I do not run a shelter. But I care for many indoor and outdoor critters. I never know when I will need to go to emergency vets. And when one or more of my babies is in the last part of his or her life-I cannot know if I will need to cancel plans to be with a little one to nurse, nurture, and assess. I take the cell phone, home phone, and business phone number of anyone I make plans with. The animals come first. But I carry a small appointment book with me that I leave out at home on the desk. It goes to work with me. The animals come first. But a 5 second phone call has always been possible-even when it has been difficult to speak. One of my sisters has let me down 5 or 6 key times. My limited free time reserved for her children-with food and games and books and crafts and bedding prepared -was all for naught. Not even a phone call did she make. I was devastated. Over the years-this has been repeated. This upstanding person in church and community IS very spacy. But to me-there is no excuse for this: particularly when it was NEVER even followed up with an "I am sorry." It REALLY hurt my feelings, made me mad. And now? I do not find her creditable. I make NO plans with her or to care for her children. Had she taken 5 seconds to make a phone call? I might not make any plans with her again. But I would still like her as a person. Now I just love her as a sister. If she called me and needed me-I would be there for her because she is my sister. But I do not trust her. I find her unreliable, two faced, thoughtless, and unworthy of my friendship: because she couldn't be bothered to make a 5 second phone call. Don't alienate your customers-your potential adopters. Word spreads. People will not believe in you, or take a chance on driving over to adopt from you--especially in a small community. If you are not going to be there when agreed upon-just call. If you absolutely cannot call athe time : call that night or the next day. Say "I am sorry." You have no idea what a huge difference it could make. [Posted in FML issue 3770]