I had the displeasure of contracting Duck and Dog for their dog walking services. Three things lead to me cancelling her services, and I wanted to warn others that Melissa is running a bad business.
a) I made my first email transfer of funds for 6 dog walks. Was unable to get a hold of Melissa for the next ~5 days. I texted multiple times and left voice messages. I was quite worried at that time the business was a front for scam. Thankfully I did hear from her, but very poor communication with clients!
b) She tried to charge me for walks that had already been paid for. At this point, I had paid for 9 walks, and she was carrying out the ninth walk, but contacted me asking for additional payment for that walk. When I replied with photo evidence of the walk calendar (I had her initial every time she came), indicating I had paid for the walk, she did not reply. Hopefully it was a simple mistake, which would indicate bad record keeping, but at worse it could have been a purposeful attempt to defraud me - which may have worked if I hadn't myself implemented the calendar record keeping.
c) At that point I decided I did not think the way she interacted with me as a client was professional - from poor communication to poor record keeping. It led me to believe I was allowing access to my house and belongings to someone not completely trustworthy (despite her claim of being bonded and insured). I asked her to return my house keys. I was unable to get a hold of her again, leaving multiple messages, texts and emails trying to make some arrangements for the return of my keys. On two occasions she said she would drop them off, and subsequently didn't, with no communication about why or what other arrangements she would make. It took a week of doggedly pursuing her to receive my keys back. I should not have to hound a business owner for the return of my house keys.
Unfortunately things went from bad to worse with Melissa, and I'm suggesting dog owners steer clear of Duck and Dog. read more
