8.10.2010

August 10, 2010

White Dog and Quinn had shopped very carefully and wrapped and packaged their Paw It Forward gifts in tissue to provide additional play value when the box was opened. They excitedly made sure nothing was left out when we taped shut the boxes. They followed me to the computer to generate Postage Online tags for the packages.

Oh no, a snag! One of the boxes goes to Ginger Jasper who happens to live in England...you cannot do International mail online (according to the site). No problem, I reassured the now nervous pups, we'll call our Post Office and find out all the details.

Well you can't just call your neighborhood USPS anymore; at least not easily. The number on the website connects you to a centralized USPS information site.

White Dog has been with us here in New Mexico long enough to have learned that many Americans outside of the Southwest are geographically challenged. They think we are not part of the USA but rather citizens of Mexico...OLD Mexico! This happens more often than one might think. And so it was with the Customer Care representative that attempted to "help" us get GJ's gifts to him.

White Dog and The Other White Dog heard me give our address and then say, "yes that is our zip code...we ARE in the United States...I said NEW Mexico, it IS a state, we have a zip code..." By this point White Dog was lying down eyes closed and Quinn was having fits over the fact that his first Paw It Forward encounter was heading off the cliff. "What do you mean I need to talk with the Postal Service in Mexico for International rates to England? The package is going from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA to England...yes FROM the United States!" WD muttered, "just give up and have dad take it to our post office, I hope they'll know we are one of the States!" One last try and when the CSR offered to try and find an 800 number for the Mexican Postal Service, I gave up.

As we ended the call my misinformed government worker said (as I am sure she is scripted), "Was I able to help you with your question today? Are you satisfied with my assistance?" From my feet came White Dog's reply, "¡Usted tiene que embromar!" (you have to be kidding!)

Don't worry our handsome orange feline friend, somehow someone at our Post Office is going to help us get your package to you...

12 comments:

TwoSpecialWires said...

We happen to know that Ginger Jasper is quite patient. And understanding. Just like you. ((Thanks for your patience with our very long ... too long ... hiatus. We DO think of you, fondly, often!)

Love
Jake and Fergi, Moma and NinaGirl

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Our grandfather (Mom's Dad) was the superintendent of collections and deliveries for the USPS for many years a long time ago. He must be turning over in his grave with the service they provide today. You are so right - impossible to call your local P.O. - ridiculous.

But GJ is a very patient and sweet kitty - he will understand.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Gotta love our word verification word - sphtsh:)

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

So
Furry
Sad

Purrhaps woo should submit your blog post to their on line 'contakht us' link!

GJ is a good bloke - fur a khat that is!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Khousin Merdie

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

That's so weird that the post office doesn't know where you are! I mean, they deliver mail everyday right? But I think your postal service is still way better than ours coz you can do online postage tags! Ours still can't...we have to still go to the post office and get the people there to do the tags and all >.<" And we still do use stamps! LOL!

Scottie

Amy & the house of cats said...

First, we have to say that our Paw it Forward made it here safe and sound - and is totally adored by everycat!

Now, as far as shipping online to GJ, I am surprised you can't print a label, because I know I have done it - to Ginger Jasper. The only issue would be maybe weight - not sure but I know I have shipped stuff to GJ on the USPS site before.

And well, sadly, I am not too surprised that they didn't grasp that you are in the US. Not because of the post office itself, but because of the sad state of our geography education. I have to say that I love that my social studies teacher in junior high made us play the geography game once a week - stories like these make me extra glad!

Jacqueline said...

Wow, it's pretty incredible so many people don't understand New Mexico is part of the US=if it weren't so pathetic, it would be funny!...But, of course, you were dealing with a government agency, right?!!...Hope you have better luck at the actual Post Office!...However, GJ is a wonderful kitty and definitely worth the trouble!...kisses beautiful US friends :)...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki

Teddy Bear said...

We never knew that there could be such a misunderstanding about New Mexico. How could something so simple be so confusing to some people. Yayy for your Dad to the rescue.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those darn postal humans can be challenging sometimes!

Mack said...

That is why it is called NEW Mexico! BOL!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Oh dear so sorry its causing trouble, but as everyone said I am a very patient kitty and as y mum says all good things come to those who wait.. It will be all the sweeter when it arrives. Dont worry my two white woofie friends.. Hugs GJ xx

Sagira said...

Aww..they are so lucky to be playing with you. PIF is so much fun. :)

Kari in Alaska said...

you should hear some of my stories from Alaska...

Don't forget, we moved to http://dogisgodinreverse.com/