Dogsitters dilemma

[pp3460]

oh ok thanks - I did wonder if I was doing something wrong - well I hope for HollyPolly's sake her petsitter works out well - I know how she feels when you trust your beloved pets to a stranger -- you just worry, it's very difficult.

[HollyPolly]

Hi, just HollyPolly replying to your post.

Thank you so much for the offer, it really is very kind of you, but we think the sitter will be fine with Holly. We met with the dog sitter on Saturday and feel comfortable with her staying with Holly. She had read preliminary notes that I sent to the pet agency and to her credit she was prepared to set her alarm clock so that she could get up for Holly during the night! Also, she is experienced at giving medication, so I am re-assured about that. Thankfully, Holly seems much better and can go a good 6-7 hours at night at the moment. We have another visit booked in 5 weeks, the wedding is two weeks after that. Holly will have two vet's visits before we go away, so I think that has re-assured the sitter, she has also suggested that she texts us during the day, which we welcome. If the worst should happen my husband wants to stay with Holly as he is the one she is most attached to, but thank you once again. Our family are aware of Holly's ill health and we have already said that there may be 1 short at the wedding! It is my sister's daughter getting married, my sister's cat is very ill also and having to be looked after, so there is an understanding of the dilemmas of sick animals.

There are so many people who just do not understand our situation, I have had some very unkind and unhelpful opinions expressed, some from previous dog owners!

I was speaking with my husband today and I might register to be a pet sitter myself in the near future, but I will go to the wedding first, see how Holly gets on and take it from there. I would not be able to travel far as I have caring responsibilities for our son, but I could dog sit in my own  home. If I could make a difference to someone getting out or away for a while I would like to try. Maybe something can come out of this, perhaps a bit early to say, but now that the topic has been aired I am sure it won't go away.

Thank you once again and if I can be of any help, please do let me know. I will post back here when we come back!

[pp3460]

Hi HP - oh good I'm  pleased to hear that you're more comfortable with the petsitter - you usually get a feel for how they'll be with your pets.   We once cancelled a weekend away after a visit from a petsitter years ago - she was so laid back and didn't even acknowledge the two cats we had - it was all just matter of fact, that we just weren't happy leaving her with them.    The very fact your lady's offered to set her alarm during the night is a really good sign that she cares about Holly and about your concerns.  And the texting is so important - my friend who has sat for Jenny texts me on a regular basis reassuring me.  So I do totally understand where you're coming from.    I think it's good also that Holly meets the petsitter again before you go.   When I first had Jenny I had found a dogsitter and was a little nervous, so I left Jenny with her for an afternoon first - then she had an overnight with her and then I did a weekend but that was in the pre-Addison's days and I was happy with her being at someone else's house then - now I'm not so sure.

And yes you will get lots of opinions from both pet owners and non-pet owners - the non-pet owners I don't even try with anymore but pet owners I always say but have you had a dog with Addison's disease? 

I have thought about pet sitting myself in the past but I decided I didn't want the responsibility - as a job that is - but I really wasn't trying to find someone on here (but thank you so much for offering your help)  it was more I wondered if anyone else didn't go away like me and if they had to, then worried that someone not used to Addison's might not recognise the signs that she needed help.    So it has been really helpful to hear other people are in the same situation really - but also maybe yes something may come of this - you never know.     I did think maybe one of the nurses at my vets might want to house sit but then I think they care for animals all day, plus they usually have their own pets - along with I guess a conflict of interests being an employee of the customer's veterinary practice.

But I do think there is a market for a petsitting service for poorly animals - given by people who have owned poorly animals and are used to the odd accident on the carpet, or getting up at various times in the night or just recognising when your pet just isn't quite 'right' .  I think people who work with animals the whole time, well sometimes it can become just a job, just another animal - I've seen it happen.

I go to a lovely friendly vet's practice but sat in reception a few weeks back, and mentioned I'd seen a lady upset about her cat in the car park - I was surprised by one of the girl's reactions - 'oh she's always like that - the cat's not that bad' or something along those lines.   I was sorely tempted when I got home to write to the practice manager saying the staff have to realise that for some people, their pets are their world, and in some cases, life savers.   And to hear someone be a little dismissive about someone's anxiety is not good advertising for their company.   I may even still write one day just to ask them to show a little more compassion - to everyone - I guess again, they see people and animals all day and sometimes, it's just another one - but it's so crucial that caring side at your vets practice and with petsitters.

Anyway I digress (as I usually do - sorry ) I really hope you both manage to get to your niece's wedding HP -- and I hope you find your petsitter becomes Holly's best friend while you're away ..... I think you just know when they're a true animal lover and it's not just a business.

Ps: I do have someone I can call on for Jenny if I have to - but they live a long way, they have to bring their pets up with them which I sometimes think stresses Jenny as the house is quite chaotic when everyone's here plus it's a friend - I sometimes think it's easier to pay someone and then I feel more comfortable saying do this this and this.

Thanks again HP