Newshound, May 2022
Left in the shop
Two younger men came into the shop looking for treats for a friend’s dog. After a few minutes they both announced they only had £1 each to spend so what could we recommend? We soon found them both something suitable and they went on their merry way. Ten minutes later they both came back into the shop and started looking around the floor like they had lost something. We all have customers who drop car keys, hats, gloves, money, or something similar, but when I asked them what they were looking for, one of them said he thought he had dropped his stash of cannabis and had we seen it? The answer to that was a resounding no, so they both left and went to their friend’s house to see if it was there. We never did find his stash!
Crackerjacks
A customer was looking for the treats he had fed his dog for the last seven years – the only treats he liked. It was called “nature’s something”, but had no idea of the exact name. Eventually, he bought a small selection of treats and, as he was leaving the shop, he spied the nature’s something treats he came in for. Crackerjacks.
Fat dog
A customer was telling us how a special diet from his vet for his dog was costing a lot of money, as the dog was well overweight and had to lose several kilos. He told us he was buying Hills JD from the vets and wondered if we stocked it, as he was hoping we would be cheaper. After we told him we don’t carry prescription diets because we are not licensed to do so, he told us that in fact they only feed the Hills JD as treats and the dog’s main diet is Adult Hills, something we do stock. I just wonder why anyone would buy a prescription diet to feed as a treat?
Winalot
A customer came in asking what alternative we had to Winalot dog food, as she believed Winalot was going out of business. Did we keep Bakers? I tried to explain that her statement contained so many errors it was almost dangerous! Firstly, Winalot is wet only, Bakers is dry only and they are both owned by Purina which is certainly in business, and thriving. But no, I do not know what I’m talking about apparently and my customer is the fount of all facts! Still, it will give me something to wind up the Purina rep with when he calls in next.
Cuban customer
Two ladies came into the shop and one asked if we had any medication for her mother’s dog, who has sore patches on its skin and ears and a dry, dandruffy coat. I recommended a few products that I thought were suitable but, as usual, I finished with the suggestion that if any of these don’t work then they should consult their vet in the next week or so. The daughter said that this was not possible, as the mother’s dog is in Cuba and it will be a few weeks before they return home. So, I am expected to diagnose and treat a dog that is thousands of miles away with products that would possibly not get through customs? I’m good, but not that good.
Sick dog
A customer asked what we had to treat a dog that has spent most of the day being sick, literally barfing up everything. My usual remedy is pre-boiled water and lots of it, and if it does not clear up in twenty four hours phone the vet. The customer really wanted a magic pill that worked instantly but as we all know that does not exist! His passing comment was that the previous evening they had fed the dog a fish and chip supper so could that have upset his stomach? Let me think, deep-fried and covered in batter … yes, that could be the problem. Why do people think their dog is a dustbin into which anything can be shoved?
