My 13th sit…
Wake up on 2nd night to aftermath of fox eating 5 beautiful hens that I had spent 2 days petting, etc and watching roaming in the garden. Fox had dug under the pen and it’s clear to see that the pen was unsuitable for 3 large hens and two smaller. They should be shut away inside a shed at night (which the family have). THE FAMILY HAVE BEEN INFORMED ABOUT HENS AND I CONTINUE TO SIT UNTIL SUNDAY MORNING.
The family just moved to the area in March, dogs are hard work on a lead and Halti.
The welcome guide was uploaded a few days before, I asked for this several weeks prior.
How do I best address this once I leave on Sunday? I am the owner’s first sitter.
Thanks!!
oh noo! I’m so sorry you have to deal with this; it’s every sitter’s nightmare to have a pet die for any reason during a sit.
I don’t see a reason to “address” the hens’ death unless the owners blame you personally for it. (are they blaming you?)
If this is inconsistent with the description given in the listing, during your conversations with the HO, and in the welcome guide, then it should be addressed in your review of the sit. On the other hand, if the HO previously indicated that this might occur, then there may not be a reason to repeat it in your review, or you can simply say (in the review) something like “As HO indicates, the dogs are difficult on the lead.” and leave it at that.
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Not blaming me, very clear from images that fox has got in by digging hole. Dogs were sleeping in bedroom with me - owner gave permission. They usually sleep in kitchen unless sneaky and get upstairs. They would bark, no curtains in there.
Thanks for this!!
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How awful! Okay. This definately isn’t your fault and it sounds like you are also caring for other pets. Not much you can do other than a super job. I would absolutely address this unfortunate incident in the review, mostly to make sure that the owners don’t address it in a way that points the finger at you – but I don’t think that is likely. As for the dogs, if you can be more specific about how they are difficult so other sitters would know that would be helpful.
Just be honest in the review about the good and the bad and pay attention to the categories.
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Thank you Marion. Yes, I will be honest and tactful in review. However, do feel I need to be transparent in my review for the safety for the two dogs in future sits. I don’t think everyone will necessary be as patient and caring as myself.
This is a sit for two people if you wish to go on explorative walks with the dogs within the area. I do need to make a note of where you can go with the dogs locally, etc.
I would not wish for anyone to go through what I have been through this week, a lesson learnt for future sits, am sticking to solo dogs and cat sits, NO HENS!!
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