This is nothing against the groomer (Lee) as she was great and always cut my yorkie well. This review is related to very poor management after 2 times I have been there. Yesterday when I dropped off my yorkie at 9 am I told them I needed him at the absolute latest 3 pm. I was promised by the lady at the front desk and groomer that would no issue and "they never take that long". Around 2:30 I still had not heard from them so I gave them a call to be told my dog hadn't been started yet and it would be 3:15 which of course I was not pleased about and they changed course and said they will get him done by 3. I show up a few min after 3 to find my dog still on the table and not yet completed. I asked to speak to the owner who never apologized, said they were busy and had a backlog from the holiday. After I asked for a discount for the inconvenience I was given $5 off. If the owner had cared at all about my concerns I would give this place another shot as I like the groomer but alas I will have to find a new place to go. Please learn how many dogs you can manage in a day and re-examine how you schedule dogs so they aren't there 7+ hours. read more

Used For Pet's Sake since January 2006. Groomer severely injured my 4 pound Yorkie on July 20, 2016. Dislocated her left hip. She has just had her third surgery on January 24, 2017 to try and repair her badly damaged hip. Owner paid 1/2 of vet bill from July surgery ($600.00) after taking her to small claims court. I had to agree at the time to take my bad review down from Yelp as a condition of her paying 1/2 the vet bill. Second surgery on November 8, 2016 was $2,200.00 and latest surgery to totally remove the ball from her left hip was $3,300.00. Owner, Jackie, is irresponsible and uncaring. Did not bother to sue her for last 2 surgeries as she seems to know how to work the system. Beware of using this establishment. Will not remove this review as she has paid nothing for the pain and suffering my Yorkie, my husband and I have endured since July 20, 2016. read more

My poor dog George was left tied up for 7+ hours without a walk, food or water. I was told to have him there by 9am after several calls to see his progress. He finally was done with a simple haircut that should take no longer than an hour at 4:30pm. This place is awful and should be shut down. read more

After having issues with other groomers in the past, we took our timid rescue pup who has a lot of anxiety to For Pet's Sake. We had a wonderful experience. They were very friendly, did a thorough job, and our dog was very relaxed when we picked him up! We'll definitely be back and are so glad to have found this caring groomer!! read more

Can't follow directions. Han, who usually does Samoyeds, no longer works here. I should have hung up the phone immediately, but thought I would give them a shot. They shaved my Samoyed and didn't even follow anywhere close to my instructions. All I asked for was for them to trim the area around his ears and neck. Sounds simple right? The owner offered to cut my $90 bill in half, but I don't believe in that sort of thing, so I paid full. Take your large dogs here AT YOUR OWN RISK. read more

Unless you're looking for a $200 vet bill and your pet to endure days of pain and discomfort, I would not recommend taking him or her to "For Pet's Sake". I've been taking my dog, Cooper, here for a year and a half to be groomed. His last appointment was this past Saturday, 9/11 with SELMA. Later that evening I noticed red sores on his belly and that he was constantly licking his scrotum (sorry, not sure how to make that sound any less inappropriate), and pawing at his face. I scheduled a vet appointment ASAP for today, 9/14. The vet advised Cooper had razor cuts on both areas as well as the inside of his right eye that were caused by the groomer and were now infected. He was given antibiotics, eye solution, and itching ointment. When I called For Pet's Sake after his appointment to tell them what happened, I spoke with a less than pleasant woman named Jackie. Rather than being sympathetic or at the very least, professional, Jackie said there was no way FPS would assume responsibility for Cooper's injuries. She said that when a dog's hair is matted, they have to use a razor blade to get underneath and this irritates the skin. I can understand skin irritation. I can't understand the complete disregard for a dog's well being by cutting them and then not informing me when I go to pick him up. Jackie then called me a negligent pet owner for not brushing him daily (which I admit, I don't do; however I do bathe & brush weekly) and that the razor cuts were my fault. FPS charged me additional for the extra hour it took to comb out his mats ($85). Funny, why would they need a razor blade to comb out mats? Do yourself a favor and don't bring your pet here. The staff is beyond rude and worst of all, has no interest in your pet's well being. I am willing to put up with an average attitude for stellar service. But crappy attitude for even crappier service? No thanks. read more

Let me start by saying this review is for the ownership/management and NOT for the grooming staff. I have been bringing my 6 lb shorthair Chihuahua here for about four years. She just gets washed, nails clipped, and anal glands extracted. No haircutting involved. The price started out as $30, then went up to $35 over the years. I figured, eh, a little steep but not a big deal once every couple of months. Plus they did a good job and seemed to genuinely take good care of my dog. I brought my dog in this past weekend, for the first time in a few months. Dropped her off, she was done very quickly and when I went to pick her up, they tell me it's $45. *shock* $45?? For a 6 lb dog who doesn't even get any sort of a haircut? That's more than my own haircut, and it's more than Chateaux Animaux, a cushy groomer on Capitol Hill, charged me. The response was "Sorry, we had to raise our prices. We had to do it across the board". I looked around for a sign or any notification of an increase. There was nothing posted, I got no notice in the mail or by e-mail, and I wasn't notified up front when I dropped my dog off. I'm no math whiz but I believe that is nearly a 30% increase, which is completely outrageous. In addition, to just slip that in without notifying a loyal, long-time customer of an increase like that is irresponsible and poor business practice. I told the woman who rang me up that I wouldn't be coming back, and she just shrugged and said "sorry". I'm still floored. read more

Love these cat whisperers! Ever since I brought a tick home from a hike, I wanted to make sure my old ragamuffin didn't get bit so have been getting her lion cut shaves in the warmer months here for 8 years. I've always had the best experience and today I brought my cry baby Maine Coon in for his first grooming and Lee took stellar care of both my beasts in just a couple hours. Highly recommend! read more

Grooming prices are not listed on-line, and they will not divulge prices over the phone. Took my small cat in for a simple bath and a nail clipping. Took the groomer 40 minutes. I was charged $75.... I was not given a reason as to why I was charged this amount. I always tip, but cringed in doing so.. This is certainly not high end groomer. It's not very welcoming when you walk in (no waiting area). Based on the vagueness of pricing, lack of transparency, staff interaction with customers, lack of customer engagement, it's obvious that they want to get you in, get your money, and get you out. My cat got ringworm a week after being here. BEWARE. All those stories about hidden cuts, irritated skin etc.. are true. My vet, in Alexandria, told me that she's seen a number of pets that came from this groomer. Stay away.. read more

I've been taking my dog Ruby here since I got her 2 years ago. I'm convinced they are the only ones who can groom a schnauzer any where around here. I like that Selma is always available so Ruby knows her and vice versa. And today, on a Sunday when they were closed and I called to check if they were open, Jackie the owner invited me over for a nail clipping. Not only did she do that but spruced up her ears too all at no charge since I was only recently there. Great customer service and I trust them with my pup. read more

Sadly, the technicians do not represent the owner who is professional and knowledgeable. Twice we've specifically asked them to leave her feet alone and both times she's come out with barely any hair on her feet. When we asked what happened the last time, instead of apologizing, the groomer said "but doesn't she look cute now?" The owner, who made the shop what it is, should take note that her staff does not represent what she's worked for. After giving them a second chance, we've moved on. If you just need a wash though, they're fine. If you give clear instructions and expect them followed, find someone else. read more

The groomer (who I won't name by first name to save them some shame) caused a quarter size burn on the should of my Wheaten Terrier and never told us. Fast forward to four days later when we realize the burn is there and one vet trip to confirm that it's infected. The people who say their dogs were harmed here are not full of it. To make matters worse the receptionist completely denied any wrong doing and said they have no idea how that could even happen with the 'tools' that are used there. Give me a break. Save dogs the pain of infections and admit you weren't perfect and cut/razor burnt a dog and let owners properly treat their animals before it becomes a big problem. Don't.go.here. read more

First experience: it was fine. Nothing exceptional, dog still kind of smelled, but she didn't seem scarred for life or anything. Planned to come back because of the location (certainly not the price- it's double what we paid at another groomer). Scheduling second appointment: Wow. I've never been treated with such snark and disrespect! After they mixed up my appointment time, there was no apology or attempt to make fix the issue. If I wanted to have a sub-par experience, I would have gone to a groomer that costs far less. It's a shame that the receptionist was so rude because the location of this place is awesome...However, I will gladly travel to another establishment to make sure that our money is well-spent! read more

My mom has used this place for years and years. So I decided to take my dog here to get flea shampooed for the summer and the poor thing came back with horrible marks all over her. It seems like someone was brushing her really hard on her leg because of the raw lines on her skin. I wish I could upload a picture. It is so sad. She is the sweetest rescue dog in the world. read more

I have been taking my Yorkie, Yago there for about 8 years. The shop is conveniently located on Quaker Lane a few blocks from 395 to the north and King Street to the south. It is connected to a strip shopping center and parking is convenient. It is closed Mondays. Jackie is the owner, manager and is there most days. I think pet owners are very particular about the cuts their pets receive and I think most will be satisfied here as I have asked for "summer" cut and "nails clipped" and other particulars and the groomers have delivered. Usually, Yago is groomed by Sandy but, she moved to the Carolinas so, he has had different groomers since. Appointments are more difficult with the same groomer but, as we now have used several - all good- there is never a problem. you drop off the pet in the morning and they will call you when he/she is ready to be picked up. If you are late, no problem. The store also has pet food (not extensive but popular brands) and toys, leashes, etc. The prices are pretty standard for the area (I compared with Old Town Pets). For our Yorkie, it is $55 plus a $5tip. More than I like to pay but worth it for the personal care not found in mass pet shops like Petco et al. An additional benefit we found some years ago is that some of the employees- mostly college students - moonlight as pet sitters. We have used them (always asking Jackie's recommendation first) from time to time and it has worked well. She even sat with Yago herself once and when I rewturned, she had swept up and cleaned my back terrace! read more

My family has been taking our pets here for years, ever since it opened in the 1980s. Always happy with the way they treat our furbabies and the excellent grooming. It costs a bit more than a Petsmart, but you don't have to stress about your pet's safety or the way they look afterward. I wouldn't trust my dogs with anyone else. read more

I called to get a quote and I was very disappointed. The person who answered the phone gave me a range but wasn't able to tell me what it consisted of. When I started asking questions that she couldn't answer, she told me she would grab someone that knew more about the pricing and placed me on hold. I've been hold for over 10 minutes! read more

Have taken my dog to couple other places, but wasn't happy. Always felt like they gave a choppy poor cut. Decided to try For Pet's Sake. Katelyn was the groomer. Did an GREAT job! He was finished in a timely manner and they were super nice. Was just as I had requested. Will be bring my dog back again for sure! Good job FPS! read more

For Pets’ Sake - Groomer did great job! 4/20/16 - Pet Groomers Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

For the record, I have never in my life written an online review for a service or a company despite benefitting from reading them but today made me so upset I had to take the time to ensure no one else goes through this. I just recently moved to Alexandria and adopted a beautiful medium-haired tortoiseshell cat from a shelter. She's 2 years old and doesn't like to be brushed so I figured I would take her to a professional groomer. I've never had to do this with cats I've had in the past because they loved being brushed so I admit my lack of research and knowledge on what to look for in good groomers was my downfall as well as my kitty's. First, I called the place and they sounded friendly. I described my cat and what I wanted done which was a basic wash and dry and nail clipping and they said it should cost around $60 or $65 but they stated that I would get a more accurate price assessment once I brought her in (in case she was bigger or hairier or whatever). I did and they didn't change the price quote upon looking at her when I arrived. Perhaps I should've reconfirmed, I'll give them that and take the fault. I don't mind paying extra for a good job in good hands. But here's where things took a turn. First, it says on their site it takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours for grooming to be complete. It took over 2 and I brought her in at open FOR A BASIC WASH AND DRY. I came in to check on her after an hour and a half and they said she was scared around the dryer so they used another method and asked if it was okay that she be only slightly wet. I agreed this was fine (though it baffles me since most cats are afraid of dryers and I'm sure most groomers find a way around this but ok chuck it up to my naiveity on the matter). They also said she had a few small mats in her fur that needed to be cut. I agreed this was fine. I came back to get her and they charged me $85. When I questioned this, the receptionist said "Well we told you it was just an estimate over the phone and that the groomer would assess the price more accurately when you got here." I replied that at no point was I given this re-assessment upon my arrival and their initial inspection nor was I told it would cost more even when I came to check in on her midway the process. Whatever, I shuck out the money. Again, if it's a good job, I'll pay. I'm really easy-going about this. But I got my cat back home and let her out of her carrier and noticed that after 2 hours of "grooming" she was soaking wet, huge chunks of fur were cut from her backside and I mean huge (I knew she had mats and I assure you there were only a few and they were very loose and easy to get out, I had managed to get her to sit for a few minutes and combed a few of them out the night before and then she got agitated, the cutting was definitely overkill and probably more traumatic then just combing it) and she still had tons of loosely shed fur hanging all over her body, face, and tail despite me asking for a brush and trim due to her heavy shedding. She even had some lint on her from a new cat bed I brought her ON HER BODY STILL. This groomer in NO WAY could've brushed her. I called them back quite disgusted and they agreed to take her in the next day and redo but upon reading the negative reviews about cuts and bruises on people's pets and the poor jobs they did, I am terrified. I had to rush to work so I let her out of the carrier and drove off. Now I'm sitting here reading these reviews and panicking that she might've gotten injured since I had no time to inspect further. The last thing I need or want to do is retraumatize a shelter cat. DO NOT GO HERE. For the money and the job that was done, I was better off taking her to the local PetSmart for $35 less....In fact, I might see how they fare. Will never go back here. Maybe this place is better off with dogs than cats. I see most of the complaints are from cat owners. Some people aren't cut out to deal with felines. It's a whole different wave of animal. read more

An earlier reviewer said their review was regarding an owner/manager issue, and I should state the same here. Some of their groomers are really skilled. I'd been going there for about 18 months; sometimes I was pleased with my dog's cut, other times less so. One thing that bothered me is that the price seemed to jump around a little and I never really understood why. Recently I had what should have been a minor incident - seems there was a small accident and my dog was bleeding just a bit. I wasn't so concerned about the accident itself - accidents do happen, after all - but I wish the groomer would have called it to my attention right away so I could start treating it with some ointment; I didn't notice it until it had gotten dirty and started to ooze. When I called to ask management about this, they became defensive and refused to even look at pictures that I wanted to email them. I was wholly unsatisfied with management's response to what could have been no big deal. I won't be back. read more

I was referred to pet's Sake within several friends with dogs that are happy within their services. I changed from my previous groomer, and I am extremely happy with the results.. Staff is great and Buddy comes out perfect, looking good and happy. I HIGHLY recommend this establishment! read more

Within 10 minutes of picking up our dog from For Pet's Sake, he was gushing blood, and the owner/manager had the gall to lie about it and cover it up before backtracking to accuse us, 5 year loyal customers, of trying to screw her! The Whole Story: I had been bringing my Maltese/Bijon mix to For Pet's Sake for as long as he's been alive (5 1/2 years), but I will now be bringing my business elsewhere. In the last year or so their prices have skyrocketed, and there was never any warning or communication about rising costs. So, I started to shop around but I hadn't found anything better, so I continued to bring my dog for grooming services. Until Thursday, that is. My husband and I picked up our dog, Riley, at 5:45 p.m. and called at least twice to let the staff know of our whereabouts. We agreed to pay for his haircut by credit card, so they could shut down their register. When we arrived, Riley was the last dog to be picked up and he was waiting with the groomer at the front of the store. I paid by card, and when I asked if I could add tip I was told that my card had to be run as debit for a tip to be added. I promised to return the next day with a cash tip, and we left. But I couldn't help but feel that we had been rushed out. In addition to the $65 haircut, they charged $2 for a "walk" and I was told that my husband had requested one. In fact, he had been offered such a luxury and accepted, but was never told about an additional charge. When we got home, I started to look at Riley more closely. With his white coat it is easy to see any marks of dirt or blood. On the top of his head was a large scrape and dried blood, but worse, was his left ear was gushing blood as an apparent scab had opened! I rushed him to the sink to clean it up, and immediately called the vet for advice. My husband left a concerned and angry voicemail on For Pet's Sake's machine. He stopped in at this butcher shop on his way to work the next morning. We were angry because not only did our dog come home from a day at the "salon" with war wounds, but also because the staff deliberately hid what had happened to our baby. While I would have been upset that my puppy dog was injured, I would have been more understanding had the staff contacted my husband or myself about the situation or how it unfolded. EVEN WORSE, the owner and manager tried to tell my husband that our dog probably arrived with these scrapes and cuts. She was defensive, unapologetic and rude. We did eventually receive a cash refund (for everything but the "walk"), but not without threatening to get loud and angry in front of arriving customers. PLEASE stay very far away from For Pet's Sake and bring your business elsewhere. read more

I've used this groomer for years and never had issues. Last weekend I took both of my dogs in. Lux, my usual groomer, was on holiday. She always has my dogs back in a few hours. My dogs spent 8 hours there caged up. When I asked why I had to have them there at 8:30 if they were not seen until late in the day the scheduler was very rude and unapologetic. I was not happy with the level of customer service I received. I told her three times, once when I dropped them off and two separate phone calls that I needed them back before 3:00 pm. It didn't happen and there was no attempt to accommodate me. I had to rearrange my schedule several times and nearly missed my last appointment of the day. The bottom line is I was so stressed the entire day over my dogs being caged up for 8 hours and trying to reschedule my whole day. On the plus side my dogs did look great when I finally got them back. read more

My 14-year old long hair cat's fur got matted while I was traveling. I was able to get an appointment right away and they did a great job. I picked up a beautifully buffed and fluffed cat who was completely relaxed and happy. She truly did act like she had spent the day at the spa. Fees were reasonable. It's been over 2 weeks and Pookey still looks awesome. Pookey will be a repeat customer. Ask for Linda she is fabulous. read more

We have taken five dogs and two cats to this groomer for the last 33 years, and For Pet's Sake is wonderful. We have a Westie; when I bring him in, he looks like a dust mop, and when I pick him up, he looks like a show dog. He actually enjoys going there and leads us right into the shop. Jackie is the only person with whom I would trust our dog. read more

I brought my 60 # very densely haired collie-cross here for the first time a month ago. She needed a comb out, bath and nail trim. She was well groomed and done fairly quickly. The price might have been less at a big box store, but I am committed to local shopping and so used this shop near my family's home. The dog is easily traumatized but came home seemingly relaxed and happy. Must have been like a spa day! Plan to take her there again this week if I can get an appointment. read more

I've been using For Pet's Sake for the past 5 years or so. Initially we went to Odette to groom our 8 lb. shih-tzu poodle mix. I'll tell you - I wish I could clone that lady. She was the sweetest and did the best job on our dog. We were out of the country for about a year and when we came back we went back to For Pet's Sake. Unfortunately, Odette had passed away. We've been going to see Han since our return and I feel like we've won the jackpot twice. She's really friendly, our dog isn't scared to go to her and she does a great job. We usually just get the standard service - wash, cut, nails, ears and I've been very pleased. My dog looks great and she's happy. The staff I've interacted with on the phone and in the shop have been professional and pleasant. The pricing seems reasonable to me. read more

I have been using For Pet's Sake for 3 years. My 20 lb goldendoodle looks great after his visits. I normally use Alain or Lee and they both do a great job. I normally get the standard treatment, haircut, wash, nails and anal glands and it is about $70. I have done the 1st 3 myself before but just can't bring myself to do the 4 service. :-( Have also used Hairy Situation and find For Pets Sake to be offer a better value, better service & a better looking and consistent end product. Like most groomers in the area, they aren't cheap, but they are reasonably priced. I highly recommend them. read more

If you need to get your cat groomed like I do (yikes, long hair cats in summer!), then definitely bring your cat to For Pet's Sake. I've taken my cat to the vet mostly to get him shaved, and they always tell me they have to put him under to do it. BS! For Pet's Sake has someone akin to a cat whisperer who has my cat shaved and done in 45 minutes and she always says what a good cat he is! I am always pleased with their job, and the price is really good too! I'll be taking my cat here until either I move from the area or my cat moves on to his next life! read more

I have taken my dogs to For Pet's Sake since about 1984 and have nothing but good things to say about them. We currently use Lee, used Alan for our other dogs, and have always had positive experiences. My current dog is a challenge since she is leash- and stranger-reactive, but has had no problems during grooming. The owner, Jackie, is terrific. We have asked her advice and guidance on a variety of issues regarding our dogs and she has always steered us onto the right path. I dread the day she eventually will retire. We may have to take our dog and move in with her. read more

I show my dogs in AKC conformation, and always, before leaving for a show, I bring my dogs in for bathing, grooming, nail trimming and filing, often 4 or more at a time. Regardless of how busy the schedule is, the staff makes time for my dogs, happily. The services are professionally done, with respect and kindness to each animal, and they are thorough. My dogs leave the establishment freshly bathed, with nails trimmed, ears cleaned, fur trimmed and tidied. Additionally, because I bring several dogs at a time, the staff helps me unload and load the dogs into my vehicle. I really can't say enough good things about this establishment and all it's staff. They all really are terrific! read more

We've lived in the DC area twice for two years each time. While there, we always used For Pet's Sake (groomer, Lux) and totally love this place!! Perfect grooming every time for our little schnoodle (1/2 schnauzer 1/2 poodle)! read more

Wonderful service! Groomers are gentle with my senior dog and very understanding of her quirks - and of my anxiety. The only place I will take her! read more

BEWARE!! Longtime customers, never again! Dropped off our Yorkie mix around 8am, happy and healthy. My husband picked her up at 12:45 to find a dog who could barely open her right eye. Receptionist told him they thought she'd gotten a mosquito bite. Immediately rushed her to the emergency vet in severe pain and discomfort to find out she suffered a corneal abrasion. Receptionist (now identifying herself as manager) said they would not reimburse us for our $260 vet bill as the injury could have happened anywhere. Seriously? That defies logic, and furthermore, if a dog is in your care, suffering with a painful swollen eye, and you don't call the owner immediately, that's incredibly irresponsible, not to mention just plain cruel. I asked the Receptionist/Manager for her name and she hung up on me! I am hoping the owner, Jackie, will do the right thing, but the fact that she hasn't called back suggests not. I would never risk my animals' wellbeing by leaving them in these people's "care" again. Only wish I had read the other one-star reviews before our latest appointment. read more

For Pets’ Sake - My dog -- en route to the emergency vet with eye injury, minutes after leaving For Pet's Sake. - Pet Groomers Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Lily did a wonderful job grooming my cat, Mojave, today. He is a 7 year old black and white Tuxedo cat; long haired, high strung, high maintenance feline, and had never been groomed before. I wanted him shaved down to cut back on some of the hair balls and shedding. Lily put our jittery nerves at ease, and magically got our cat to relax, and quickly shaved and groomed him, including toe nail clipping, ear and eye wash, perfume and a sexy blue ribbon around his neck. He looks like he's "Top Cat" now, and ready for dinner at the White House. Thanks Lily and "For Pet's Sake" for a great grooming experience!! read more

I have been taking my rescue animals to For Pet's Sake for years now and am very impressed with the quality of services and merchandise. Mostly, I am very touched by the warm, caring way they treat the creatures -- and the owners. That's what keeps me going back again and again, and recommending them to every animal owner I know. MJ Bridge read more

I take my long-haired cat here once a month for nail clipping and occasionally for more significant grooming. The staff is always friendly and accommodating of my requests. Thank you!!! read more

The grooming staff is VERY hit or miss. I have long stories, but will not repeat them all here. Let me just say that my dog has been cut multiple times and each time, they act like they have no idea how it happened. This last time resulted in a $200+ vet bill. It's even been insinuated that the "slips" are not their fault because my dog has a heavy, curly coat. What?? The manager - her card says Jacqueline/Jackie but she refers to herself as Joann - is nuts. Everything is fine until you question their service or there's a problem (like a cut), then she acts like everything is your fault, or your dog's fault, or your neighbor's fault, or anyone else she can think of to blame. Don't be tempted to go here....it's convenient but you'll be glad if you take the time to find someplace else. I've had luck with "Happy Grooming" in Arlington. read more

I have been taking my dogs here for at least 10 years. I have had nothing but positive experiences. Dawn groomed my cockapoo and bichon (both rescues who are now in doggy heaven) and is now grooming my new rescue bichon who arrived incredibly matted. All of them have looked fabulous when I picked them up and the current pooch looks nothing like the hot mess he was when I first took him there None of them have ever seemed distressed about coming or going. Dawn was out of town when new doggy needed to be groomed and I saw Rosie who was also wonderful. They call when the dog is ready and it is obvious everyone loves the animals. read more

Wow. Hearing some horrible things from my former neighbors and friends about this place. What owner refuses to come to the phone when a longtime customer has a complaint? What receptionist hangs up on a loyal customer? Yikes. read more