As the title said, I’m very upset. I gave the dogs excellent care which was barely touched upon. She complained about everything, some things valid but minor, some things understandably, and some things unfairly.
For example, she complained that I arrived a day later than planned due to the fact my elderly mother had a serious health issues.
she complained I ate her food when I ate two items, even though I ordered them online when I couldn’t find them locally. Then when the order was cancelled due to lack of stock, which I told her about, she told me the items cost 130$ USD, which I sent to her without asking to see reciepts. No mention of that in the review. I fully admit I should not have used her items but I went out of my way to correct the issue,
She complained that her old ripped dog sofa cover was “missing” when I explained that one of her dogs has persistent diaeaha (which I responded to by making special means, chicken foot broth, finding probiotics, etc, one night all over the sofa cover. I wasn’t going to put a sheet covered in feces directly in the washer so I hosed it off outside. “missing” in quotes implies I stole it or something nefarious, give me a break!
she complained I didn’t clean which I absolutely did and spent much time doing so. I always get good scores for cleaning.
she complained I didn’t give enough updates of my own accord- fair enough but I was dealing with a sick mother and my own medical issue and I always responded when she asked
she complained I used a guest towel to wipe the dogs off when they were muddy from their beach walks when she didn’t designate which towel to use.
I understand I dropped the ball on some things and take respsonsibility but the review is an unbalanced wall of negativity, completely ignoring that I took these dogs out every day before 6:30am as she wished, walked them two hours a day at least, made an effort to meet up with their dog friends in the neighborhood, spent extra time and care with the sick one, etc.
Of course this is more than a matter of hurt feelings, I feel like I will never get chosen again in spite of all my positive reviews and should just give up now. I wrote a response but I just feel very turned off from the whole experience. Response is as follows but I haven’t posted it. Thoughts?
"I encourage prospective clients to read all of my other (27) extremely positive reviews that detail my devotion to their pets and excellent care of their houses. I am a bit perplexed by the overall negative tone of this review, especially as HOMEOWNER admits I took excellent care of DOG1 and DOG2. Indeed, I adored them, as they were a joy during a difficult time (dealing with my mother’s health issues). I’m sorry other aspects of the sit didn’t meet her expectations. Despite unexpected health issues—I later found out I was anemic, hence being asleep during her arrival—I did everything I could to care for her sweet dogs and leave the space well looked after. I’m surprised by the negativity, untruths, half-truths, and things taken out of context, as I will briefly address below.
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Food use & reimbursement: I used some baking items during the 4+ week stay. When I couldn’t find the specific brands locally, I attempted to order exact replacements online. The online order was canceled due to lack of stock. I showed her the email, so I’m not sure why she asks why I didn’t order them. Regardless, I reimbursed HOMEOWNER $130 USD for chocolate, cashews, honey, and sheets based on her estimate—also not acknowledged in the review or by text. I didn’t ask for receipts or dispute the amount.
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Late arrival & updates: A family emergency–my 80-year-old mother had a serious medical issue–forced me to rebook travel, and I arrived an hour after Julia’s departure. I spent much time and effort arranging my mother’s ongoing care throughout, and so was distracted. I normally do send regular photo updates, and I regret falling short on that front during the disruption.
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Cleanliness & towels: DOG1 had recurring digestive trouble, which I went out of my way to help with—cooking separate and special meals, making chicken foot broth, etc.—including an overnight accident on the old (and now “missing”) dog sofa cover. I hosed it off outdoors to protect the washer and let it dry. I do regret using what turned out to be a guest towel after returning from beach walks, and would have gladly used a designated dog towel if that had been made clear. I’m surprised, though, by the implication that I left the kitchen “sticky” and “didn’t clean.” The majority of my reviews detail how clean I am. I made a similar effort with HOMEOWNER.
While this sit had its challenges—the door code didn’t work on arrival leaving me outside in 93F heat, limited hot water, spotty internet, walks had to be before 6:30am due to extreme heat and humidity, inadequate vacuum for dogs that shed a lot—I never mentioned them or complained as I am a positive person, and don’t get too bogged down with minor details- the dogs were wonderful and the apartment comfortable, so I was happy. While I wish HOMEOWNER had been more honest with details like the fact that I did try to order her items and sent her $130 USD, the sheet was outside to dry only because the dog got sick on it, that I did clean, etc. I understand why she would be disappointed with fewer updates or that the chocolate and cashews weren’t replaced by the time she returned. Reading some of her previous reviews gives me some insight in to the fact that some people are very difficult to please. I take responsibility where I missed the mark, and I remain proud of the care I gave these dogs. My past reviews speak to my values: responsibility, empathy, and communication. I’ll keep learning and growing."
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