform me. They'd clean it when they got around to it.

I spoke with someone in the Atlantis Pools and Spas office who was so rude and hateful. She asked if I worked on Memorial Day -- and, well, as a matter of fact, I did. She said I was the only person who had called with this complaint. Furthermore, she refused -- absolutely refused -- to have someone service my pool today. It was one of those conversations where she didn't use the exact words -- but basically told me to "f**k off." She didn't need to. The hatefulness and disregard dripped from her voice. "How dare I have the nerve to call her and request the service her business has claimed it delivers."

Throughout our conversation -- I was continually shocked as she listed reasons why they don't fulfill their obligations. They don't have to. It's not their responsibility our pool is dirty. There is nobody. We don't have to. We will do it when we damn well feel like it. 

Amazing. Stunning. Again, I was shocked. I haven't been spoken to so hatefully since -- well, I don't think I've ever been treated as though I am totally out of line and as though I am the one in the wrong. She assured me that I am only charged when they do service. How did I become the villain?

Guaranteed: Atlantis Pools and Spas offers the antithesis of customer service and I would not recommend ever owning one of their products. They hold their customers in the lowest esteem; indeed, like a boil on their butts. Wait -- no, maybe a boil would actually garner some service.

Here's my guarantee: Atlantis Pools and Spas offers the best in horrid customer service or just plain hates its customers.

I Really Hate it when...

I know I have to do something that will make someone mad. It's difficult to take a stand: when we do this we open ourselves to all kinds of criticism.
I recently discovered a business owner with whom I have dealt with before is deceitful and engages in disreputable business practices. Proven theft of images, basically.
Now I am being asked to once again to interact and -- although not personally -- to enter into a business relationship with this person.
I have let it sit. Next, I will take a stand and offer to resign.
Makes me wonder what the real motivation is behind sustaining such a relationship.
Quite the opposite: I was thinking more along the lines of restraining order or filing charges.

Whine

Please. Those who are wealthiest are whining.
Give me a break.
You are better off
Have more money
Don't have to live from paycheck to paycheck
Have insurance
No mortgage
Buy the best for your kids
Have no threat of being laid off

Do not whine about paying more in tax -- that us the price for your "blessed" life.

Serious Consideration

I am seriously considering closing the doors. Closing this blog or changing to a new platform. So, while I examine my options, please be patient. I never have liked the Australian Shephoarder name, it is much too long & too difficult for everyone to type in & spell. Heck, they cannot spell Australian!

So, hang on, while decide what to do...

Finally

Finally. Thank God.

Nose Twitch

One of the concepts about dogs I find most interesting is their sense of smell. I believe they have an entire bank of knowledge within the confines of their canine noses. It's a bank full of details...most of which humans are unaware. If they could only share.

I always watch the dogs when noses go up--especially when more than one nose rises simultaneously. Today, I imagined myself at the mall, seeing a bunch of people pass by. I think that's equivalent to what dogs do, since researchers think a dogs sense of smell is 1000 times (some reports say a million times) more powerful than that of a human.

Our noses work the same: the olfactory receptors shunt molecules' chemical messages to the brain. What has always fascinated me, however, is the ability for dogs -- and I believe they do this regularly -- to differentiate and categorize the smells. It's not in the detection, for I could probably walk out and smell something in the air.

When dogs sniff, they know stuff. Search and rescue folks know this and often claim dogs use their noses like humans use their eyes. One search and rescuer describes it like this: a human smells popcorn, but a dog smells (and distinguishes between) popcorn, butter, salt, microwave oven, container and can even mix in a time factor.

Here's another fascinating tidbit from search and rescue: Some humans, when given a striking image, will imprint that image on their mind forever. Certainly we all have images locked in our minds that we cannot erase. Scents, to humans, are different. Our brain eliminates sent smells after about 10 to 15 minutes, we don't smell it anymore. We can remember a smell, but it doesn't necessarily stay in our heads. They give an example of bleach. After a while, a person will not smell it--but a dog will smell it forever, as long as it is present, for 5 minutes or 5 years.

Further, researchers know dogs can detect disease. After extensive testing using tissue samples from melanoma and non melanoma patients, dogs could discern the melanoma patient samples 99% of the time.

So I wonder what Olive and Rose were sniffing about outside earlier today? There was something fascinating in the wind!

Finding the Routine

Only 10 days into the new year and I am finally thinking that maybe, just maybe we are fitting into a very boring pattern, a schedule, a daily grind of the "same old stuff." After last year, that's what the pack craves, and, I think, needs.

I have always been an advocate of a strong foundation, and for my pack, I think "routine" will be the strong foundation, as it might for any pack of dogs. Once that routine is solid, then we can vary, expand and be creative.

Unfortunately, 2008 was very tumultuous both in number and in activity. It seemed like nothing ever went "normal." From January 1, we knew Winston was going to die. The anxiety that causes is tremendous. With that anxiety there was Kodie's eyes & his over-all health. Then add in two puppies.

So after March and the loss of both Winston and Kodie, we had grief, but were ready for an upswing. (Minus 2) Ready to sink into routine. Then bam...Gary. (Minus 1) I think we began to sink into a bit of a routine...until we added Tucker. (Plus 1) While it isn't a sad time, it is an adjustment to the routine, which makes it not routine. In late July we acquired Lotus and Merlin (two rescue kittens). While they aren't part of the pack, their presence does add to the un-normalcy. (Plus 2)

In early September I found out about the two likely purebred Aussies at the local shelter and, well--what could I do? (Plus 2) I had to add them to the mix. We place Amber just before Thanksgiving in a wonderful home where she reigns as queen. (Minus 1)

Then my mother's condition only added to the disorganization, and ultimately, after her battle with cancer, ended with Rose joining our pack. (Plus 1)

So we now have (in order of appearance) dogs: Olive, Ruby, Piper, Sophie, Dusty, Evelyn, Tucker and Rose. Cats: Lily, Daisy, Merlin and Lotus. And Be-Gone Ya (Begonia), who visits frequently. (Total: 12.5) There has been calm since November and finally, today, we did our first semi-group sit-stay. Hopefully we are settled for a while. No photos, yet.

Stay or Stray v.3

Another option for the person who picks up a stray is to take it to the municipal shelter.

Yes, usually a "kill" shelter.

What's good about dropping off a stray at a shelter?

Those shelters have people from breed-specific rescues who are notified when a dog is dropped off. Usually they are breed nerds who know other breed nerds (btw, the word nerd is complimentary). Their operatives frequent the shelters daily searching and notifying other enthusiasts about recent shelter acquisitions that appear pure bred.
These folks know their stuff. They know sizes, shapes, and other conformation qualities out the wahzoo. They generally are not interested in dogs that are "part shepherd" or "corgi mix."
these rescuers are focused on cleaning up after the puppy mill & the backyard, half-ass, money grabbing breeder who will sell a pup to anyone answering a classified ad; to anyone online or anyone who will buy a pup from the supermarket parking lot.

They generally are folks who are very much in love with a specific breed and do not have a facility, but a network.

Stay or Stray v.2

Okay. You have come to the conclusion that this dog is definitely stray. It is lost, hungry and needing a human. Now what?
(As a reminder, we have eliminated the idea that the animal is just a product of an irresponsible owner.)

At this point, there are two options:
1. take the dog home
2. take the dog to the local shelter

In this post I will discuss taking the dog home.

Considerations:
Bringing a stray animal into your home is dangerous. It is dangerous to your own animals. Some sicknesses are not apparent and can be spread through feces, drinking water and toys. Do not expose your animals to another without getting clearance from a veterinarian.

Do you have the facility? Does your environment support keeping the dog isolated or quarantined? What will you do if the dog shows aggression toward your animals? Can you afford the financial responsibility brought on by the dog? Do you have time to spend on this new life change?

Once you take possession of this animal, you assume responsibility.

If you find an empty, unremarkable briefcase sitting in a park, you pick it up hoping to return it to the owner. It can sit in your car day and night until the owner is found. It does not require funds or space until the owner is located. It will not necessarily spread disease and sickness and will not cause upheaval among your other briefcases. It is not your property, but it is in your possession and if you never find the owner, you can just stick it in the closet and forget about it--and it is your property. You have responsibility for this item, unless the original owner is found.

The dog will be your property, too, and will likely bring along many of the above problems. I would suggest an alternative in part three.

Stray Away

New Topic:
What should people do if they "find" a stray animal.

One day I was on my way to school to pick up the kids, with a baby strapped in the car seat behind me. It was raining and I was 4 blocks from my house when I saw a Boston Terrier running down the middle of the street. He was not wandering. He did not look lost. I saw that he had tags but there was no human around.

What should I have done? What was it about the situation that made me assume the dog was lost? Other folks may not restrain their animals or keep watch over them; they may intentionally let the dog roam the neighborhood. Even though it is against city ordinances, it happens. People let their dogs "out."

I will make several blog posts about the topic of saving or rescuing because it is quite extensive. Basically, the answer to whether or not a person should pick up a stray is: it depends. There is no "correct" answer.

It is a natural human reaction to want to help. My heart goes out to animals who don't have homes or who are abandoned. Saving an animal's life would make me feel good. It's the right thing to do.

Or is it?

There are so many circumstances and conditions which can surround "rescuing" or "saving" an animal that seems lost. I've wanted to save some animals who are not even close to being considered stray.

Conditions to consider
Did the animal just "show up" at your house? Was the animal within a half mile of your house? Was the animal in a yard hanging out or was the animal walking or running down a street clearly "on the move?" Is it likely a neighbor's? Do you live in an area where animals are often abandoned? Is the animal friendly? Did it approach you (and does it approach people in general) or did you approach it? Does the animal look clean and cared for? Is there a collar? How about id tags? Have you looked about for signs?  Did you find the animal in your neighborhood while on a walk? Did a child or friend find the animal? How long has the animal been unattended? Is the animal in danger or is it likely to harm a child or another animal? Are there any other people nearby? Others who noticed the dog?

It is not a good idea to assume, and that's what most soft-hearted animal lovers do. They assume they are saving an animal because it has an irresponsible owner.

Next I will write about more considerations once deciding to pick up the dog.

Basically, why do you think YOU should be the one to take responsibility for someone else's property?

Did you find the animal on a busy street?
Are you in a vehicle and is it equipped for containing an animal?
What made you think the animal was "lost" or was a "stray?"
Is the area safe?