I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of grace and open communication in our community. We all know that caring for our beloved pets and homes can come with its challenges, and sometimes things may not go exactly as we had hoped.
Recently, I returned home from a trip and noticed a few dirty dishes left behind by my sitter. While it wasn’t to my usual standard, I reminded myself that we’re all human, and sometimes life gets a little hectic. Instead of jumping to conclusions or assuming the worst, I chose to focus on the positive: my pets were happy and healthy, and that’s what truly matters!
If you ever find yourself in a situation where something isn’t quite right, I encourage you to reach out and communicate with your sitter. Understanding their perspective can be incredibly enlightening and may help clear up any misunderstandings. Remember, we’re all trying our best, and a little kindness can go a long way.
As sitters, it’s equally important to keep the lines of communication open with pet parents. If you encounter any challenges during your sit, don’t hesitate to share. Transparency fosters trust and strengthens our community.
Let’s continue to support one another and create an environment filled with understanding and respect.
Wishing you all happy sits and wagging tails!
I just think we need to give each other more grace
I agree! As a sitter, I have had to really learn from experience how much work it is to pack up, clean everything, while taking care of the dog, and juggling transportation and timing to my next sit, as well as groceries, etc. In the beginning, I vastly underestimated how long it would take and while I’ve gotten better, and get five star reviews and notes on cleanliness, I have to say I’m exhausted on move out days.
I’m a really good house/dog sitter, but those transition days are tougher than you’d think. Some days the heat was too much for me to think straight, or I’d just gotten a text from someone that was distracting me.
I leave a thank you note and a tiny flower arrangement to show that I’ve paid attention to detail, and I often leave little notes to indicate that yes, I know I should have put the clean sheets on the bed and I’m sorry they are still in the dryer.
Communicating this acknowledgement has always worked well with me. And also, if I’m housesitting with my husband, it is hard to make sure he knows the drill to the extent that I do.
What I appreciate is that as a sharing community, grace and empathy are hopefully present more often than when I’m in a transactional relationship.
Thanks for your post!
Agree with the sentiments of the OP completely. When I stop by these forums I’m always amazed at the number of sitters and hosts asking questions to the forum that could really only be answered by the other party.
Hi @AmyAlbert
This is one area that you can spend less time on. Unless it is a one bedroom property I ask the HO “What would you like me to do with the bedding? Strip it or launder it”
90% HOs say Strip it please.
@Justbeyou well said! Thank you for the reminder as a sitter to continue to communicate and hold grace for both the HO and myself!
Beautiful sentiment for the world in these “times.”
Molly
@AmyAlbert well said! And, fortunately I did half my transition day last evening b4 leaving this am. I’m so glad. I was tired this morning! Their dog woke me up a few times, but hey, it helped me feel safe. So! I will be learning how to give and take. I enjoyed my first sit.
Molly
