About Pit Bulls

This was taken from the web site Pit Bull Rescue Central!

"Those who wish to label these breeds as “dangerous” are often quick to insist that the dogfighting aspect of their history somehow means that they are inclined to “fight” humans. This is simply wrong. A central fact of pit bulls’ history is that their lineage actually makes them less inclined to be aggressive toward humans. For over 160 years, they have been systematically bred away from human aggressiveness."


Please visit the site for more information about one of my most favorite dogs. It will clear up some misconceptions that plague this wonderful canine!

Here is a few of the beautiful bull dogs that we have helped in the past. I loved each and every one with all my heart.

Tank, he was an older pup when he came to us. He landed an awesome home in PA!

                                 

Bandit, this sweet girl is still with us.

                                    

Cowboy, he was a character!

                                     

Milfred came to us as baby. And left as an adult.

                                           

Cash, now lives very close to me. He was adopted by a wonderful person who loves him dearly.

                                           

Homer, was such a big ham. He looked big and scary but he was a teddy bear.

                               

Hillsville Man Gets New Face: Martinsville Bulletin

Here is a direct link to the news article. This is just an awesome story.
http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=32599

Images Of Amber Mae, By Betty Haynes Of Patrick County VA

Here is a video I made of picture I took over the past few years of my niece Amber Mae Johnson. I hope she knows what a beautiful girl I think she is. I love her with all my heart.
http://youtu.be/7c0a4gZkXKM .

Images by: Betty Sue Haynes. I Betty Haynes owns the rights to these images. Please do not use with out written permission of Betty Sue Haynes.

Save Money on Pet Costs: Splitting Larger Doses of Frontline Flea Medication

Save Money on Pet Costs: Splitting Larger Doses of Frontline Flea Medication

Pit Bull's Don't Cry Song

Meet Judy Doxie/Yorkie Mix Pup by betty sue haynes

Animal Cruelty

 

Bandit is one of the most dramatic "poor body score" rescue cases that we have taken in. The picture to the left reflects what she looked like when she arrived here at Our Critters Kennel. She weighed a stunning 39 pounds. The picture to the right reflects what Bandit looks like today after some of our special TLC. At her last vet visit she weighed 60 pounds.

Bandit was placed with someone whom we all thought was reputable. His father in law was in higher ups in law enforcement in NC and he had great references.  A concerned mutual friend went to visit with Bandit at her new home a couple months later. She was found very attenuated and with rancid sores all over her face. My friend was very upset and heart broken that Bandit had been allowed to get in that putrid condition. When they asked the person why he allowed her to get in such a state of deprivation, he said his other dogs would not allow her to eat and they fought with Bandit over the food. My friend removed Bandit from the neglectful situation. She called me in tears asking if I could help Bandit. So, of course I said yes. She was  not in the position to keep Bandit at her home. So Bandit came to our rescue kennel to live.

My husband and I were really fond of Bandit even before she was re-homed. I spent many days at my friend's place playing with her. Bandit was some what a "community dog" My husband and his boss were re modeling my friend's home in the development where Bandit lived. Bandit would find her way to the job site everyday to visit with my husband. He and his boss man would often share their lunch with Bandit. Although Bandit proved to be a "thief". She would steal hammers and other things off the job site and amuse her self with them. She always did things to keep up laughing. I loved hearing about the daily "Bandit Antics". Bandit was and still is so full of personality.  

My question is, would you consider Bandit's ordeal "animal cruelty" or simply "animal neglect"? I would think it would be considered animal cruelty. The guy KNEW she was not getting enough to eat, yet he did nothing to remedy the situation. He KNEW that the other dogs were fighting with her. Yet, he did nothing about that. The sores on her face were very bad infected  and with her drastic weight loss she should have been seen by a vet. Yet he did not take her to the vet. I honestly believe that if my friend had not visited with Bandit to check on her well being, she would have been expired within 2 weeks. Bandit was vetted when she was brought back home. The vet was stunned and appalled at her condition. 

We have helped many dogs like Bandit over the years. Some come in literally looking like a bag of bones. They are normally so thin their homely hip bones protrude, their eye sockets are sank in, and you can count every distended rib. What makes the over all appearance of these animals so heart wrenching, is the helpless, hollow look in their saddened eyes. To anyone who has just the smidgen of a soul and any amount of compassion in their heart, it would be like driving a calloused stake into their still beating heart.

I will continue to help the "Bandits" of the world as long as my heart still beats and my breath divulges from my earthly body!

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Betty Sue Haynes Rescue Dog Adopter Review

The cute little dog above was known as Spunky at our rescue. He was pulled from a high kill shelter in TN. Spunky had a few quirks, as with any dog none are perfect, just like us humans are not perfect. His adopter understood that he had flaws and she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and adopt him. She understood the risks of adopting an adult rescue dog, because you often inherit the bad behavior the dog learned in his prior life before being adopted. I am up front with all the people who adopt that no dog is perfect.  Rescue dogs often have many flaws. If they expect a dog to be perfect then they really have no business adopting. When they have unrealistic expectations they are setting themselves and the dog up to fail. Most of the time our stories end up like this one. We love committed and educated adopters who know what to expect, and how to uncover the best in their rescue dog. We admire the tenacity of a devoted human who is determined help a dog succeed. Those types of adopters are the ones that keep the wheels or any creditable rescue turning.

Sent: Monday, January 9, 2012 1:53 PM
Subject: Spunky (now known as Benny)

Hi Betty,

I've been wanting to write to you to give you an update on Spunky/Benny, hereinafter referred to by his forever name, Benny.

He is proving to be a wonderful family member and lives up to all you said about him - well, at least most of the time. He is laid back and humble too but he does have great amounts of energy at times. What fun !

Everyone who has met Benny falls in love with him. Those eyes of his just look straight into one's heart; how could anyone resist? I could not. Now, as for the one we call Daddy, he took longer to convince. First the issue of Benny thinking one of the cats was some sneaky creature that came out at night (he did). We are still working on that one but Biff Cat is getting braver and I keep introducing them to eachother. Slow but sure; I have faith.

Benny walked great on the leash from the beginning but I did get a Gentle Leader head collar for safety's sake around the cat and found it good for walking Benny at certain times when I know he is full of the surplus energy. The G. Leader is wonderful and calms him right away. Vet and sister both recommended it. If anyone asks they can see it on www.gentleleader.com

For awhile I thought Bob was going to make me part with Benny. I had many friends supporting me and got me through the rough patch, especially friends at the vet's and groomer's. It helped by taking Benny to doggie-day-care at the groomer's twice a week. He loves it there and definitely needed time with other dogs. He has a best friend who looks like he could be Benny's brother. Same coloring and near in size. They greet each other as best friends do and I am told play together the whole day. This gave, and gives, Bob and I two days to do whatever we want - go further afield, etc. and not worry about dog walks etc.

I also had a professional trainer come to our home one day to help with suggestions about the "mouthing" that Benny was doing, cat relationship and general suggestions re: training in obedience. By the time the day arrived for the visit, I had Benny's "mouthing", meaning grabbing me at times when he decided to play rough, mostly under control. I liked my method much better than the trainer's and am sticking with my firm but more gentle approach.

I have spent lots of time, treats and praise in working on every-day obedience. I don't know how much he already knew and is just re-learning or what is new to him but he does learn very quickly. He shakes (paw) regularly. Of course he is very food motivated and still prefers to perform for the treats and sometimes ignores commands that don't have a treat attached. But he is learning and will do just fine. The treats are part of the daily ration of food so his weight is staying very steady after gaining about two pounds when he first came.

Finally I must say what truly made "Daddy" come around. We have an 8 acre dog park near us (12 miles, which is near in our rural area). We took him there on a beautiful 50 degree day - New Year's Eve. He was ecstatic when he was turned free in that big area among about 12 other dogs of all sizes. He makes friends with all dogs and people. But the thing that opened my husband's heart was to see Benny run. He could out-run all of those dogs no matter how big. He ran in great, four foot, leaps and at full speed. Truly awesome to see. Other people were all asking us what breed of dog he is. The paper work said beagle/terrier but the first time our vet saw him and his long legs she said she thought he could be part Italian Greyhound. After seeing him run we could almost believe that. Bob was a runner (NYC Marathon) for many years and still hikes regularly on the Appalachian Trail. He still hikes at least 25 - 30 miles a week. Anyway - Benny impressed him. That afternoon I heard Bob say to Benny, "Benny, we're going to keep you." That took a long time to come for me but it was pure music to my ears. The miracle I asked for at Christmas was my New Year's present.

Bob walks Benny at least once a day and I do the rest. Benny now jumps into Bob's lap and I wish you could have seen the look on Bob's face the first time he did that. Joy. Otherwise Benny is where I am and always very close - as in touching me if not on my lap. He is a lap full at the computer.

Benny entered my heart at the first kiss (right out of the crate from his trip to NJ) and yes, he has also joined me in bed. How could I resist?

I love him - totally.

'

Thank you for your part in bringing Benny into our lives. God bless you and the work you do.

Mary R, Benny's forever Mom

Cool Blog On Moonshine Stills That I found

I wanted to take the time to share a very interesting blog I discovered. The name of it is “Moonshine Heritage Exploring the History of Moonshine in the Appalachians”.  Anyone from my back woods area of Patrick County VA would have to appreciate the time and effort this person has put into their blogging masterpiece. It is well written, and abundantly illustrated.  My favorite by far is the blog titled “Apple Pie Moonshine“.  Check it out today, and tell the author that Betty Sue Haynes sent you!

Betty Haynes's Dog Rescue Adventure In Campton KY

 
    This is just one of the many adventures my husband and I have had doing animal rescue in the past couple of years. This story, is one that makes me laugh now that I think about it. Then it was not funny in the least.

    Kenny came to be at Our Critters in an odd sort if way in 2010. We did a transport to Lexington KY to help get a rescue dog to his new family. One the way back our car decided to “give up the ghost” and die on us. We ended up in a small area called Pine Ridge in Campton KY. If anyone knows this area they know it is very remote. We made it to a store off the parkway before the car died all the way. My husband and I had to actually push it in to the parking lot to get it out-of-the-way. We determined the car had extensive problems that would not be worth fixing. It would cost more to repair it than the car was worth. It would have costed a fortune to have it towed the 6 hrs home as well. So, I went inside the store and asked someone if they knew anyone that would buy scrap. Some nice fellows hooked us up with a friend who had a garage and bought junked cars.

The nice gentleman and his wife arrived and we made a deal and ended up selling our car to them for junk. While we were standing there talking a lady in white mustang pulled up in the parking lot in front of us and shoved this little dog out of the car. She then took off down the road. The dog ran straight to the out stretched arms of my husband Barry. He scooped him up and placed him in the car with me. We could not believe what we just witnessed. I asked about reporting the lady but the gentleman who bought my car said it would do no good. They do not even have an Animal Control officer there. The game warden takes care of all the strays. What ever that meant.

    We hitched a ride to the only overly priced motel in the county. I was praying all the way that they accepted pets, and they did thankfully. We were so happy to finally be in a room with some air. It was very hot that day. We decided to name the little dog Kenny. Since we found him in Kentucky. Kenny is a suitable name. Kenny, turned out to be a VERY SWEET AND LOVING little fellow. An added bonus is that he is house trained.

    Sunday was spent trying to figure out how to get back home. All the car rental places were closed until Monday. Not to mention we had not eaten a meal in over 24 hrs. There was no restaurants that delivered to the remote area. The nearest store was 2 miles away. To get to it walking meant we would have to cross over traffic barricades and fight very heavy fast traffic. My husband decided that I was not going with him. He said there was no way I could crawl over those concrete barricades as short as I am. Not to mention I had flip-flops on and I have a leg issue due to a fall off a ladder a few years ago that required some extensive surgery to correct. I can’t stand or walk for any length of time without being in severe pain. So, by chance I was talking to one of the house cleaning staff and she volunteered to take me to the store. She was able to do so with the managers blessing. I was able to get some sandwich stuff and some snacks and drinks and dog food for little Kenny. I was very happy to do so. I was so thankful for the nice girl who helped us.

   Did I mention that I had no black berry service at the location? My cell barley worked to get calls out. There was no telephone books in the motel rooms. I had to really work to get numbers to call to research on how to get out of the little hick town we were stuck in. I called Greyhound which would have been our ticket out of there but only one thing, They did not accept dogs. So, even if it meant us WALKING HOME that is what we would have done. No way no how was I ever going to abandon that little dog the way he was abandoned in front of us. So, I began calling every car rental place I could think up starting at 7 am Monday morning. No one would do a one way rental. The ones that would do a one way rental required a major credit card in the driver's name, which we did not have. All we have is a debit card. Some would not rent without a KY license. I found one that would rent a one way but in order to do that I had to rent the car for 5 days and that was $1200.00. No way no how could I afford that. So finally after some suggestions from a dear friend and my brother we called U haul. They agreed to rent us a one way 10 ft moving truck to get home.

     Now, we had to get to the U haul rental place 30 miles away. We ended up getting a ride there with 2 Nuns from a near by Catholic Church. They were very happy to help Barry and I and little Kenny. Kenny was a hit with them. They said their Parish was under Saint Francis who was the Patron Animal Of Saints. I will never forget Sister Ann and Sister Amy. They were really our angels in disguise. Without them I have no idea what we would have done.

     It is amazing to think how God works things. Even though our simple “Go There, and Come Back” trip costed us over $700 when it was said and done, that is where we were meant to be. We were meant to find little Kenny. He is such an awesome little dog. He has long since gone to his forever home, but his memory will linger in my heart forever.

Why & How To Document Health & Behavior Of Rescue Animals

Merry Christmas From Us To You. The above picture is Buddy. He is a rescue from TN. He was found by Animal Control tied to a tree. His family moved and left him behind. He had so many trust issues. I managed to win him over, and he is a forever critter of our rescue kennel.


______________________________________________
It is very important for anyone that does animal rescue to document the health and behavior of each of the rescue animals in their care. It is just as important to have a detailed written time line as it to have a in-depth photographic time line. This serves as a more detailed guide for the care giver. It also serves as evidence if you ever need it for what ever reason.

There are a couple of ways to keep written documentation. You can use a free open source service called Animal Shelter Manager. It is a data base program that stores the info on all your animals in one spot. There are other similar programs that you can buy that would make record keeping less tedious.

Even if you use a computer or data base program for record keeping it pays to back everything up with hard copies of your records. You never know when the technology we depend on can fail. A disastrous crash of a much relied on computer can be enough to send any rescuer in to a feverish panic. You can simply use plain manila folders and file your documents in regular filing cabinet. Inside the folder you can use a simple form that allows you to document, vaccinations, de-worming, vet visits and behavioral notes for that animal. You should include in the folder all hard copies of any vet visits that the animal may have had. You can customize and tweak your manual filing system to fit your needs.

It would be a good investment to back your information up a 3rd way. A rescuer should give considerable thought to also backing up all records with a removable flash drive or saving their info to a CD or floppy disks.

Things that need documented via a computer program, hard copies and removable storage and are the following…

A: Basic Info:
1- Animal’s Name
2- Birth Date or Estimated Birth Date
4- Breed, or Estimated Breed
5- Sex
6- Color & Markings
7-Length Of Coat
8- When the animal arrived at your place and how you obtained it!
It is a good idea to include a current up to date picture of the animal to place in it’s file.

B: Behavior/Training
You should note things that indicate if the animal is over all good-natured, has fear aggression, likes people, gets along with other animals of other species. If you are dealing with dogs, note if the dog is good on a leash and if he/she is well-behaved if restrained. Note if the animal has any known destructive behaviors. You should also mention if it is small companion animals you are documenting if they are house trained etc.

C: Health Notes
1-Date Of Vaccinations
2-Dewormings Should Be Documented
3-Any special Test, and when last done( ex: Heartworm Test For Dogs)
4-Note Any Medical Treatments given at home or ordered by the vet.
5-Date Of Spay/Neuter for small companion animals.
6-If the animal dies or you had to have it euthanized that needs to be recorded on the animal’s file.

D: Miscellaneous Notes
Here you can document anything that you have not covered other wise. For example you can make a note in this area if the pet requires a specialized diet.

As with any record, it is important to put the date on it when any new information is entered. It is very important to keep everything current and dated. This applies even if you are just jotting down a note that takes a mere 2 seconds to write.

Having detailed written documentation coupled with in-depth photographic records can greatly benefit the rescuer. A rescuer can review the evidence at hand and determine if their current program is working or not. Having all your plentiful detailed information will also provide you something to fall back on if you ever need to reveal it as proof. You may have to use it to present a case against someone. When trying to prove neglect or abuse it’s good to have all your ducks in a row. There is also a chance you can use it as proof to support many arguments if you are defending your actions in a court of law. You can never have enough documentation if you deal with rescue animals. As stated in the previous article it pays to keep in mind that what is NORMAL to the people who deal with rescue animals may not appear that way to outsiders. It is human nature to want to demonize others and assume the worst.

Betty Sue Haynes

Betty Sue Haynes

Just wanted to share this picture of one of my forever pets.

Our Christmas Miracle

“ Our Critters Christmas Miracle”


Last Christmas Eve my husband and I spent the day searching for one of our rescue dogs. She was a small Border Collie mix we lovingly named “Pebbles”. She had slipped her leash on the way home from an adoption in MD. The adopter did not have enough patience with a younger dog and she gave up on Pebbles, in my opinion just a little too fast. The volunteer who was transporting Pebbles back to us was heart broken that Pebbles ran away on her watch. She had spent hours looking for Pebbles in the rocky mountainous area where she was last seen.

Pebbles had escaped the confines of her leash just outside of Lexington VA. In no time we had a dedicated group of Volunteers combing the rugged terrain of the area. There were many sightings of Pebbles from various locales but no one was able to secure or capture her. I knew time was running out. Pebbles was out on her own at the worst time ever. Most of that area of VA as well as where we lived had been blanketed by at least a foot of snow. The temperatures were frigid as well. My dreams were filled of my little dog and I felt as if she was willing us to come take her home. That is the only way I know to describe my feelings.

The night before Christmas Eve my husband and I decided to go look for Pebbles one last time. We drove the many hours up 1 81 to the location she was last seen at. Our plan was to get up at the faint crack of dawn and start looking for our beloved canine friend. So that is what we did.

We combed the rough snow covered terrain, We had searched all day with no luck. We saw many signs that she had graced the area but we had no sightings of her. I could feel her near with every being of my body, yet with each plea I made calling her name my heart sank that much further. Time was running out. Soon we would have to go.

We were about to give up and my husband decided to climb down in to a very deep ravine that was coated with snow and ice. It was very steep and it was hard to walk and remain upright. As he descended down into the abyss I searched the higher ground. After what seemed like hours calling and searching ,my heart was breaking. I felt so helpless and defeated. I plopped down on the back bumper of our van. I bowed my head and said “Lord I do not want to go home without my dog”. As soon as I uttered those words my cell phone rang. On the other end was the ecstatic voice of my husband. He simply said “ I have found her”. I had never felt such joy in my life as I did at that minute. Soon afterwards my husband appeared gallantly carrying Pebbles out of the grasp of the rugged wilderness. It was if he was a knight carrying a Princess out of the grip of a falling kingdom! What a sight it was to behold. He had Pebbles tucked under his coat, and as I got close enough to her, she kissed my face. She was as happy to see me as I was her. I uttered THANK YOU LORD!

The happenings of Christmas Eve stayed with me though out the year. When things got tough and I thought I did not have a friend in the world the memory of finding little Pebbles always enters my mind. I am reminded that no matter how helpless I feel someone up above is always listening. Little Pebbles had been on her own the in blinding bitter weather for almost 11 days. It was truly a miracle that we found her. I thank God that he was listening when I made my plea to him that cold winter day.

May you and your family experience a little Christmas Miracle of your own. May it permeate thought your soul and heart for the duration of the upcoming new year. It truly is the simple things in our lives that we should be most thankful for!

Merry Christmas,
Barry,Betty & Blake Haynes
Pebbles & The Other Precious Souls Of Our Critters

Review of our stay at the Sea Oats Motel in Jarvisburg NC

We stayed at the Sea Oats Motel in Jarvisburg NC from July 11th-14th 2008. I booked the room over the phone. We stayed in an apartment style room. My main complaint is that on their web site http://www.seaoatsmotel.net, it is not stated anywhere that THERE IS NOT A PHONE IN THE ROOMS, yet other things are listed. One would expect there to be an in room phone no matter how low budget it is.

The phone thing is a big deal to me since I am a business traveler. I have to access my email via my laptop when I am out of town. I use dial up internet thus I need a phone line. What makes this so bad is I emailed a day in advance and asked if there was a local dial up number for that area and I told of my need to have a phone. I also tried to call and no one returned my email or my call. When I got there the manager at the front desk took my money for my whole stay. Then I went to my room to discover there was no phone in the room. I went to speak to the manager and asked why they did not state the fact about not having a phone on the website. She said she had no idea if it was on there or not. I asked if there was a way I could get a refund on all but my first night so I could go elsewhere and she said they did not do refunds. So I was stuck at a motel with no phone and during my stay there I lost 2 customers.

I know I could not expect much for $72 a night but there are somethings that a person would assume that was included such as a phone. They really need to do some remodeling or atleast get the place up to code. The kitchen counter was rotten underneath, the light fixture was falling out of the ceiling and all the plug ins were worn out ...and not all of them worked.

The only good things I can say about the place was that it was VERY CLEAN and it was quiet. No one bothered us during our stay. When I got back home I sent this email to the owner of the Motel. I might add it took the owner about a week to reply. I also mailed a written letter to the owner.

______ EMAIL TO OWNER OF THE SEA OATS MOTEL__________
Hi,

We booked a room at Sea Oats for July 11th-14th. We arrived on the 1th about 3:30 pm. I paid the entire balance of our stay BEFORE checking out the room which was a mistake on my part. The amount was $243.54. Although I know with rates at $72 per night you can't expect the Ramada or anything in your location but there are some things you expect. I have traveled enough to know what is what.

The main thing for me was the fact that there were no in room phones! Which would be no big deal,if it was not for the fact that I needed a phone line in order to check my business emails with my laptop, I had a local dial up number for your area. When I found out there was no phone lines I talked to your manager who instructed me that she could not help me. I asked if any of my total amount I paid was refundable so I could go to another motel after the first night...and she said No that you guys did not do refunds. Which I think that policy is rather one sided since I am an unhappy customer. You should do what is right. Your manager should have refunded my last 2 nights so I could go some where with a phone in the room. Not only that ....but I emailed you 2 times before I left to ask about internet access and phones and no on bothered to email me back. I assure you that if you had told me there was no phones I would have went elsewhere even if I had to pay you 1 nights stay. I even tried calling before we left and no one answered the phone there at the motel. Most motels/hotels have phones in the room so I just took it for granted that yours were the same.

Not having a telephone costed me 2 customers which I am very upset about. The type of business I am in I have to have email and computer access every day. I am not a happy person about this. What could I do though...your manager refused to refund me and I dang sure was not going to lose my hard earned money I had already paid. So we were stuck there. What makes it extra bad is the fact that YOU DO NOT HAVE STATED ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE IN ROOM PHONES. Most people like myself would assume you do...after all most motels/hotels have in-room phones. If they did not you would expect them to be honest and post it on their website. When I mentioned this to your manager she said she did not know if it was stated on your site or not. Well I am here to tell you that it is not. There is nothing mentioned about phones or the lack there of. If you want to save future disatisfied customers I urge you to post it on your site.

There were some other complaints as well. First you should really have someone to check your wireing. The outlets are worn out. The ceiling light was falling down and the bulbs were blown. The electrical thing is a hazard and a fire risk not only for you but your visitors. Your only saving grace in my eyes was the fact you had super nice cleaning ladys The room was very clean when we got there. They showed up sat morning and gave us some clean towels and things. I was impressed with them. Esp the older lady. She was sweet.

I am going to give my HONEST review on all the travel review web sites and my high traffic blog. I assure you that I will state everything that I have stated in this email. It is the truth and nothing is made up or falsified in the least. I think you should do something to make this right with me...maybe refund part of my money.

_______END OF EMAIL____________________

I got this reply from the owner of the Sea Oats Motel after resending my email above atleast 3 times and mailing a hard copy of it.

_______Begin Reply From Owner Of The Sea Oats Motel_____________

Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 3:13 PMSubject:

Re: Openings for July 11 12 13

Betty Sue;

Thank you for choosing the Sea Oats Motel during you recent stay on the Outer Banks. We are sincerely sorry that some of our amenities that you required to do business during your stay are not offered at our motel. We are a small country budget motel that offers clean basic amenities for our guests. In order to keep costs down, we do do not offer phones in the individual rooms. Today, the majority of the people use cell phones exclusively & our pay phone next to the office door has been sufficent for the needs of our guests at our motel so far. I apologise I did not reply to your email that you sent at 3pm on Thursday, 7/10. I answer my emails usually once a day & did not get a chance to review yours until the next day, Friday afternoon, the day that you would be arriving. I assumed that you were already on your way here if not, already arrived at the motel & your questions would be answered then. If your laptop computer is a critical tool to your business, I would recommend that you become equipped with the latest technology & be prepared for any type of connection, dial up or wireless or whatever - in all locations, whatever that may entail. True, our website does not address the topic of phones or internet service at our motel. It does not mentioned either that we do not have jacuzzis or a pool or a lounge or a playground either. The list could be lengthly of what we don’t have. We do mention items that we do have like a microwave, refrigerator, coffee, etc... in each room. Now that you have brought this to our attention, I will make a point to have that updated on our website. As far as the light fixture in your room, it is a recessed fixture whose cover had drifted down about an inch and need to be to be snapped back into place; no threat to safety. The office would have been able to provide you with a new light bulb if requested. We welcome your business if you wish to stay with us on your next visit to the area.

Sincerely,

Jim Hornbrook

ownerSea Oats Motel
_________END OF REPLY FROM THE OWNER OF THE MOTEL__________

And here is my reply to his email

_______MY REPLY TO THE OWNER OF THE SEA OATS MOTEL______________
Hello,

I do apprecaite your reply! With the phone, well most people would honestly assume there was in room. That is a basic thing for even the most low budget motel (atleast it has been in the many other motels I have stayed in up and down the East Coast). I also gathered from your web site WITHOUT BEING TOLD that you would not offer things such as quote" jacuzzis or a pool or a lounge or a playground either".... and the general public would assume the same thing...just as they would asume that you had a phone in the room. That was/is my main complaint and it was something that costed me customers. I have never had an issue getting online via dial up any where else I have been. It just made matters worse that I attempted to find out before I left and no one replied...nor could I reach anyone on the phone.

I do honestly think you should post it on your web site that you do not have in room phones PLEASE. I mean some people may not come with a roll of quarters to make phone calls and it is nice to let everyone know stuff like that no matter what. Not everyone has cell phones either.

I would stay at your motel again if I had no other choice. I think something should be done to make things right with us....I was refused a refund which just threw salt on the wounds already. Most places give refunds after the first night if a customer is not happy. I run a business to, and the customer should be treated fairly.

Thanks,

Betty Haynes

Ps... You did in fact have very clean rooms and that was a point in your favor.
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My main complaint is the fact they should state in their web site TRUTHFULLY and up front about what they have and do not have at the motel. That way there is no room for error and there will be no surprised visitors.

Other than the deal with the motel...we had a wonderful time out on the beautiful Outer Banks of NC.

Thanks,

Betty Haynes