. "6"^^ . "0"^^ . "2012-04-19T00:00:00"^^ . . "I wrote the following review based on a phone call because I thought people needed to know about this. After the not-so-pleasant call to Tailwinds, I did some more research. And I found Smelly Dog. I almost didn't call because of the name. Schooner and I visited there this afternoon and the place looks pretty good...and they do NOT charge that ridiculous $10 fee for the temperment test. Schooner, of course, did great because that's the kind of dog he is. He is scheduled to go play there one day next week so we'll see how that goes. \n\nRead on for my initial review, which, after the owner's unremarkable comments, stands. I was shocked she didn't even want to try to earn my business. If you're looking for an overpriced place for your pooch where they'll call you a liar on the phone, not apologize for it, then not even bother to earn your business, Tailwinds is it! Thankfully, I know I'm a great customer and I have plenty of options when it comes to spending my money on my pet.\n\n\n\nI'd love to try this place out, but as someone who knows dogs and knows my dog, the idea of paying someone $10 to find out what I already know about my dog is ridiculous. The young lady I just spoke with was as polite as she could be, but just because other dog owners have lied about their dog's temperment does not mean I am. I was offended. It felt like I was being called a liar. By the end of the conversation, all I could say was to tell the owner she's losing business and to have a nice day.\n\nNow, signing on to Yelp, I see there are some free days for new clients. Well, maybe if the young lady had bothered to mention that I might have reconsidered. I still do NOT like what amounts to a ridiculous fee (that only one other place has done and I was able to convince them not to charge that fee). \n\nGilbert Dogs remains my favorite doggie day care place! Sadly, the day I was calling about requires my dog and I to be up at Villa la Paws for an evening class and our first day care experience there was not stellar. Plus, they're the only other dog day care place that tries to bilk out an additional $10 for this temperment test. I'll give you references. I'll bring him in for a quick visit. But I am NOT paying that fee. It's the principle of the thing at this point. \n\nBy the way, I easily spend $30 to $40 a week on doggie day care at Gilbert Dogs and the one other place Schooner loves, Four Paws Pet Resort in Mesa. If Tailwinds doesn't want my money (and the money of people I will talk to about this conversation), then so be it. Apparently you have enough business to make for a nice, profitable bottom line without my money.\n\nAnd what a shame that Schooner's very large fan club won't include the wonderful people at Tailwinds. He's a great dog! Just ask Gilbert Dogs or Four Paws.\n\nKind Regards,\nVicki Rumford"^^ . . "9"^^ . "1"^^ .