Hi gang, we finished a sit a few days ago and I had to write my first not so great review and I feel really down about it. The sit was great in every way except they didn’t disclose the many chronic health conditions the dog had. I read through my notes from my initial video call and it stated that the elderly dog was taking meds to control acid reflux. But that wasn’t the case. She had a whole host of problems that were not disclosed. She spent a week in the hospital and although we then had time, I was so stressed that it was waking me up several times throughout the night. I dreaded having to write my honest review but that’s what I did. It just doesn’t feel great. I love leaving 5 star reviews. I need to shake this feeling off.
@IHeartAnimals
Think of the future sitters who would have walked into the same experience as you without any warning .
Think of the dog who may not receive appropriate care if an unprepared sitter comes to the sit in future and doesn’t have the experience to handle their health situation as you did .
Think of the impact on the host if a future sitter leaves on arrival or gives notice mid sit when discovering about the dogs previously undisclosed medical needs.
Then you will confirm to yourself what you already know, that you writing an honest review is fair and you have done the right thing.
Elderly pets health can deteriorate between the time of confirming a sit the sit taking place. Sometimes owners are in denial about their beloved pet being so poorly . It’s important future sitters know this information so that they can discuss the hosts wishes for the pets end of life care and how to handle this .
Thanks @Silversitters . I know everything you are saying is true. The vet stated it’s a good thing I didn’t wait to have brought her in. She was also highly dehydrated and needed fluids. I was thinking that although this wasn’t the sit that I was expecting, it’s a good thing it was me and not someone else who might have given their notice and then left. I actually visited the dog throughout her one week stay at the emergency clinic to let her know that she had not been abandoned. My heart was hurting for her. When I brought her home, she was so weak. I cuddled with her throughout the day caressing her head because she seemed to really like that. My heart even hurts now thinking about her.
These owners were just so fortunate to have you as their sitter @IHeartAnimals - someone who cares so much for the pets she has in her care, even when they are hospitalised.
Not disclosing all chronic health issues this poor elderly doggie has was so wrong by the owners. You know you have done the right thing by raising this in your review, as hard as it has been to do so. Big hugs for you
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What did the owners say when you discussed it with them?
They apologized for what we had to endure for this petsit and reiterated how grateful they were. They were sick with worry and from my point of view, I had already made up my mind that I wasn’t going to transfer the care to anyone else that could have stepped in and therefore I remained professional and carried on. It wasn’t a complete lost. My kids had fun playing with the neighborhood kids and it was another lesson to our family that animals come into this world for a short period of time as angels and it’s important to treat them with the love a dignity that they deserve.
You are a responsible sitter who takes great care of the pet and write accurate reviews. That can’t be anything else but a win for everyone.
Thank you!
Amazing sounds like they were very lucky to have you!
Well done for leaving this review! I am pretty upset for you, as it’s so unfair for a HO to put this sort of strain on a sitter. I’m a solo sitter and this would take an exorbitant toll on me, so it’s really useful that you have made others aware of this situation.