Friday, July 31, 2009

GIVING LIP, PAYING LIP SERVICE


Sorry folks this is not going to be a happy ramble. Rather I'm going to get to the point.

A well-known pet store in Atlantic Canada refers to itself as a pet superstore but takes the high road regarding community pet events. In attempting to promote our local Ferret Frolics (August 15, 1-4 in Halifax), I took in a few posters asking only that they be posted.

Oh, but they only support Guide Dogs of Canada. Admirable, I say...but that is not local nor an event. I am not asking for charity, only a place to put a poster.

We don't allow educational posters in our store. But I retort, this event would support your initiatives with respect to ferrets. A little education goes a long way to reducing our workload in rescuing domestic ferrets.

Sorry we are not interested.

I paid for the dog pads and softly said thanks, I won't be back.

There is little point in arguing with the staff working cash. There is a much larger point made when massive numbers of people start boycotting a business because of their unethical practices. More than once, I have heard former employees describe the unspeakable horrors their animals endure on their path to maybe homes. Weeks pass and sick animals are left to die untreated.

Nope, I won't be back... join me?