Not Very Helpful But It Is Humane

(Pet stores in Canada have not sold dogs or cats for about six years. Some still sell rabbits, and most have guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, and rats. I work in a shoe store in the mall, and across from us there used to be a pet store, about ten years ago. A customer brings in his eight- or nine-year-old daughter one day, asking about the store.)

Customer: “Where is the pet store that used to be over there?”

Me: “Sorry, sir, there hasn’t been a pet store there for about ten years.”

Customer: “Oh, well, where can I find a pet store?”

Me: “There are a few in town. What are you looking for? Food?”

Customer: “No, I want animals. I told my daughter we could go see the puppies.”

Me: “Oh, well, I’m sorry, but pet stores don’t sell dogs or cats anymore. They do have gerbils or rabbits at the store down the road.”

Customer: “I don’t want rabbits; I want dogs! My daughter wants to see dogs!”

Me: “I’m sorry, but the only place in town to see puppies is at the humane society across town.”

Customer: “Well, that’s not helpful! Pet stores should sell puppies again! Why don’t they sell puppies?”

Me: “Because of over-breeding and puppy mills. They weren’t humane.”

Customer: “That’s ridiculous!”

(He turned around and stormed out, dragging his daughter after him.)