Posted by BossLadyMD on 9/2/11 11:29am
Msg #396101

Your dogs may be your 'kids', but we're conducting biz here

I did a signing on Monday for a couple who had SEVEN dogs. Now I love dogs, I have a Jack Russell terrier. But when I walked in the front door, 2 really big dogs jumped up on me. I thought I was going to be bitten. I stood very still and told them to put the dogs away or I would have to leave. Just because I'm a 'dog' person doesnt mean that I want to smell your dog's stink breath or get their spit all over my clothes.

Dog person or not, if you know you will have company that night put your animals AWAY. I was very angry. We got through it and the borrowers kept apologizing. How in the H-E-double hockey sticks did they expect to get anything done with these big, intimidating dogs walking around?? I was beyond irritated.

Reply by lindab on 9/2/11 11:58am
Msg #396108

I agree!! I did a closing a couple of years ago that had 13 rottweilers. The huge "dad" who had to be put in the garage so that he didn't eat me, the "mom" who just laid around and the rest were "puppies". The puppies were the medium size not "puppy" size in my book. That's alittle too much dog for me thank you.

Reply by CJ on 9/2/11 12:14pm
Msg #396110

I was wearing slacks on day. Their little terrior was growing, barking, snapping and vicous. It had a leash on, but it was not attached to anyone. They kept laughing and saying he was "harmless" and would not bite. As I was leaving, he went after me and bit the back of my ankle. Becuase I was wearing slacks, he got a mouthful of cloth and didn't hurt me. I said, "He bit me!" They say said, "He did? He did? He doesn't normally bite. Are you sure? Maybe it was just a love-nip." Basically, they didn't believe me. I was glad to leave.

Another time they opened the door and the dogs were so happy to see company, one dog lifted his leg on the leg of the couch. They didn't notice or care.

Reply by topflyt on 9/2/11 1:43pm
Msg #396130

I feel the same way about cats! Had a couple of closings where the cats had the run of the house and kept jumping on the table and stepping on the papers and then brushing up against my pant leg and putting its paws on me! I hate cats!
The owners kept saying "Now so & so, leave the nice man alone." Get rid of them! Put them somewhere else!
It was all I could do to get through the ordeals.

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 9/2/11 2:30pm
Msg #396137

As W. C. Fields said.....

Anyone who hates kids and dogs can't be all bad. LOL

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 9/2/11 12:16pm
Msg #396111

One of my most memorable signings was back in 2000. The owner opened the door and he had this absolutely gorgeous animal at his side. I always carried dog treats and during the signing I would occasionally reach down and give this beautiful animal a treat. She stayed at my feet throughout the signing. Then another one came into the room from outside. So, not wanting to play favourites, I offered a treat which was immediately accepted.
The owners wife said to her husband " She just took a treat from Sylvia, she is not usually friendly with strangers and stays outside" I explained that I love dogs and have an affinity with them. I almost fell down when I was told "Oh, these aren't dogs, they are pure bred wolves" Had I known there were wolves there (and they had 2 more) I probably would have turned down the signing and therefore missed a lovely experience.
Not only that, the borrowers own a Pack n Ship store and customers go in looking for a notary, and as they don't have a notary they have been sending me those customers since 2000.

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/2/11 12:20pm
Msg #396112

I'm just the opposite

I tell the borrowers to let the dogs loose. It's my favorite part of the job. I've never been scared or intimidated and they almost always settle down after the first couple of minutes. I love it when I ring the door bell and hear dogs barking.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 9/2/11 12:51pm
Msg #396118

Re: I'm just the opposite

I guess you have never been bitten by a "friendly dog".

I always ask the clients to move the dogs away from the area we are working in until after the transaction. I have a few animals and you don't know what even the friendliest of dogs will do when they come in contact scent of another animal. Around strangers, the owner needs to pay complete attention to the animal.

I am a dog owner and as laid back as my dog is, she goes out when there is company that she is not familiar with. Then if the company want's to meet the dog after the business is concluded then we do that. Even with the most friendly laid back dogs, you never know what is going on in that animal's brain. I will only introduce her to strangers when I can pay full attention and look for any signs of aggression or abnormal behavior.

I think that is just being a responsible dog owner.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 9/2/11 8:04pm
Msg #396163

Thank you Glenn....5 Star post!!!!!!!! n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/2/11 8:16pm
Msg #396166

Re: I'm just the opposite

Can't even count how many times I was bitten as a kid. Got mauled by a momma dog protecting her puppies, over 50 stitches. Still have the scars to prove it. Started working with my dad as a gardener and landscaper in Detroit when I was 12. Said hi to every dog I saw. Plenty of bites and scratches. As an adult, I've been the victim of a few friendly nips. Still doesn't scare me. I'm very calm around any dog, and they can sense that. I just love them and the borrowers appreciate that I pay attention to their little family member.

I don't blame anyone who wants them put away, but not me.

Reply by HisHughness on 9/2/11 2:42pm
Msg #396139

Re: I'm just the opposite

I love it when I go to a home with dogs, though 13 Rottweilers is pushing the envelope to the point where it tears. And I like it when they're loose during the closing. In 10 years, I’ve never had a bad experience, though my day may be coming.

As a frustrated grandfather with no grandkids, I also like to see kids, but not till after the signing. If you bend your thumb and use the nail as the nose, you can draw a pretty good floppy-eared hound dog. The routine goes:

“Do you have a dog?”

“I have dog. Wanna see him? He goes with me all the time.”

“His name is Themistocles. Can you say ‘Themistocles?’

“He likes to be scratched behind the ears. Here, you want to scratch him?”

“ARF! ARF! RRRRRFFFF!” (This as Themistocles pretends to nip the kid.)

Kids love it. Parents beam, and when they get to the signing agent section of the client satisfaction survey, they ask, “How do you spell ‘fabulous?’”

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 9/2/11 3:23pm
Msg #396145

Re: I'm just the opposite

That use to be me. I didn't care if dogs were loose, never bothered me until for some reason one of the dogs grabbed my ankle 1/2 way through the signing and would not let loose. I was wearing boots with thick stacks, so no skin broken, but it did give me cause for concern. The owner was really apologetic and we went on with come levity, but I have changed the way I proceed since then.

Don't know the reason for it, but it could have been the horseback riding that I did a couple of days prior. Or perhaps the dog didn't like conservatives .....

Reply by LKT/CA on 9/2/11 12:44pm
Msg #396117

Jack Russell terrier......my FAVE!!! I also like their cousin, the Parson Russell terrier - it has the wirey, scraggly coat.

Maybe going forward, during the confirmation call you can ask if they have animals and can the animals please be put away for the appointment.

Reply by Les_CO on 9/2/11 1:00pm
Msg #396120

My favorite Jack Russell

http://www.jackrussellbrewing.com/

Reply by LKT/CA on 9/2/11 1:07pm
Msg #396124

Re: My favorite Jack Russell

What national chains carry their products? I don't see a way to order online, and Camino, CA is 466 miles from me (almost an 8 hr. drive) so visiting them is "out".

Reply by CJ on 9/2/11 1:28pm
Msg #396126

Barking dog story.

I went to the borrower's house and she had a BUNCH of paranoid barky little dogs. Dogs usually calm down once we sit to down sign and they all found a spot and took a nap. At the end of the signing, the borrower needed to go upstairs to print or get something. I thought, "Here's my chance to help myself to a Hershey's Kiss in the bowl on the counter". I stood up and all the dogs jumped up and started barking furiously, and moved in to head me off at the pass. I sat back down and didn't move.

Reply by Les_CO on 9/2/11 2:33pm
Msg #396138

Re: My favorite Jack Russell

I couldn’t tell you about CA. Here in CO liquor is only sold in liquor stores, (except 3.2 beer is sold in grocery stores) we have several big ones in the Denver area that carry hundreds of different brands.

Reply by Ali/IL on 9/2/11 3:38pm
Msg #396147

Re: My favorite Jack Russell

lol

Reply by rengel/CA on 9/2/11 4:50pm
Msg #396150

I'm about an hour from them

I've visited them but unfortunately, did not inbibe as I was riding my motorcycle and don't drink when I'm riding.

I'm sure we can find a way to get a six pack (or more) to you! I think it's illegal to send alcohol via US Mail but I think you can send it via UPS?

Reply by TerrieG/CA on 9/2/11 7:46pm
Msg #396162

I went to an evening signing, and the lovely young couple had THE YAPPIEST JUMPIEST dog ever. A cute little poodle or white-haired some such who must have been fed amphetamines for dinner. The little furball would NOT stop barking.

We sat at the table with my notary bag by my side, and I started going over the loan docs. About half way thru the signing, the daughter innocently asked what the blue stuff on the couch was. We looked over and to everyone's surprise, the dog was chewing on one of my blue notary pens on their brand new beige couch. Ink was everywhere.

Now normally, I would have absolutely freaked out and felt responsible. But in this particular case, the dog was a pain, was unleashed, was jumping all over the place, and completely untrained.

So I managed to show some chagrin (that was as much energy as I could muster) and finished up the signing. As you say, "Your dogs may be your 'kids', but we're conducting biz here."

Reply by BossLadyMD on 9/2/11 8:09pm
Msg #396164

Well said Terrie! Let us do our biz, quickly get in & out :) n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/2/11 8:23pm
Msg #396167

Re: Well said Terrie! Let us do our biz, quickly get in & out :)

Relax there BossyLady, there's no right or wrong answer. You have your preference, some of us have ours.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/3/11 5:29am
Msg #396179

I, personally, have more problems with kids

hanging around the table with their sticky hands, runny noses and incessant questions than I do with dogs and cats - I've never met a dog or cat I didn't like but have met many kids who needed a good dose of discipline re-training...

As many here call them, love the furballs -

MHO

Reply by Teresa Rowe on 9/3/11 2:06pm
Msg #396205

Re: I, personally, have more problems with kids

I completely agree with you.

Where's the "home training" anymore????

Reply by BossLadyMD on 9/6/11 12:17pm
Msg #396471

Didnt think I needed your permission to send out kudos...

Take your own advise and relax....

Reply by NCLisa on 9/2/11 8:15pm
Msg #396165

I actually do this job to meet the animals!

I love animals, all animals. And the critters love me too. Cats that don't normally come out from under beds, end up in my lap. If they put the dogs up, I ask that they let them out. I keep lint rollers in my car so I can get the pet hair off.

This afternoon an incredible 200 lbs mastiff slept on my feet as I closed his humans loan. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/2/11 8:24pm
Msg #396168

You're right! 5 star post! Well said! LOL. n/m

Reply by BossLadyMD on 9/6/11 12:19pm
Msg #396472

Well I dont do this job to meet animals, not a vet tech :) n/m

Reply by HisHughness on 9/6/11 12:42pm
Msg #396479

Re: Well I dont do this job to meet animals, not a vet tech :)

Geez, BLM, I'm not a gynocologist, but if I chance to meet a well-turned-out widow while doing a signing, I regard that as a bonus, not a curse.

And if she wants to crawl into my lap and lick my face during the process, I'm up with that, too.

Reply by Art_PA on 9/3/11 7:48am
Msg #396181

A few days ago a woman was killed by the family pitbulls. They had 5 of them in a small row house in a crappy neighborhood in Philadelphia.

Reply by Julie/MI on 9/3/11 11:22am
Msg #396186

Pets just like children

They should be seen and not heard when company is over.

If you want children/dogs/cats/parrots to rule the roost all the time, that's fine, but not while company is there. I want to get in close the loan and move on to the next appointment or get home with my family.

The worst closing I had was not the inbred pit bull that had the head the size of a basketball, but the nipping dashound that nipped my ankle. I told them to put the dog away and they didn't.

Reply by Les_CO on 9/3/11 12:36pm
Msg #396191

Re: Pets just like children

I object to the inclusion of “PARROTS’ in this discussion! I’ve never had a parrot jump on me, and try and knock me down, I’ve never had a parrot slobber on me, I’ve never had a parrot ‘sniff’ me, I’ve never had a parrot ‘investigate’ my briefcase and/or the documents contained therein. I’ve never had a parrot try to physically attack me. I for one would LOVE it if these (untrained) dog lovers would get rid of their stupid dogs, and get a parrot that they could probably learn from. I have closed many loans where the borrowers have a lesser IQ than almost all Parrots. Birds and especially Parrots are the epitome of evolution, and we with our monkey brains just can’t quite understand…Yet…if there is such a thing of reincarnation, I want to come back as a parrot, descended from dinosaurs, free of earthbound concerns, and sure of things us humans can only wish for.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 9/3/11 12:46pm
Msg #396192

Les, your post reminds me of a signing I did in a lady's

home where her entire downstairs bedroom (right off the kitchen) had huge cages with birds in them. I could not believe how loud they were. We had to call the LO from the table and he asked "what IS that noise". He couldn't believe it when I told him. There was no way to shush them. They squawked and squawked and I couldn't wait to get out of there. How does one stand such noise? I agree, they don't bite you, sniff you, or attack you but talk about noise pollution. lol After we were finished, she walked me into the room. Such beautiful birds they were, but soooo glad they weren't mine. I honestly couldn't take it.

Reply by Les_CO on 9/3/11 3:19pm
Msg #396212

Re: Les, your post reminds me of a signing I did in a lady's

Most birds (parrots too) only ‘squawk’ to let others in their clan (their siblings, young, kind) know that there is, or may be some impending danger from lesser beings (snakes, monkeys, rodents) in the area that pose a threat to them. Some sing or call to attract mates or others of their kind. One can’t argue with several million years of evolution, or that God made them that way to help them survive. Your client should have introduced you to the members of her ‘flock’ and shown them that you were not a threat. Unfortunately having a Parrot, like having kids doesn’t require genetic or intelligence testing in this country. Fortunately most parrots that find themselves in the possession of moronic owners find a way to a new more understanding home. JMO

Reply by Susan Fischer on 9/3/11 3:11pm
Msg #396211

Speaking of parrots, one of my favs (signed them 4 times)

was a family with twin tween girls, and a managerie of interesting animals. Jose loved to tease the dog (who fell for it every time) - "Here Bobo, Bobo want a cookie?" Pant pant, wag wag, sitting under parrot. Jose, "hahahahaha."

Sign, sign, sign. Cell phone tweedles a tune. I pause, "Do you need to get that?" BOs look at each other, grinning. Jose, when feeling ignored, "calls" one or the other, (different tweedles) until that joke wears off for the moment.

The turtles and the snake never said a bleedin' word. The twins, observing at the table and dutifully turning over each doc and kept the stack neat as a pin, were included, helpful, and perfectly charming.

I miss that family.