atat / rr -- thank you so much. This really helps -- I've been thinking that my expectations are out of whack.

atat -- no, I can't do the police complaint. But, glad to know the leash situation is weird -- I thought so too but my experience with pets is non-existent and so, wasn't sure.

rr -- thanks again for validating that it's not normal. Yeah, leaving a personal note is definitely do-able and I'll do it with the treats even! You're right that it's painful but yeah, I'd rather do it than not.

Thanks a LOT everyone! Clearly, this has been stressing me out more than I thought it did.