Looking for a Puppy

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

Looking for a Puppy

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

Looking at this email inquiry, and realizing they came directly from my website to send it, what question marks come into your mind?

Sister Ray · All Grown Up

You are in California, for one. You might ship but I don't know if someone should assume that. The person doesn't provide any info about themselves, either, or what they want a dog for (pet, show, obedience, et al). I'd also add that it's clear on your site you have no puppies now. Overall it doesn't look like someone who's put any thought into getting a dog.

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

Very good :) Here is the first words on my website:
"Hello and Welcome. My name is Christina Ghimenti. I am located in sunny California in the San Francisco Bay Area."

As you can all see, my name is not "To whom it may concern". And yes, I clearly state I live in California. I emailed them back and addressed my email in the same fashion, and added that since I lived so far away, they should look in their own state.

What did they say back?

They once again, addressed their own email "To whom it may concern", regardless of the fact I actually signed my email. Clearly they were being cheeky. They told me they were well away that certain airlines catered to shipping dogs so there should be no problem. Obviously they did not realize there is a heat embargo against shipping dogs since they could DIE on the the way. Dead puppy would almost be an inconvenience I suppose.

Their final line: "Anyways, I need to find a breeder with available puppies".

oh ick

lilfeet79 · All Grown Up

Wow! Now I feel better about getting a dog. LOL
Seriously, I'm thinking a smart breeder/rescue would NOT give this person a dog.

-OR-

Maybe she is REEEEAAAALLLLLY naive? But even if she is you can tell she has not done the required research.

Maybe she is on a "no adopt" list in her state?Hmmmmm....

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

One of the hardest jobs is trying to read an email and understand what the person is really trying to say. Obviously you can't hear the tone in their voice. You just have to guess from their written word.

When I see "To whom it may concern" on an email to me, it shows they either have not seen my website or they simply did not read my website. Many people just jump down to the email button. But while you can't read their tone, you can judge their reaction to your own response.

When I suggested she look in her own state for a puppy, because of the heat, she had a golden opportunity to talk to a breeder. Many people complain that no one answers their emails. Folks will send out a ton of "form letter" emails in the hopes someone will respond. When someone does respond, the first words back to that breeder should be "Thank you for getting back with me". Then they can launch a discussion from there.

Not tell the breeder they know they can ship a puppy with no problems and tell them where the available puppies are :(

PawPrint · Smitten by Boxers

A couple of years ago, there was a woman whom emailed me for a puppy. She seemed very nice. She asked alot of questions and continually thanked me for my input. I spent valuable time with her in several emails. She seemed very nice and open. We went back and forth several times.

A couple of weeks later, she emailed me again. It was a "first contact" type of email. I emailed her back and explained we had already spoken and I even told her what date so she could check her emails. She came back saying she did not remember talking with me, she never saves her emails, didn't remember my dogs , and asked if I had offered her a puppy.

Now we had written some very long and involved emails. So much so that I definitely remembered her. I then asked if she could not at least try to look in her past emails since most servers save them for some length of time. I explained I was busy and honestly was surprised her did not remember me at all. I made a little cute remark that my ego was bit bruised.

My phone rings right afterwards. It is her boyfriend. He is mean and hostile. He starts threatening me asked what does my ego have to do with them getting a puppy. I tried to explain it was a bit of humor but that I truly was a bit miffed his girlfriend wanted to start it all over again at square one. He became so profane I had to hang up on him. He called back and I hung up without speaking. He called again and I unplugged my phone. I put her email addy in my blocked list and then forwarded it to others to warn them.

lilfeet79 · All Grown Up

I can't believe some people! How some people fly into a rage over the silliest things. I'm glad you didn't give them a puppy.