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Diggity Dog - CLOSED
Categories: Pets Pet Services Pet Groomers Pets Pet Stores Pet Groomers, Pet Stores [Edit]
321-325 Somerville AvenueSomerville, MA 02143
(617) 616-5533
- Nearest Transit:
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51 Bow St (85)
Somerville Ave @ Carlton St (87)
45 Bow St (85, 87)
29 reviews for Diggity Dog
29 reviews in English
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Review from Susie C.
Cambridge, MA
6/30/2009
My dog loves coming here, and we love taking her because we know she is in very capable hands with Lisa, Jen, and co. They walk her, and sometimes she gets a fieldtrip to the dogpark. The prices are great, and the dogs have a blast. The dogs that come here are so cute and jolly - I think they are feeding off the vibes of the place. Also, tons of variety in the breeds that come here - on any given day you might see a gentle, giant Newife, a golden retriever puppy, or a sassy English Bulldog. Too cute for words, and everyone is happy and safe.
I've never once seen hair on the floor, and we've been coming here for daycare a few times a week for the last 4 months. I am also hearing great things about the grooming, though my girl is a shorthair and only requires brushing.
I read some of the 1 and 2 star reviews. I think any initial kinks with this place could be chalked up to a new owner taking over an old business, and just needing some time to get into the swing of things and get settled. I think they are still in the transition process, as they are adding some murals to the wall, playing with the layout of the place, and they just opened the upstairs bath area. Ease up a little on the choke chain and give them a break.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Katie M.
Roslindale, MA
1/22/2010
Do not bring your pet to Diggity Dog in Union Square in Somerville! We trusted our dog in their care, only to get a call that he escaped from his collar while on a walk. Lisa Boughton, owner of Diggity Dog, could not tell us exactly where he was walking when he escaped. Nor did she help us try to find him. Now, I'm a dog owner and worked as a dog walker during college. I fully understand that dogs can be unpredictable. Anyone who works at Diggity Dog should be trained on what to do if a dog escapes. After talking with current and former employees, I have come to learn that she did not properly train her help with what to do during dog emergencies.
When we got to her store to begin our search for our dog, both her and her assistant were inside the store... not outside walking around looking for our dog!! Not once did she call us to ask if we found him. And not once did she go outside to look for him and call him. She has yet to apologize for her negligence. She even suggested that we shouldn't worry because he would eventually find his way home from Somerville to Roslindale. Now I don't know about you, but I wouldn't even want to fathom the thought of a dog WALKING from Somerville to Roslindale.
I asked her why she didn't help us look for him. She responded that she couldn't help look because she doesn't have a car, which is a complete LIE. And let me note that we walked around Somerville on FOOT all night looking for and calling for our dog (I have the blisters and sore throat to prove it). If she truly cared about our dog's well-being, she should have been out there with us, calling his name and trying to find him.
She has tried to place the blame on us for having a loose collar on our dog. Even though the collar was fine when he was dropped off, but was loosened from play. This is not the owner's fault. If she thought the collar was too loose, she could have tightened it or put a different collar on our dog (she does sell collars at her pet store, after all).
She didn't put in nearly enough effort to help find him. She said she would put up flyers (she never did). She wrote a Craigslist post, but didn't include the location from where he went missing. She even waited an hour to call us when he initially went missing.
Thankfully, we found our dog after making posters and walking around Somerville all night and the following morning. Two awesome Somerville Public Works employees saw our posters and called us when they saw our dog... MAJOR kudos to the Somerville employees who helped us. We are so grateful to the town of Somerville, its helpful residents and town employees.
Upon further research, I found Lisa used to own a pet grooming store in Framingham. Please see these stories: http://www.thebostonch...
http://www.metrowestda...
http://www.facebook.co...
She is very negligent with animals in her care, does not give her employees proper training, and is not fit to run an animal-related business. Do not trust Diggity Dog with your pets. Please. -
Review from the g.
MA
6/19/2008
We just got home from our first trip to Dogma. I had a great experience. The tubs are nice and big if you have a large dog, i have a small dog however and she was as comfortable as she could be in that situation, ie she hates water. :)
The owner was very nice and set everything up for us and explained all the products.
She also was great in cutting my dog's nails, since she has severe separation anxiety and i have to be there when it is done.
we will definitely go back for monthly baths and nail cutting.
i would love to see more of a selection in the store area, but they did have an excellent selection of natural foods and handmade goodies. -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 2/13/2009
I feel compelled to update this review, since Dogma has changed hands and is now Diggity Dog. (Not sure if the love for cats was lost in the sale, as well).
Anyway, the new owner, Lisa, did make an effort to ask me what products I'd like to see in stock, and did want to know mine and Woofie's names. Her enthusiasm and attitude come off as somewhat fake, though.
I bought Woofie a gentle leader harness here, and the guy she grabbed to show me how to put it on did it backwards, as I later learned at obedience class at a more reputable pet care establishment.
Lisa has a great space and is building it out to include more do-it-yourself bath space and playgroups, which is a great idea, but her lack of knowledge about dogs and the products she's selling concerns me.
I'll stop in if i have to. Unfortunate that the closest pet shop and groomer to Nunziato doesn't look like it has a promising future.Listed in: dog-tastic
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2008
Just returned from a do-it-yourself bath at Dogma and Catma, too since Woofie rolled around in the… Read more »
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Review from M M.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 1/28/2009
The store has changed hands, and is definitely not the same.
There is hair on the floor and just a totally different vibe.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/27/2008
Training, high quality dog (and cat!) food, self-do grooming and a pro-groomer? Check
Supports local… Read more »
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Review from Robert S.
Cambridge, MA
8/2/2008
Dr. Sparky just got his first cut here.
We decided to try it out because the nice girls at Union SQ. Veterinary recommended it.
The Owner is super nice, and the Stylist did an amazing job with him.
She was patient and careful with him. Best of all, the Doc now looks like a real schnauzer instead of a mop.
We will definitely be going back for his future grooming needs. -
Review from Anna W.
2/17/2009
Hmm... I am not quite sure what to think of this place. I only recently discovered it, after it had changed owners, and after reading through some of these reviews, it seems like the place was a lot better beforehand.
The main reason I went here in the first place was to buy "good" food for my cat. Did y'all know that the generic, kitten and puppy chow that you get from those large pet food chain stores are CRAP? They are mostly made of "filler" and do not have high quantities of anything remotely nutritious. After reading that, I felt incredibly guilty about the crap I've been feeding my cat for the last four years. So, I researched some good pet food brands and surprise surprise, not a lot of places carried them. But, this place does, and it is close to my mom's house, so I swung by one day after work.
The new owner was very nice to me. She actually told me that she just took over, and used to run a kennel (maybe that was a red flag), and was getting used to what her customers liked and what she should stock. She asked me questions about my cat and gave me suggestions on how to ween her from Iams onto the new food. I left my email and contact info with her and she said she would follow up, but she never did.
Anyway, my cat likes her new food (from what I can tell anyway), and I will be returning to buy more when I run out. Given that I don't use the grooming services, that seems to be where the bulk of the complaints are. My only complaint is how small the store is and how sparse the shelves were. I felt "awkward" in the store. I dunno if that's the best way for me to describe it, but it's the first thing that came to mind!
Anyway, it served its purpose for me, so I cannot be incredibly disappointed. -
Review from Zannah M.
Somerville, MA
1/19/2009
Dogma is now under new ownership and seemingly overnight transformed into a huge disappointment.
First, the groomer that I had developed a relationship with and finally trusted with my dog was dismissed without any notice when the new owner took over. When I recently went to pick up my puppy from day care, I was surprised to find a grooming table in the front of the store -- there is now hair everywhere at the front entrance. The table is also near the front doors, where it is really drafty. I don't understand why anybody would put a wet dog near set of doors that open and close frequently in the middle of winter! I also don't like that the dog is out in the confusion/unpredictability of the store while in potentially stressful situation as it is. The last straw was today, when I found out that the woman (another person I have come to know and trust) running the daycare at Dogma was dismissed without any notice last week. All of this made me question the judgment of the new owner. I decided to do some research before I took my dog back and I found this:
http://www.metrowestda...
I will not be taking my dog back to Dogma. -
Review from Melissa P.
Boston, MA
12/15/2008
Lulu and I have only been here twice, for the weekly Friday evening puppy play group, but we are two happy girls so far! The staff is so friendly, helpful, and clearly in love with the animals. I know Lulu is safe and happy when she's running around in the play room or, more frequently, when she's sitting back, observing, and trying to figure out if she is ready to come out of her shell. This is a great place to start socializing your puppy right from the beginning and when I see Lulu all tuckered out Friday night and even into most of Saturday, I have Dogma to thank. The puppy play group has basically given me my weekends back!
Listed in: If Dogs Could Yelp
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Review from Julia M.
Somerville, MA
1/21/2010
I am a new dog owner, so my review is not based on my loyalty to the old store or not wanting to see it change (as many positive reviewers have suggested). It is based on my experience as a client and talking to other clients. A dog was LOST without a collar this week while in day care with Diggity Dog, and the reaction of the owner and the worker involved was appalling, they offered no help in searching for the dog. To echo other reviewers, I have noted hair on the floor, dogs left unattended, and have witnessed the owner open the day care door and let ~8 dogs run loose in the front of the store (with possibility of escape if someone walked in the store). I have also heard from previous staff that they were left to run the store alone on their 2nd day on the job, that they were not paid for their work, and that the owner did nothing when they were bitten by dogs while working.
This in addition to what I have read about Lisa Boughton's previous business in Framingham (you can google it), I no longer feel safe taking my dog there. I wish I had the opportunity to know the old store, but sadly, I cannot recommend this place to anyone. -
Review from paul n.
Oakland, CA
7/10/2008
My dog Souichiro got groomed at Dogma for the first time today and it was a great experience. He was nervous and they were very patient. Also they did a great job with his cut. The staff was more than friendly. I will take him there from now on.
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Review from Brian D.
Somerville, MA
6/6/2010
Yeah.. closed. My first hand experience with Lisa (owner of Diggity Dog) was horrible, she lacked in customer service and wasn't good with the animals in daycare, which is why we left. I think our comminuty is better off without that type of business owner -- http://www.metrowestda... I'm excited for new Ownership, they already seem dog friendly.
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Review from Adam W.
Cambridge, MA
6/9/2009
Lisa and the rest of the crew do a top notch job. They enthusiastically treat the dogs (and owners) with a great deal of courtesy and respect. I've been taking my dog here since she was a puppy and have nothing but praise for Diggity Dog. Upon taking ownership, Lisa revived what was a failing business. The quality of her daycare service is unsurpassed by the competition. She's been progressively upgrading the facilities and is always more than eager to receive input from clients. To be honest, I can't imagine what the individuals who left poor reviews were thinking.
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Review from Amy C.
Boston, MA
5/21/2010
I'm sad to see Lisa go. She did and EXCELLENT job with my dog, Sam, and in my opinion, was an asset to the community. It's a shame that small businesses are having such a tough time in this economy. I would love to know where she lands. I'd take my dog to her any day.
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Review from lora v.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 1/29/2009
I used to make weekly trips to Dogma. But since the store has changed owners, I am really disappointed. The new owner asked for a list of things I normally bought so she would make to stock them. 3 weeks later, she still hasn't. And what she does have, she's raised the prices on. Ugh, and the grooming table with hair all over the floor right as you walk in is just gross. I miss the old staff.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/9/2008 First to Review
Just around the corner from the dog park (Nunziato field), it's the perfect location for a pet… Read more »
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Review from kathy g.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 4/22/2010
Diggity Dog is now closed.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2010
There's something really off about this place. I like to support local business, but I just haven't… Read more »
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Review from Beth G.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 1/26/2009
The new owner fired the groomer who had taken care of Ollie (without notice), the "grooming area" is a mess, and she fired the woman running the doggie day-care because the "nanny" wanted to maintain a limit on the number of dogs in the day care area at any time (for safety reasons) and insisted that any new dogs be evaluated before being left at the day care area (again, for safety reasons).
I'm not going to be bringing my business to Dogma anymore - and I'm sure as heck not bringing my dog anywhere near it, either.
ps - I found contact info for Laurie, the previous groomer, so if you want to get in contact with her, let me know!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/12/2008
(edited, see recent post)
We took our elderly Keeshond, Oliver, there for his annual summer buzz cut… Read more »
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Review from M. M.
Cambridge, MA
6/9/2009 2 photos
Hey Lisa, thanks a lot from both of us! Jingly is a standard poodle, and many of us know you can judge groomers by their job on poodles. Lisa, you did a great job! We will be back for sure. I found Diggity Dog through the referral - I met a girl at PETCO with her Pekinese, who was groomed perfectly. She highly recommended Diggity Dog. It was worth trying. Jingly says: "I am getting so many compliments on my beauty. I am enjoying it!"
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Review from Devon M.
Updated - 4/9/2009
I'm not really sure why so many people are hating on this place-I felt very comfortable coming in and getting Ruby's nails clipped here last weekend. I also came in the day before to check out the changes and merchandise while picking up some dog treats. (Polka Dog Bakery treats are the best!) The main thing seems to be a higher focus on grooming and less products. I get it. What's gonna make money? Grooming! You have to spend less to make money-it makes sense to me. Also, do you really need to walk into a place to get specialized food? It's just as easy to order online. The owner was really caring with my squirmy dog, and took the time to go over her nails to make sure they were as short as can be, which most places don't take the time to do. She also put Ruby at ease, and Ruby was just laying there on her lap and ignoring me-something she doesn't usually do. I also bought a toy for Ruby, which was very reasonably priced and interactive for her. Happy puppy!
Listed in: Ruby Tuesday is the most…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/3/2008
I had a little laundry list of things to do today, and on this list was wash Ruby, our wiener dog,… Read more »
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Review from S. P. D.
Cambridge, MA
5/18/2009
I agree with James and Devon! What are people talking about? I know that change is hard for people, but with that said...Gosh! I respect the fact that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but our experience was completely positive at Diggity Dog! My boyfriend lives up the hill from Union Square and I went to this place when it was Dogma with him, but that owner was so "heavy" and serious, as I recall. Not such a great vibe. She kept trying to sell the b.f. an unattractive doggy sweater that he didn't want when we learned that she'd run out of sizes in the better looking sweaters. Lisa, the new owner projects happiness and positive vibes. She is enthusiastic, genuine, caring and professional. She took her time grooming the pooch, did a FANTASTIC job and the price was extremely reasonable. There was NO HAIR ON THE FLOOR when we visited, by the way. The man in the back room was really engaging the doggy daycare dogs and they were all happily wagging their tails, chasing balls all over the room. We'll be back. There was NO trauma for the pup as he adjusted to a new groomer by the way...he was happy when we picked him up and he always wants to walk back into the store when we pass by. Now THAT's a testimonial!
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Review from Betty K.
Framingham, MA
6/6/2009
I absolutely LOVE Diggety Dog! I am an extremely fussy dog owner. I have an English Cocker Spaniel and very few people really know how to groom him. I have tried various groomers and there is nobody in the Boston or Metrowest area who knows how to precisely groom my dog. Lisa at Diggety Dog is fabulous!! She is highly knowledgeable and professional. My dog looks like a show dog when he leaves Diggity Dog! It is very evident that Lisa loves all the dogs who come for grooming and day-care. My dog wags his tail and jumps on Lisa to shower her with kisses everytime we go to Diggety Dog!
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Review from Amanda S.
Watertown, MA
10/2/2008
Love Dogma! I rescued Buster, my Boston Terrier, about 2 years ago. His previous owner never clipped his claws so they're way too long and bothersome. I tried to cut and file them myself but Buster got so upset (which made me upset)...I couldn't do it. So I took him to Dogma for a day. Dropped him off in the AM and he got a bath and a pedicure and was in doggie day care for the rest of the day - picked him up after work and he was so happy! The claws will take a while to get in to shape as the quick has grown deep into his claws, but after several visits, it will receed and will allow a shorter clip every time. He loves going there - I just dropped him off there at lunch today for a "spa day" and will pick him up after work. He has so much fun there and is always so excited when he realizes where we are going - that should tell you something, right?! And the people are great - they always greet Buster with big smiles and hugs and I never feel guilty or scared leaving him there.
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Review from Steph P.
Updated - 4/17/2010
went by today! it is closed!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/21/2009
Lisa (the owner) is so great. She took this place over several months ago and has really turned it… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer R.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 4/13/2010
Closed! :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/17/2010
Lisa has been a lifesaver since I started a new job four months ago and needed a day care place for… Read more »
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Review from aine f.
Somerville, MA
2/24/2010
I took my cocker spaniel there for the first time last weekend and had a very positive experience with Lisa. She was extremely accomodating on both the drop off and pick up times and did a very nice job on my dogs haircut.
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Review from Marissa D.
Somerville, MA
11/3/2008
My Maya ( a wonderful but extremely energetic shelter mutt) has now been bathed twice at this lovely establishment, and I am proud to say that she is CLEAN as can be... for now. Close to the dog park, it is a great place to take your pup after they've rolled around in other doggie dirt and grime for hours on end. The shampoo and conditioner are gentle on the pups, and the owner helps you set up the gig so your dog doesn't freak out...as much...You get some nice aprons, towels, and even a fancy shine spray that supposedly repels dirt- all for 14 bucks! Our Maya probably isn't thrilled with the bathing, but definitely loves the free yummy treats after. She also got herself a houndstooth jacket for the chilly winter mornings, and seems to be strutting with her nose held higher lately. Overall, the place is a great one-stop-shop for healthy food and treats, clean doggies, and even the much needed toys and accessories for your pampered pup or cat. I also see they are offering doggie daycare and Zendog is holding classes there, so if you need an intro to the somerville dog community, Dogma is a great place to start!
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Review from T. F.
Boston, MA
4/2/2009
I have to say when I came across these reviews I was completely shocked at the gravity of seamlessly cruel reviews some have posted! In particular the comment (please look up for yourself), about the owner killing an animal, which upon investigation, you will see for yourself, was a HORRIBLE ACCIDENT and was an employees terrible, terrible, mistake!! how someone could blame the owner Lisa is terribly cruel to say the least! I have never been to Dogma, so I can't comment on differences, but what I can say is I came across Diggity Dog walking my dog with my mother one day and we stopped in to see the place, we met the owner Lisa who was more than gracious in explaining her services and showing us the range of treats, etc. I was very impressed with her and the store, (it was clean!) I also had the pleasure of meeting some dogs in day care, she was attentive and professional and the dogs seemed to be well cared for!! Since that day I have been back to purchase treats and say a quick hello, for those on Yelp who are unhappy with the new owner or the changes since Dogma, well, hey, things change, that should not be an immediate negative on the new store or the owner, you can go somewhere else, for those who have yet to stop in, give it a chance, give her a chance, I bet, you will find a professional caring woman who has a great service to offer!!
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Review from Erica M.
Cambridge, MA
2/10/2010
I've walked by Diggity Dog many times while walking my dog, and they never seem to be opened very late. One night last month I was on my walk early enough to check it out. The inside was emptier than I expected for a pet store with only a few brands of dog food and some jars of treats. The treats they did have were the kind my dog loves and are at a great price. There were two employees inside- the boy at the register was very nonchalant, but the woman grooming another dog was much more talkative. However she seemed frazzled and hurried. No one was in the room with the dogs when I peeked in. It was a typical doggie daycare room with a rubber mat, but one thing that struck me was the hole in the wall around the electrical outlet - it looked like dogs had been chewing on it, making the hole bigger. I wondered how long it had been there and why it hadn't been fixed. Maybe I shelter my dog Stormy too much, but I would never want her left unattended in those conditions. The only plus I can give is that there was a water bowl on the floor.
Upon my exit, I noticed a lost dog poster on a telephone pole directly outside the store. On it gave the typical lost dog information, but what caught my eye was "lost from his union square daycare w/o collar" . With this being the only doggie daycare in Union Square, I came to another conclusion - is the owner of this store so oblivious to what is around him that they didn't notice the bad advertisement right outside their door?
Maybe I am looking for too much and not being realistic, but I would never leave my dog here - for either a groom or daycare. If they are still open when I walk by again, I may stop in for a low priced bully stick or treats from the polkadot bakery, but that is it. -
Review from Katie L.
Cambridge, MA
9/10/2009
Oh my!!! Just got back from here and all i have to say is that the blonde lady at the desk has some serious issues and should not be working with customers!! I brought a friends dog here to do a self-wash. As soon as I walked in A young man pointed for me to go upstairs and i did expecting there to be a check-in desk or another employee around which there wasn't so i started washing the pooch and all that was around was an unlabeled blue squirt bottle so i turned to look around the room to see if there was anything labeled or to choose from. Right in the open room there was a double doored white cabinet which was not completely closed tight and had no special instructions on it so I opened it and used a little conditioner and closed it up. When checking out, the fake blonde lady was pretending to be nice and then i nicely asked her if we were allowed to use the stuff in the white cabinet which she replied "no way". ok, was about to apologize for using it when she flipped out and wouldn't let get a word in....I was trying to explain to her that I wouldn't have used it if I had known-- a sign would help. She stated about 4 times that I should've come down and asked for help. So any groomer or pet shop owner that wants you to leave your dog in a grooming noose and walk down 2 flights of stairs for the CHANCE of seeing an employee isn't high on my list anyway but then she continuously accuses me of taking the conditioner and knowing that is was wrong--- hello..would not have even mentioned it if i thought u were gonna turn psycho....she then walked away and slammed the door refusing to hear me out! Great customer service..and u bet ur ass i'll be passing this along!!
