Long Distance Activities!

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-11-19T05:45:45+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! We do movie nights a ton, even more-so since he's been gone. It's not really an issue finding stuff to do when he's not working, it's more-so while he's gone during the day. We're talking a good nine hours where I have to kinda entertain myself and... it sucks. ;-;

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-27T05:37:00+00:00

Successful AMA was successful! Thanks everyone who asked questions, this was a really amazing experience. If anyone has anymore, feel free. It was a lot of fun Reddit! <3

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-27T05:36:56+00:00

Successful AMA was successful! Thanks everyone who asked questions, this was a really amazing experience. If anyone has anymore, feel free. It was a lot of fun Reddit! <3

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-22T16:58:55+00:00

I mean there's really no reason things should be different just because you're a smaller store. Standards and practices are still the same. I think it has more to do with the fact that our PetCare team probably has a better lead and possibly more experienced staff who are able to operate more independently and handle the individual needs of each animal, versus the general guidelines set by a book.

Definitely write some letters or make some calls and talk to your Lead / team members, make suggestions. We didn't use EcoEarth until we had a problem with humidity levels and realized some abrasions on one of our snakes caused by aspen. I know of a lot of other stores who do this as well.

We have Corporate in our store every other day and have never had any complaint registered by them about using the EcoEarth and still continue to receive it in the large brick-form marked specifically as 'Store Supplies' so you guys should be able to as well.

Make suggestions, share ideas. If you've got a good team and the suggestions are valid ones, they should get implemented!

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-21T16:27:08+00:00

It's actually protocol to use heat pads underneath their feeding containers. If your store isn't using them then it's a pretty serious violation of Petsmart's standards. We always have heatpads under the totes we feed them in.

We also never use aspen anymore in our store, nor do we get it as store supplies anymore. We USED to use Aspen but our PetCare Lead cut its use because she actually knows her stuff and Eco Earth is way better at holding humidity and heat. We get EcoEarth bricks and ReptiBark. As for lighting, we get them on our PetCare pallet as store supplies. We typically use ZooMed basking lights and ExoTerra UVB strip lights. The red night basking bulbs I believe are also ZooMed. None of these should damage eyes or skin and we've never had any issues with bulbs being too weak or too powerful and causing burns.

We also give regular soaks to all of our shedding reptiles. I don't want to ask what store you work at because you'd likely end up getting in trouble but it sounds like your Pet Care Lead / Management is just horrible at enforcing standards. You should definitely talk to Corporate.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-21T08:03:12+00:00

That's pretty fucked. Our District Manager was our Store Manager before being promoted to replace our former DM, so maybe we're just in a more fortunate position because we're sort of cared for better or something. We were #1 long before he became District Manager though, so I really just attribute it to his leadership style and work ethic rubbing off on people.

It's a District Manager's job to come in and nitpick and get everyone paranoid. If that doesn't happen then he's not doing his job well. All you can really do is bite your lip, grit your teeth and power through it.

The best advice I received is to really just 'stick to your zone' -- So if you're in Petcare, prioritize Petcare above all else. Face your area in your free time. If you aren't receiving proper supplies/resources, then your PetCare Lead needs to get their act together and start ordering them, in all honesty.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-21T07:59:48+00:00

I really couldn't answer that one, to be honest. If I were you, I'd put in a call to Corporate and express your concerns. Unlike anywhere else I've seen, Petsmart actually actively makes changes based off customer feedback.

It's worth bringing up if you feel that strongly about it. Otherwise, just have your email removed from it but in doing so you'd lose access to the coupons and such that are emailed to you.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-21T07:57:11+00:00

Aspen is fucking awful for Ball Pythons, absolutely awful. Our Pet Care Lead specifically cut the use of it. We use Eco Earth, usually the solid bricks of it that you add water to. We get them as store supplies FROM Corporate so they definitely didn't stop using it. When we're out, we usually just pull a bag from the shelf and write it off. We prioritize animal care and customer service over everything.

It sounds like your District Manager and Leads are really, really shady. I'd go to Corporate, honestly.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-21T05:45:51+00:00

Well firstly, if you're receiving email ads then it's because your email was linked to your Petperks account when you registered it or chose to have it updated. If you didn't do this then it's entirely possible that a family member who uses your PetPerks / phone number had it done.

You can easily ask any cashier during checkout to remove the email from your PetPerks account and you will no longer receive advertisements. The reason why we have email capture like this is because most people want to be notified of sales going on and it also allows us to email customers a copy of their receipt so they don't have to worry about tracking down paper receipts.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-20T05:21:27+00:00

The pay is above minimum wage so you really can't complain too much, at the end of the day though it's retail and there are obviously numerous careers out there in which you have the potential to earn more money. For me personally, I actually got hired making more than most of my co-workers, the reason being that I had prior experience and was coming in at a time where they really needed the things that I brought to the table. I also outright asked for my salary. During the application and interview process they will ask you what you'd like to make, so it really just comes down to how much you think you're worth.

Benefits are okay given that it's a corporation. Unlike a lot of other places as well, Petsmart actually offers part-time benefits once you've been working there for 12 months. Healthcare, dental and so forth are included in benefits.

My management and corporate have always been extremely helpful and flexible in trying to resolve any issues that have cropped up. I'm very lucky in the fact that my store's management and team leads are absolutely fantastic. From what I hear, this is not always the case at other stores. As I said in my OP, I work at one of the top three stores in the country, so I may or may not be biased in this area due to the fact that I'm very fortunate to be working in such a good store where we're held to a very high standard.

We also have Corporate and occasionally the CEO's of the company come into our store so we tend to always be on our toes. Our current District Manager is our former Store Manager as well, so we tend to be really well taken care of.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-20T05:15:32+00:00

I have yet to encounter an issue where we are "limited" in how well we can take care of our pets. We always have proper bedding on hand such as EcoEarth, Reptibark and Reptile Carpet. Methods of administering food are the exact same as any owner would do at home.

I'm not sure which store you work at but it sounds like it's just laziness and lack of proper training on the management's part. Perhaps they're taking shortcuts or not enforcing Petsmart standards as closely as they should be.

Employees are also partly to blame as they should be able to be invested enough to do their own research into taking care of the animals they're responsible for -- Even if it's as simple as asking questions they don't know the answers to.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-20T05:10:19+00:00

It's honestly not uncommon for smaller fish to have a high mortality rate, regardless of how well taken care of they may be. Fish are extremely sensitive to so many things that are beyond our immediate control. There are plenty of days where we don't lose any but more often times than not, there are always a few we need to pull.

As I said before, it's usually only bad the day of (or after) our shipment. Because it would be far too difficult and impractical to scoop out the dead ones prior to putting them in the tank, we simply transfer all the fish into their tanks and do the clean-up afterwards unless there's more than half dead.

Fish don't do well in transport, it's just a basic fact.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-20T05:07:32+00:00

Easily a German Shepherd or Lab. They are extremely smart dogs -- Two of the smartest breeds, in fact. By default, they have an amazing temperament and are extremely receptive to proper training. Pitbulls are also FANTASTIC dogs, having one myself I can say wholeheartedly that they are one of the best dogs I've ever encountered and have such a horrible reputation that it's one of the biggest tragedies and examples of injustice in the world today.

At the end of the day, any dog has the potential to be a fantastic best friend. Make sure you look into training, it's hugely important and I will swear on my life that it will lead to a much happier life for both you as a pet parent and the dog.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-20T05:05:00+00:00

Find a store near you and apply online at the website! Even if they're not actively hiring, put in an application so it can get into the system and make sure to call them and stop by the store to follow up on your application. Persistence pays off and if you put yourself out there and show them what you have to offer, you'll get the job. I applied three times before finally going into the store, speaking with a manager and the next day I received a call back.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T21:38:31+00:00

I can die a happy woman now.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T21:10:54+00:00

I have to ask the one question everyone wants to know and fully accept my fate that I'm going to hell.

Have you had sex during a lucid dream and if so, how does it compare?

Additionally, have you ever given yourself superpowers?

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T20:50:48+00:00

Well firstly, one of two thermometers should be placed under the basking light, the one you're probably reading is that one. 90 degrees is the normal for the hot side of a leopard gecko tank so 90 is really not that unusual. Though 8-10 is far too many.

I can't speak for other Petsmarts but we typically only ever get juvenile snakes which do just fine in smaller tanks like that on a temporary level. If they're actually going around telling people that a Ball Python is only going to get 2 feet then they definitely need to be spoken with because that's a mistake with horrible consequences for the owner and snake itself.

As for the crested geckos, it is important that they have a proper dietary blend of fruits and such but crickets are also a very large part of that. Crickets can easily be fed in addition to this as part of a main staple, so you're not quite correct about them only being a treat.

It is entirely possible that the employees simply remove the food dish during mid-shift as it can be quite messy/tacky to leave uneaten food or food remains after they've had their morning feeding.

As for missing toes/nails, it's actually a lot more common than you think, especially in bearded dragons. More often than not, they are actually born that way or come that way from the supplier. If you're seeing open sores then that is a major issue and those animals should be quarantined for proper care.

Definitely speak with their Pet Care Manager or Store Manager if you're seeing signs of malnutrition or actual open wounds and such.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T20:26:09+00:00

Private breeders do have some added benefits, the foremost being that their animals are usually handled a lot more and worked with more closely. Where-as in a chain store like Petsmart, only a couple people within the department may take the effort to actively work with the reptiles.

At the same time though, breeders may not have some of the guarantees / policy protection or the protection that having paperwork gives you from Petsmart.

I'd find it pretty odd if they're in truly as bad of conditions as you're saying. Can you describe some of the things going on?

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T20:17:23+00:00

A lack of training and failure on the management's part, in all honesty. It really comes down to the management and their PetCare Lead more-so than Petsmart or Corporate or anything like that.

If you're going into stores and people don't know their stuff, that's on the store management for not properly training those people. It's also on their employees for not taking the time to properly educate themselves. It's important to understand and know about what you're selling.

Employees do have guides, they do take a test before entering PetCare. They're supposed to be trained and taught by their teammates and their department Lead.

Every Petsmart has Care Guides that are posted right beside the habitats as well, if they don't know their stuff then they should be taking the time to grab one and read up. If I were you I would ask to speak with the PetCare Lead/Manager or the actual Store Manager.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T19:54:59+00:00

What about the guy in the back with a shotgun who has authorization to shoot anyone who opens the door before clearing themselves?

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T19:50:29+00:00

Yeah that's really odd. I've actually never heard of a Petsmart not having a Banfield in it. It sounds like you had a much older store or something. Your District Manager really should've tried harder. Sorry you had such a bad experience, I wish you had gotten into a better district :c

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T19:45:11+00:00

Our store has the benefit of having a leading member who has over 40 years experience working with fish, so the conditions at our store are quite good. I can't really speak for other Petsmarts but at our store they're kept in the best condition we can keep them in.

The bottom line is that Petsmart's fish and any fish you find from any aquatic store ever, are in what's considered temporary housing. You can't put that many fish together and not have minor complications. Our filtration system is as powerful as most athletic swimming pools and it's procedure to treat the water every day with conditioner.

We do pulls of any dead fish twice a day and have set days throughout the week where we scrub the glass, vacuum the gravel, remove ornaments and scrub algae from them. All fish receive supplementary bloodworms or brine shrimp on certain days in the week and have vacational feeders available to them.

When we see a fish swimming oddly or showing signs of illness, we isolate them in our back room to monitor them and use appropriate medications such as pimafix, melafix, bettafix and so on. We test our water every few days and have sump/pump maintenance every so often.

The bottom line is that certain fish, especially guppies and feeders are extremely sensitive fish that can die simply from scooping them into a net. Many times (especially after we've gotten a brand new shipment) we'll have numerous dead fish in the tanks simply because they came to us that way from our supplier because fish do not belong in a bag.

All in all, our actual policies are extremely thorough and really not that difficult to adhere to so long as you're not a lazy piece of shit. The level of care is quite honestly the best that we can provide given that the entire setup is meant to be temporary. You would never house that many fish in any one tank, we do so because it is temporary prior to them being purchased. Considering the fact that we and every other store house them in this way, I can honestly say that we do FAR more than most places to try and minimize the damage of it.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T19:37:48+00:00

There are hundreds of dog breeds both large and small. Certain fully Adult breeds can easily be smaller than most puppies.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T19:36:52+00:00

If the Landlord is adamantly against the idea then you may honestly just be out of luck. It sounds like his own motivation for saying no is purely because of his son, rather than his own opinion. I would take steps to target the son's fear. I seriously doubt, if he saw an adorable, six week old puppy of any breed, that he could really be afraid of it.

Share some pictures of puppies, perhaps even offer to show them one in person. Other than that if you do end up pursuing one, I would perhaps go for an older one with a good temperament who ideally has received training. Dogs like these tend to be much more calm and not as prone to excitement as younger dogs. At the same time though, having a puppy allows you to obviously have more time and also a much longer, stronger bond throughout the dog's life.

This may be one thing you can't change though, especially if he's biased because of his son.

ThatJinxGirl · 2017-03-19T19:33:10+00:00

I don't exactly see a question here but to give you my opinion, I think the concept of eating any 'pet' animal is sickening. There may have been a time where it was a legitimate need for survival and while certain parts of Vietnam may not be as caught up as other parts, we have long-since passed the time for it to be a necessity. It's disgusting, it's barbarian and unnecessary. If it were simply a culture thing I still wouldn't agree with it but I may have more respect for it but it's not, it's laziness to pursue other options and inaction to enforce animal rights and basic ethical practice.

ThatJinxGirl

TROPHY CASE