If I could give 100 stars, I would. But I can tell my story and I hope that the management…read morerecognizes the staff who helped me that day, because they exhibited compassion, kindness, and truly supported my family and I when we worked to save 2 abused pups and afford them relief from horrid circumstances.
We have shopped at Pet Food Express for at least 20 years. The Livermore location is our "go to" store. The person who has consistently helped me the most over the years is Linda. She is knowledgeable, offers informed opinions, is perpetually polite and positive, and she understands dogs. Fortunately, she still works part time there and I always look for her when I go and the reason I shop there for my many rescues. I spend a lot of time and money there.
The long story short: I picked up two 8 month old siblings from Bakersfield from a foster situation who needed a new situation. I did not expect to find two filthy puppies, weak, dehydrated, emaciated, terrified, and covered with fleas and ticks. When I say ticks, I mean at least a thousand on each dog!
I drove to Livermore as fast as I could to my usual Pet Food Express hoping to find Linda working. My luckiest day! She was there. My husband met me to help manage the situation. I bought 4 tokens, an excellent brand of flea/tick shampoo, and treats. I knew this was going to be stressful for the pups ( who never were exposed to anything new, were exhausted, and overwhelmed I'm sure).
Without Linda's positivity, support, constant check ins for more towels/an extra hand/ encouragement, photo documentation, and communication I'm not sure we would have accomplished relieving those two pups of the misery they were in.
I'm posting just a few photos so you can grasp the situation and I can tell you, not everyone is cut out to help abused dogs but Linda- she is a gift. The photos reflect just how many ticks were between their toes, in their ears, attached to the anus, between the pads, clustered all over these poor babies.
We pulled dead ticks off for days ( my husband is a retired surgeon). I'm going back today for a second bath and to treat their bone dry fur and skin.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Linda. The manager, Phil, definitely supported Linda while she helped us. Not many businesses would do that except one committed to animal welfare and supporting their customers and staff.
Thank you, Pet Food Express. Linda deserves Employee of the Year(s) and thank you for employing people like Phil. If you read this, look for Linda and recognize her when you stop by the store. Her rescue German shepherd dog is posted on one of the banners outside the store (R.I.P.). She an amazing human.