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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 0:17:36 GMT
I usually let most annoying things roll off my back… and after seeing a blurb on the news about the shortage of mall Santa’s, I feel even worse being so annoyed. But I’m annoyed. Really annoyed.
Tell me I’m right, tell me I’m wrong, either way, it is done. But thank you for listening!
I took my medium sized dog to the mall for a Santa picture. It was one of 3 pet nights (2 hours each.) It wasn’t exclusively pets, there were also humans. I’ve been doing it at various malls and such for 10 years. She’s a super good girl. Doesn’t care for other dogs, but will tolerate them fine if they aren’t in her space.
Anyway, the line was soooo long. We were behind a family with a little girl. We gave them space. We waited happily. There were three 20 somethings behind us, with a small breed 8 month old puppy. They held it in their arms the entire time. It was well over an hour. It growled every time it saw my dog. It barked at the children if they paid any attention to it. Whoever wasn’t holding the puppy was usually petting my dog. I didn’t mind a bit, nor did my dog. Anyway… finally. Our turn. The elf asks which package I want. I told them. It was the first package that offered digital, and was $45 plus tax. A few images and a few prints. So… my dog goes up to see Santa. She sits pretty in front of him (she’s been at this a while…) and Santa motions for the leash, I smile, hand it to him and the elf asks me to “stand over there.”
As soon as I took a step away, that small dog from behind us came flying up to my dog and ran right to her tummy (no freaking idea why.) My dog lost her mind. She jumped, Santa didn’t have a great hold on her (I mean, she’s gentle and easy and was totally calm until the small out of control dog ran right under her…) She started barking and growling and throwing a fit. Was still on the leash, but it was a 6 foot leash, she was trying to get away from the other dog. What else was Santa to do, but tackle her??? There were kids around etc. I was furious that those people put that dog down and it didn’t even have a leash on it got away from them, but I maintained my composure and the 3 second disaster was over. We then took pictures. Both my dog and I were totally distracted at that point. The elf handed me my envelope and I scooted, just trying to get the hell out of the situation.
I got out to the car… and looked at them. The damn Elf cut off Santa’s feet/boots and my dog’s feet and tail. WTH professional Santa photo taker can’t get Santa and the dang dog (ONE DOG ) in the frame?? To say nothing of how underexposed they are. I tried to fix it in PSE and it’s… ok at best.
Fwiw- I’m doing December Daily and a nicer version of this story will be in the album to explain the distracted look on my dogs face and the horrible framing.
$45 for my dog to get attacked and a crap photo. As bad as these are- the elf should have offered to retake. It’s not like my 2 year old kid wouldn’t smile- my dog was attacked.
Now my dog is worried that Santa saw her be a naughty dog.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,676
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Dec 7, 2022 0:23:34 GMT
I just want to validate that our dogs sound very similar (totally chill dog unless another dog provokes) and this would make me sad too.
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giraffe
New Member
Posts: 3
Aug 22, 2022 21:40:41 GMT
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Post by giraffe on Dec 7, 2022 0:26:43 GMT
Awww, Santa knows she’s a good girl!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 7, 2022 0:39:57 GMT
Santa knows it wasn’t her fault. Are there any Santa / pet photo days remaining so you could go back for a retake? I think it would be worth an email to ask, and attach a copy of one of the photos so they can see that the photos you got weren’t as good as they should have been for the money you paid. If not, I’d probably ask for a refund and look for another place to take your dog for her Santa photo.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,617 
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Post by pinklady on Dec 7, 2022 0:45:25 GMT
I validate you and don’t think it’s petty at all. In fact I urge you to go back and make them retake the pic for free. $45 is a lot for a crappy pic and bad experience.
My biggest pet peeve is people who do not leash their dog in public places.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 7, 2022 1:10:04 GMT
I validate you and don’t think it’s petty at all. In fact I urge you to go back and make them retake the pic for free. $45 is a lot for a crappy pic and bad experience. My biggest pet peeve is people who do not leash their dog in public places. I completely agree. Retakes should be done free of charge. I'm sorry your pup (and you) had to deal with that. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 1:14:48 GMT
Thank you guys! I’m trying to keep it in perspective. No dogs or Santa’s got hurt, and no little kids seemed traumatized. Most had let my dog while we were in line. We won’t be able to go again. Most of our local Santa’s are appt only for Santa, and I somehow missed the boat. Appts probably help to avoid having a bunch of kids around for things that can be unpredictable like dogs and irresponsible owners…. I played hooky from my indoor winter golf league, and drove an hour and a half each way to get her photo done. LOL It was worth it to me  We did it at Petsmart last year. The Santa was….. nice. The set was….. they tried. The experience was great! I had to do some cropping and some strategic embellishing, but she got to see Santa! I think I donated a bag of her dog food as the fee. It was more than the $45… but it was for the local charity. Not a for profit venture. I just was bummed the “professional photo” is so BAD! Even if you take out her distracted expression. And the experience caused by the people behind us, for that cost it should be better. And I kinda feel bad for all the parents, pet and otherwise, getting ripped off. I think typing it out helped. Also, thank you peabay …. I was so embarrassed! I’m glad to know that other people in that line that saw Cujo come out likely have beloved pups that are good dogs and just don’t want canines in their space. giraffe and crazy4scraps …. Gahhhhh <3 thank you for your reassurance that Santa knows better. A few minutes ago my 21 year old son “offered to write a letter on her behalf” to Santa. Thank you pinklady. I wish someone could take her. I just can’t make it happen. I was lucky to get there for this one. I just couldn’t believe they put that dog down! No idea what they were thinking! The dog hated the children and the other dog behind them too!! Thanks guys! PSA.. check your Santa photos before you, even if there is a melee- there’s elves out there that can’t take a picture to save their lives it seems. They were young! What 20-30 year old elf hasn’t been taking 400009 photos a day since they got a cell phone?? |
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,742
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Dec 7, 2022 1:22:11 GMT
I took my medium sized dog to the mall for a Santa picture. I never knew that a dog could be (1) in a mall or (2) have a picture with Santa in a mall. Dogs are not allowed in the indoor malls where I live. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 1:29:40 GMT
I took my medium sized dog to the mall for a Santa picture. I never knew that a dog could be (1) in a mall or (2) have a picture with Santa in a mall. Dogs are not allowed in the indoor malls where I live. You’d be surprised (haha) I have lived a lot of places it’s normal pretty much anywhere in the US. Normally they set a few specific nights for the pets. Normally around here, the pets are by appointment (so they can maximize profits) and set during the slow hours for kids. For example, Monday night between 5-7 lol. There’s usually only a few, and they are early in the season <3 |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 7, 2022 1:32:32 GMT
Thanks guys! PSA.. check your Santa photos before you, even if there is a melee- there’s elves out there that can’t take a picture to save their lives it seems. They were young! What 20-30 year old elf hasn’t been taking 400009 photos a day since they got a cell phone??OMG, you have just described virtually all of the Lifetouch photographers who do the school photos. They are SO BAD! The last few years the school district has had the photographers come to do the school pictures on orientation night. That way, the kids can wear their nicer clothes, have their hair looking good, etc. without the problem of half of the kids having gym class first like when they would have the photos taken on a typical school day. Also the parents can be there with their kids to help tame wild hair, adjust glasses, make sure clothes aren’t all wrinkled or weird. In spite of all that, the pictures still come out horrible nine times out of ten. I swear, we just can’t win. You would think all these young people who have been taking digital pictures virtually their entire lives on their cell phones would be able to take a halfway decent portrait. It’s weird. |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 1:38:22 GMT
Thanks guys! PSA.. check your Santa photos before you, even if there is a melee- there’s elves out there that can’t take a picture to save their lives it seems. They were young! What 20-30 year old elf hasn’t been taking 400009 photos a day since they got a cell phone??OMG, you have just described virtually all of the Lifetouch photographers who do the school photos. They are SO BAD! The last few years the school district has had the photographers come to do the school pictures on orientation night. That way, the kids can wear their nicer clothes, have their hair looking good, etc. without the problem of half of the kids having gym class first like when they would have the photos taken on a typical school day. Also the parents can be there with their kids to help tame wild hair, adjust glasses, make sure clothes aren’t all wrinkled or weird. In spite of all that, the pictures still come out horrible nine times out of ten. I swear, we just can’t win. You would think all these young people who have been taking digital pictures virtually their entire lives on their cell phones would be able to take a halfway decent portrait. It’s weird. For sure!! We just spent a 3 generation long weekend in FL and did all kinds of fun things with 40-75 year olds taking photos. I do ok… but I am a scrapbooker… so I have a ton of practice. Even with that, we were leaving the HardRock and there was a photo opportunity set up…. We took a few and I didn’t love them. I saw a family group 15-50, and asked a young guy to take our photo with my phone. He did, and it was the best photo (he took like 10 in one second lol) of the trip. I guess I’m just spoiled by young people that know how to take photos and I trusted that dang elf. Lol |
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 7,031
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Dec 7, 2022 3:14:30 GMT
You are a good mom to take your fur girl to take a photo with Santa! Poor thing. She was attacked when she was only being a good girl. I think if it was me, and I couldn't go back to the same place for retakes, I would just go ahead and do it again somewhere else. They are with us too short of time, and since it is an annual thing, i would want a good picture.
ETA: Oh, I see that you can't go somewhere else. Sorry that sucks. Stupid Elf!
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Post by sunnyd on Dec 7, 2022 3:37:22 GMT
I'd be so pissed! Dogs that are not on leashes are one of my "pet" peeves. I'm sorry it was a shit show & your pictures didn't turn out well. Give your girl some extra loves tonight.
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 3:46:13 GMT
You are a good mom to take your fur girl to take a photo with Santa! Poor thing. She was attacked when she was only being a good girl. I think if it was me, and I couldn't go back to the same place for retakes, I would just go ahead and do it again somewhere else. They are with us too short of time, and since it is an annual thing, i would want a good picture. ETA: Oh, I see that you can't go somewhere else. Sorry that sucks. Stupid Elf! Every time I see your avatar it makes me feel like we have related pups. I didn’t think we’d make it to Santa.. and on the scrapbooking board there were some great ideas. This will be a good year. We just lost two family member dogs this year, out of 5 in the extended family. Maybe this is part of why this stings so much to have this happen. My girl is the one that has always lived out loud! |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 3:51:34 GMT
I'd be so pissed! Dogs that are not on leashes are one of my "pet" peeves. I'm sorry it was a shit show & your pictures didn't turn out well. Give your girl some extra loves tonight. Gah! For sure “pet” peeve!! The more I wallow and think of how to recover… I guess it’s just going to have to be epic. This girl is a very loved pupperoo. In addition to her extra mom, she has two college students that worship her. Hopefully the come up with something creative! Either way, she knows she’s a good girl. Thank you for the love <3 |
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Post by tentoes on Dec 7, 2022 3:58:41 GMT
I'd be really upset. I'm sorry it turned out like that. I'm glad your dog wasn't hurt.
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 7, 2022 4:09:27 GMT
I'd be really upset. I'm sorry it turned out like that. I'm glad your dog wasn't hurt. So very glad no dogs were hurt. My dog is a rescue, but has been in a loving home for 10 years. She had puppies right about the time her 1 year teeth came in. I’m glad we gave her a life of being special and being taken to see Santa. She’s brought so much joy to our lives. |
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Post by greendragonlady on Dec 7, 2022 5:24:57 GMT
Sorry you had to wait so long, your puppers was attacked, AND the pictures were crappy! At the very least the mall/santa booth should have a rule that all dogs need to be leashed.
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Post by greendragonlady on Dec 7, 2022 5:26:36 GMT
If you are on FB, join a free photoshop request group (If you're not already in one) and see if anyone can fix it...you'd be amazed at what people can do with photoshop (and other programs)
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Post by brynn on Dec 7, 2022 6:36:41 GMT
I'm so sorry for your experience. Bree, my cat of blessed memory, and I had our Christmas photo taken at a shelter fundraiser event. After we got home, we got a call that our photographer had problems, and asked if we would come back. When we went back, we were in the building with a dog agility group. Stress for Bree and me. I am sorry for your experience.
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Post by hop2 on Dec 7, 2022 11:21:09 GMT
I can not stand when people don’t leash or control their dogs. It is horribly irresponsible. The people behind you were wrong. I’m sorry the pictures were not great.
I mean, yes it can happen accidentally on occasion, but a line to see Santa is a place to be extra vigilant with your dog, esoecially a young pup who hadn’t ever done that before
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,870
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Post by peppermintpatty on Dec 7, 2022 13:28:48 GMT
I'm so sorry that happened! People like that piss me off to no end! I would have scolded the owners of that other dog right then and there. I also wouldn't have left until I saw the pictures and demanded that they retake them. I have no tolerance for people who do stupid things like that. That puppy is not socialized and should not have been there in the first place. My dog is okay when he is in areas that he doesn't deem to be his territory but if he is anywhere in my neighborhood, he will go after other dogs. He was a rescue and wasn't socialized as a puppy and I know his limits and always have control over him.
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Post by disneypal on Dec 7, 2022 13:30:56 GMT
I totally see your POV. I would be annoyed too.
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Post by auntkelly on Dec 7, 2022 13:49:29 GMT
I understand why you feel the way you do.
By not putting their puppy on a leash, the puppy owners put everyone at risk. Their pup could have been hurt had your dog been more aggressive, a human could have been bitten trying to intervene, someone could have tripped over the dogs and fallen, or valuable camera equipment could have been knocked over and damaged. Fortunately no dogs or humans were hurt, but your pictures were ruined due to someone else’s fault. No wonder you are disappointed.
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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 7, 2022 16:15:48 GMT
I validate you. Sucks.
I WISH I could take my lug of a dog to get a Santa picture. That "damn" (I say that jokeingly.) dog is 150 pound Saint Bernard. He still doesn't get it when someone just wants to pet him or comes to my door he has to act like Cujo. It's not in a mean way, he is just so excited he doesn't understand how big he is or how big is bark is. LOTS of training. Daily walks exposing him to distractions. He is fixed. We have done two rounds of training and STILL does this. He is perfect in any other way. Cuddly and super good on the leash (when there are no distractions).. But can't take him to Lowe's or Petsmart.. he loses his mind. He is still young and we are still working with him, but definitely no Santa pics.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 7, 2022 16:29:02 GMT
I would go back and ask for a do over.
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Post by prettyprettypaper on Dec 7, 2022 17:42:36 GMT
That would totally bug me! I would definitely ask for a re-shoot.
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Post by tentoes on Dec 7, 2022 23:53:59 GMT
I'd be really upset. I'm sorry it turned out like that. I'm glad your dog wasn't hurt. So very glad no dogs were hurt. My dog is a rescue, but has been in a loving home for 10 years. She had puppies right about the time her 1 year teeth came in. I’m glad we gave her a life of being special and being taken to see Santa. She’s brought so much joy to our lives. I get it. We "found" a dog several years ago. We looked for 3 months for his parents, and never found them-He was about 4 years old when we found him. He became ours. Now, since the death of my husband 4 years ago, he's MY dog. He went through the grieving process with me. He was very attached to my husband. Now, if I go to the store, or if I'm gone for more than an hour, when I do come back, I find him on the couch shaking like a leaf. I guess he's afraid I'm going to disappear like my husband did. He is such a sweet boy, and he is inching up on 12 years old now!! (according to the vet!) He has been such a blessing to me!! I love him so much! |
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We did it at Petsmart last year. The Santa was….. nice. The set was….. they tried. The experience was great! I had to do some cropping and some strategic embellishing, but she got to see Santa! I think I donated a bag of her dog food as the fee. It was more than the $45… but it was for the local charity. Not a for profit venture. I just was bummed the “professional photo” is so BAD! Even if you take out her distracted expression. And the experience caused by the people behind us, for that cost it should be better. And I kinda feel bad for all the parents, pet and otherwise, getting ripped off. 
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