“Hush. Bailey’s asleep.”
“Just resting my eyes Lucy.”
As you may know, Keith Channing has taken the month of November to craft another Na-No-Wri-Mo 50,000 word novel. Therefore I am promptless for Tuesday. Since I have titled this day as anything possible, I thought I would offer a short story. This story is based on an actual incident at our local store where the ending was not so gracious. Needless to say, I was taken back by the lack of customer service.
A request by John W. Howell
“Excuse me.”
“Yes?”
“I see you are out of ham puree baby food.”
“Yeah, so?”
“I wonder if you could order some.”
“The truck comes in on Saturday.”
“Could you check to see if you ordered some more. You see my dog is very ill and she likes the ham variety. It is the only thing I can get her to eat.”
“Pet food is on aisle six.”
“I know that. I’m asking you to go into the office and look at the order book to see if anyone ordered the ham puree baby food.”
“Didn’t you say it was for your dog?”
“I did.”
“So why don’t you just buy the dog food and let it go at that.”
“I told you. The ham variety of baby food is the only thing she will eat.”
“I don’t have time to check right now. I’m sure it is ordered.”
“I bought the last twelve jars last Friday, and no more have come in.”
“See that’s the problem. We order on Wednesday, and so the truck will be here Saturday.”
“Please check.”
“I told you I don’t have time.”
“Can you make time?”
“For who? You?”
“No. Why don’t you do it because it is the right and proper thing for one human to do for another. You are human, aren’t you?
“I think I can find the time.”
“Perfect.”
Fiction Favorites 
I hope that’s not what the American gentleman means on this ad (https://youtu.be/yX5y4PPk1Zk)!
LikeLike
Me too. Totally sucked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good story.
If you’re going to be prompt-less during November, why not take the reins and start your own challenge?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh my. I think my skill set is responding to challenges not making them up. Might be food for thought though.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You could point that talented finger of yours onto another page!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha haha. I think I will. Thanks, GP. You get a mention for that suggestion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to read this “human” finally came around, John. I hope Bailey’s gets her ham, soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jill. She is now eating with gusto so I don’t need it anymore.I also don’t need to shop at that store.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Straight to the point and carries a great message. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Charles.
LikeLike
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
You may have to take Tiny shopping with you. Customer service, and the lack thereof, brings such a wide range of horror stories, John. I think you hit the nail on the head – “be human” – yep. that should cover it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing statement about what we’ve become in America.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was totally surprised at the unwillingness of the person to help. This is a piece of the island mentality that I dislike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The look on Lucy’s face breaks my heart. She knows her buddy is sick. You can see it in her eyes. Loved the story, John and yes, there are still a few “humans” left out there. My heart is with you guys.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jan. Lucy does know for sure as does Twiggy. They check on Bailey all day long.
LikeLike
Lucy’s photo is priceless. Maybe you could take her shopping with you. Who could possibly resist her pleading eyes? Certainly not a human. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not sure there are humans there anyway. Thanks, Gwen
LikeLike
So sad that people don’t have time to help out anymore, especially when–in this case–it was part of their job.I know you said the ending of the original story was not so gracious, but I hope the point was still driven home. And I hope Bailey gets all the ham puree baby food she needs. To avoid aggravation in the future, maybe order online??
Hugs to your sweet girl!
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are happy that her medication is creating a big appitite. I don’t think the food was ever ordered but don’t know since I haven’t been back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t blame you for not returning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a store that would loss me after that. Hope she got the food and is enjoying it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They have lost me. Bailey is back to eating so we don’t need their stinking food.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anita, and Jaye Marie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. This shouldn’t surprise me, but somehow, it always gets me. It’s difficult to go into a store or supermarket and actually run into someone that enjoys their job and isn’t completely bitter and miserable. I hope Bailey got her ham baby food and is doing much better, John. I’m sorry you had to go through that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Vashti. One of the side effects of her medication is increased hunger so we no longer have to feed her with a syringe.
LikeLike
It sounds so familiar, John. I feel like it’s the robot repeating those words. You’re so kind not to ask for his supervisor. Sorry to hear Bailey not doing well. She is like your baby, so baby food is just right for her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Miriam
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just surprised shaming worked. I didn’t think that type of person had any shame. A good example of rotten customer service, John. 😦 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I mentioned the real story did not turn out as graciously as mine. There was no learning on the part of the clerk. I have no idea if they ordered the ham or not since I haven’t been back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t blame you for not going back. I wonder if you could try ordering through Amazon. I was surprised at how many different things you can get through them. I understand they now have a grocery section. —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have another store. Thanks, Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How rude! I’m glad the person finally checked for you. I’d check with another store though if you have one. I use a little mom and pop shop to get Diva Dog’s food. They are so nice, and always helpful. I pay more than going to the larger big box pet store, but the service isn’t the same.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean, Deborah. In the real life story she never did check.
LikeLiked by 1 person
John,
I would sooner check on a dog’s favorite food than a toddler’s, lol. Because the former doesn’t ask for much while the latter is just getting started with all the many things they will ask for . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that rationale, Marc. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thought you might . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can only imagine the actual event at the store. Well done, John. Really gets the message of caring (or lack thereof) across.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I finally checked and they did get ham in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having worked in customer service pretty much my whole life that just absolutely appalls me. Are there no consequences for poor customer service anymore??!! That lady would have no purpose for work if it wasn’t for those customers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ashley. It was a bad experience for sure.
LikeLike
AmaIng story!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Johanna.
LikeLike
That is so not cool. Why is it so difficult for some people to make a little effort?
Glad you finally did get more ham…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dale.
LikeLiked by 1 person