Thanks Kelly, Please just leave. I regret that I did not now. I have never abandoned a sit but I should have with this one. Clearly I was not appreciated for enduring it, as docked a star for reliabiity, self sufficient and organised. No reason given for these deductions though. Had unblemished five star reviews with glowing comments before this. And I am still finding the odd bite here and there, in out of the way places. No ticks but must have bitten and then travelled to another part of body as they do. And they really should not have left without introducing me to their very , wary timid cat. Had a fleeting glance on the evening prior to departure when told, oh there he is and he quickly disappeared. Not seen in the morning when they departed. Warily shot past me for evening meal in laundry room. Not seen again till breakfast when I felt I had to move to other side of table, as seemed too timid to go past me. He then did not appear for evening meal or breakfast the next day. Did text owners who just said, he will turn up when hungry and that was it. Always hid in their bedroom or next door study, but too much junk under bed etc. to see. As were fed on raw mince only and flies around and very hot weather, had not wanted to just leave out on counter. In the end I took a chance and left out early afternoon with a laundry net over, hoping if he came down would nudge off, and went out walking for a couple of hours. Thankfully when I came back it had been eaten. But I had been so stressed before this, in case somehow he had managed to escape. I had been really worried as not heard or seen him. And about an hour after returning he did come into view and then gradually saw him more and more. But knowing their cat was timid with strangers, he should have been put on his lead, walked outside and owner sat down with me beside her, so he could get used to me. Me feeding him treats may have helped and then let me take over walking him with owner at my side etc. It took another three days for him to let me close enough, to put harness on and take outside. The third attempt and actually willingly, without any resistance. The other cat was no problem going outside, just unable to climb into a littler tray and didn’t like me lifting her in. But the tick problem became much worse, once I was taking the timid black cat outside regularly. Ticks do not show up so well. He was also allowed anywhere, so on furniture, work tops, chairs etc. He went from being in hiding, to suddenly being everywhere. Please just leave. I certainly regret not leaving now. Will never do a sit, because I feel sorry for somebody struggling to get sitters, ever again. It clearly was not appreciated.
This whole situation is nuts to read about. But now that it’s over, I wonder if the website will agree to remove the negative review left by the HO.
stayed for the entire sit despite being bitten by fleas multiple times each day. Unfortunately, TrustedHousesitters did not respond in a timely manner. By the time they finally got back to me, it was too late for me to make use of my Premium membership benefits.
It was an awful experience. The flea infestation worsened as the sit progressed, and their numbers seemed to increase each day. I was constantly finding fleas on my clothing and skin and endured multiple flea bites every day. I only hope I didn’t unknowingly bring any fleas with me when I left.
Thanks for the update @KellyK
What happened when you called the Urgent Support 24/7 PhoneLine - did they not give you an immediate answer ?
I am finding that the phone is not answered when you call.
That’s not good - It’s supposed to be a 24/7 phone line for support in urgent situations !!
went to voicemail.
There is nothing that can be done at this point. Thanks. I have departed the sit.