As a sitter, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is sharing updates with homeowners while they’re away. I love hearing about the moments that make them smile or put them at ease. What’s the best feedback or response you’ve received from a homeowner after sending an update? Was it a funny comment, an exciting story about their pets, or perhaps a thoughtful note about their home? Additionally, I’d love to know what kinds of updates you appreciate most and what would make your experience even better. Let’s share our experiences and strengthen the bond between sitters and homeowners!
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Mine is simple: I just really appreciate any gratitude and having my effort to go above and beyond acknowledged and not taken for granted 
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Every now and the we will send a relevant personalised silly cartoon instead of a pic. Home owners love it.
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love that. How is it done.
I’m a bit tech illiterate 
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Just get the free version of ChatGPT and give it a prompt like “ create a funny cartoon showing a tabby with a French flag and a sign saying bon voyage sitting with a pile of dead mice” easy peasy
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I often get messages along these lines:
“So glad you’re here Maggie. Feel like we’re leaving X in the best of hands. Thank you for taking care of him.”
"Thanks so much Maggie!! Such a relief to have X with someone who cares for her so well 
"
Or they say their dogs or cats will be disappointed when they return or want to go home with me, because we have great times together. One host called me a “cat goddess.” Others, a “cat whisperer.”
One pair of hosts messaged (while I was still sitting for them the first time) to ask whether I’d repeat sit a month later if they covered my airfare to and from San Francisco. (They have indoor / outdoor cats who don’t typically take to strangers and they might not return home for the night if they don’t like someone. They took to me and their humans loved the photos and updates I was sending.)
They also sent fun photos and videos from their trips and shared suggestions to help me plan my own visit.
They’ve since asked me back for a third time, but I couldn’t make those dates. Bummer.
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@Oztravels
Aww ta for that. Will take a look.
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Me: Sent cute photo of owner’s dog snuggling on sofa with my husband.
Response: I’m so glad that Clyde is so comfortable with him! -
Me: Your home is so beautiful and soothing. We love being here! Apollo is funny. Photo of Apollo with a funny expression on face.
Response: We are so grateful for you. Glad you are having a nice time. Apollo looks happy! -
Me: Mazie dog went on an adventure with us today (hike, beach, park, etc) and was a trooper! So fun! Photo of Mazie on the beach with a stick in her mouth.
Response: We love that while we are away, Mazie is also getting a vacation! -
Me: Milo dog came with us to a couple of dinner parties with friends. Photo of Milo getting lots of attention at a poolside BBQ party.
Response: That is so great! What a treat for Milo! He looks very happy. (and the owners specifically mentioned in their review, “Sitters took Milo everywhere with them, even to a couple of dinner parties!”). LOL.
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Yes. Love taking dogs out on adventures, if their humans approve and they enjoy trips out. I deleted most of my exchanges with hosts after sits, but one of my hosts for instance wrote in their review:
“Just be prepared for your dog to greet your return with mixed emotions LOL. Maggie took X on many more adventures than we typically do and sent us charming pictures and reports of their exploits together.”
Another mentioned the outings we went on together, because I took their dog on a hop on, hop off tour bus, a Ferris wheel, a ferry, a tour boat, and to several community festivities and more. That dog was amazingly socialized. We were never apart, because he did outings extremely well and enjoyed himself. I’ve sat him twice and would clone him if possible, he’s such a lovable chap.
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Homeowner messaged me saying, I received an urgent message from Penny that she has not been receiving any treat. Is this true. Penny is the chunky pup.
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I agree, mutual appreciation goes a long way!
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Love it! Why haven’t I thought of that!
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Google AI image generation! It’s super addicting.
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I love this connection!! Being asked to return is such a big compliment in my opinion and I already know the house the second time around so I can settle in even better next time!
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I have wondered about taking pets to social events!
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I’m going to try this. Thank you 
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I couldn’t possibly blow my own trumpet! 
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I usually get invited back, but rarely repeat sit, for variety’s sake. Plenty of perfectly lovely hosts and I always miss the pets, but so many places to experience, given limited time.
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So I’m rummaging in the fridge a week into the sit, the home owner’s last words were “please use up anything in the fridge “. I come across a small bag of Pear Drops.
Now these I find seriously addictive and because I’ m in Spain I am pretty disciplined .. so I wrote to the home owner saying we had an addiction in common, but I’d only eaten one!
She replied, “I know you’ve been doing so much walking with Freddi, go ahead and finish them off- you need to keep your energy levels up! “
What a great excuse! And she is in the land of Pear Drops so I expect she will be replenishing her Spanish supplies
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Is Spain the land of pear drops? I love them too, takes me back to my childhood