Sadly, we find ourselves in a somewhat desperate situation. A sitter that we confirmed months ago has cancelled for an upcoming sit: September 22-October 15. The sitter has a legitimate excuse, an upcoming unplanned surgery. We have a dream trip to Scotland planned with reservations made and plane tickets purchased but we will most certainly cancel this trip before we would consider putting our sweet sheepdogs in a kennel.
Our sit has a lot going for it: it should be peak fall colors here in Upper MI, our lovely new home is clean and very well equipped, we live on a river (kayaking, trout fishing) in a beautiful wooded setting, our lovely dogs are very well behaved yet quite entertaining and as owners we bend over backwards to make the sit as pleasant and welcoming as we possibly can.
On the downside, our sit may be too rural for some. Although we have neighbors relatively close by, there are no other homes visible from our residence. Our town only has one traffic light, a few restaurants, a couple grocery stores and only one McDonalds. There is no public transportation. However, there are many walkable roads in our private neighborhood, lots of hiking and biking trails nearby. Lake Superior and multiple waterfalls are just a day trip away.
ANYWAY……feeling “sheepish” about sounding desperate to find a sitter for our Sheepies but thought we’d give it one last shot. At this point we have gotten over our initial panic and have resigned ourselves to knowing that our dogs’ well being is worth cancelling a trip for, if it comes down to that.
@sharose you posted the sit dates again, correct?
They’re gorgeous!
There is still time and surely someone will be grateful to love on Echo and Olive.
You still probably have enough time to find a sitter. Many sitters are not booked up years in advance. There are all kinds here.
Guess who???
Greetings @sharose,
Glad to see you here.
The only thing I can think at this time, just ensure your listing is new and current! Newer postings often get a little more attention.
Also mention if your pups are able to go on hikes with the sitters. I enjoy doing this myself and this would make me more likely to do this sit, not having to worry about the dogs by bringing the them with me. When I say hikes, I mean get in the car and drive somewhere, not just walks around the home.
I would recommend to any HO…have leashes/harnesses easy to use, accessible and required. For example, my boxers didn’t need a lead with me. With anyone else….they only listened when they wanted to!!!
You have more going for you than against you, time is certainly a luxury you have for now. Good luck!
Yes, I did.
Then you may need to throw in the offer of your car to attract applicants.
But lovely dogs, lovely place!
Thanks for your input;)
Echo and Olive do well in the car.
We take them on hikes, other sitters have as well, only leashing them up when we hear others approach on the trail. Lost Lake near us is a spectacular little trail they love to do. We rarely encounter a camper or two there. Other sitters have commented how well Echo and Olive come when called:)
Sorry about the cancellation, but you do still have a lot of time. Lots of sitters don’t book far in advance. Lots of sitters may not know their plans very far ahead.
For example, my current sit finishes August 1st, and it wasn’t until last week that we figured out what we wanted to do next for sure. I had a sense of what we would most likely end up doing so I was keeping my eye on sits in certain areas. The two I have secured in the last few days have been posted for at least a couple of weeks, perhaps longer.
These sits are both shorter term and only have us booked through August 20th, and I’m still in no rush to book anything beyond there.
Good luck!
Three great comments!
I came across this listing today. Like your home, this is one I would also seek out.
But since your location is considered remote (right up my alley), perhaps you can steal some tips from this couple.
I’m of no help whatsoever and probably just confirming the obvious : Your pups are adorable !!!