Hi @Lumpybum (great name!)
I wondered if you’d read this thread, as I’m sure there is much in there that you’ll resonate with:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/boisterous-dogs/
Everything you said in your post, I could have said about my last sit (which was the subject of the thread above), with the exception that the dog left my soap intact, instead eating my shoes, computer cable and headphones!
Please don’t be distraught about the review you left, give yourself some compassion for having survived it You accurately reflected the sit, and you remained true to yourself by doing so. You should be proud.
I thought long and hard about the review I left too, because I have never docked stars before, nor have I been so upfront about the behaviour of the dogs (I guess because I’ve never dealt with destructive dogs before now). I did in this case because I felt the HOs weren’t entirely upfront about the behaviour of the dogs, and so I wanted to be. I also felt it would communicate to them the kind of things they needed to mention in the sit, and that they should look specifically for someone with experience with puppies (which I did not have), while also giving credit for their hospitality and communication.
I also mentioned that the dogs can be aggressive, because it startled me and while that may be commonplace to a HO who lives with it, it was shocking to me. I feel completely at ease with the review I left, regardless of what the HOs think about it (not sure they can complain really, as it’s all true!) Almost a week later, they haven’t left one for me, so they haven’t seen it yet. Regardless, that was my experience and I have the right to communicate this in a review, as you have also done. You’ve nothing to feel bad about whatsoever xx