Bark Place in Chicago, thank you!
A perfect example of a pet store owner knowing how to win a customer over
An apology goes a LONG way, but you couldn't tell me I'd ever step foot in Bark Place Chicago again. I'd already had two uneventful experiences in 2021 and again during Christmas week 2024, left my "final" review on Yelp last year, and went about my day. So imagine my surprise today when I was walking my dog and noticed somebody jogging next to me. I felt a tap, turned around and saw this guy handing me a gift bag. Initially, I was confused about why my dog (who is 99% likely to warn you not to get too close to me) wasn't even slightly alarmed by this man.
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Then, I looked closer. It was the brotha with the locks who I give a head nod to every time we make eye contact outside while I'm walking my dog. I knew he worked at the pet store but had never gone inside when he was there. My dog had already seen this guy a zillion times, which explained her lack of a reaction when he handed me something.
My headphones were on loud (listening to "Reid Report") and I was so engrossed in listening to the news that I didn't hear anything he said before he jogged away. But I looked at the bag that read, "Apologies for past service" and instantly said, "Awwwww."
It was such a nice gesture, and I was not expecting this at all. I kept walking and got all the way home before I looked inside. I knew there was a treat in there because my dog had shoved her nose completely in the bag when I sat it down. The level of thought, courtesy and a good-hearted guess at my wide-shouldered, slim-waisted dog tickled me. I read the message on the business card, wrote my own "thank you" card and circled back for a second walk to thank the owner in person.
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I had no idea that the owner was the same guy with the locks who I'd been saying hello to. (It was someone else when I first visited Bark Place Chicago in 2021.) You just never know who you're talking to or who leaves a good impression without trying. I absolutely positively made sure to update my Yelp review today. As I said to the owner (Brandon) in the store, I've walked 99 dogs and completed 619 walks, not including my own dogs. Every single dog has his own personality, and the same personality diversity applies to people too.
His response (the gift bag and apology) to a bad customer service experience with someone on his team was exactly what makes grudge holders like me give a store another shot. This is not a store that looks like it is hurting for customers, and my review could have easily been dismissed. To my surprise, it was not.
(While I was inside, I also like that he checked up on how a dog was doing who was out with another worker. That attention to detail matters to a three-time dog owner like me. It would also make me more comfortable with leaving my dog in this facility.)
I learned how to clip dog nails three years ago and don't need a doggy day care anymore (unless I go on vacation). But when I need any dog supplies, I'm going there first before I consider shopping online. Bark Place (and the new owner) earned that newfound loyalty from me.
Shamontiel is a dog lover to her core: 619 completed walks with 99 dogs, eight dog-housesittings and six dog boardings at the time of this publication.
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