@Moderators – Why am I unable to click on the link in the OP’s profile? Android phone.
it’s an incomplete link without the https, etc. in front so you’d need to copy paste it into a browser window
@Shella_in_the_Forum neither can I.
I don’t think it is linked correctly on the profile.
Look up Washington State and it is the first listing (in my results anyway…)
Hope that helps…
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I’m going to disagree with some of the other comments, that your requirements sound too harsh. The fragrance free, smokefree home is a bonus for some sitters. I’m not a big fan of strongly scented products and definitely wouldn’t sit in a smoking home. My allergies just couldn’t handle that. I’d also rather know up front if there are behavioral issues around other dogs. And definitely, in that area, you need a car (or, at least we perceived it that way). It’s better to know that in advance and be prepared, than to have a sitter arrive thinking they can make public transport work (although, maybe some are more adventurous with that than we are).
The only thing I would 100% suggest is that you add extra photos. Mention the size of the bed, and show a picture of the kitchen and bathroom. Those are important to sitters, especially if they are like us, and sit as a couple. But all in all, I think you have a gorgeous pup in a beautiful area. Good luck!
Hi @Shella_in_the_Forum and @HelloOutThere and thank you for identifying this issue. Just to explain this happens due to Discourse algorithms; please see the attached thread here and this is a quote further down this thread which you should find explains this in more detail when a member attaches a link which for a short while will need to be copied and pasted to a new search window as @bakindoki mentioned.
I hope this helps to explain.
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I’ve just taken a look at your listing and agree with the other comments made.
However, it shows you’re currently reviewing applicants so, unless you pause this having declined those who don’t suit you, you won’t get more applicants.
You don’t say how long Kebab can be left, which is important.
The other issue is likely that you say “sitter will need to come by for a visit and tour before the sit……” which could be worded in a more friendly way too. However, do you mean some days before you leave or just before you leave for the handover, which is normal with a dog?
I’ll be honest- the tone of your listing is rather abrubt and demanding & I find that off putting. I would suggest reading what you’ve written again- from a sitter perspective- and see if you feel welcomed by the message.
As others have said- offering a car could be a deal breaker and would widen your pool of applicants considerably. I also would suggest, if you are able & willing, that you invite the sitter to arrive the day before for orientation and handover rsther than requesting a pre-sit visit. I would only make that extra effort if I was nearby on another sit or passing through.
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I’m pretty familiar with this part of the U.S. I’d take it if it was just an hour South. Honestly, it sounds fantastic! Kebab sounds like a great dog, your house/property sounds so cool, and it’s a beautiful part of the country.
My input:
•The PNW is still thawing out from a severe ice storm. Your sit is in two months. Perhaps decline anyone that doesn’t look solid and then be willing to continue looking over the next month. People will be more interested as it gets closer to Spring.
•Agree with others: add more pics. Those last two pics of Kebab are pretty great, move them to the front. Then add more of the house and property.
•I don’t think there’s any negative tone in your post, but I would just clean it up and make it more succinct.
•I also don’t know if I agree about use of your vehicle. You may not get someone long-distance applying, but think people within a 6-hour drive would apply for a longer sit.
•My only callout: you mention mowing the yard; it looks like a really big lawn. It looks like past sits have been short, so this may not have been an issue before. Do you have robot mowers? What kind of mower? Any concern that the sitter/guest could get hurt using it? Maybe it would be better to hire a local yard person to do this. Technically, I don’t know that you can ask for more than water plants and very moderate yard work from a sitter/guest.
I notice your listing is saying “Reviewing applications” @Inthewoods. Does that mean you have 5 new applicants or that you have not unpaused it after declining those not suitable?
Hi Maggie,
How do you see the listing? I have never been able to see any of the listings? Is it a member level thing? I am only on the basic member could it be that? or am I really showing my age here, lol.
Happy travels
OK, I will cogitate on all of your comments and edit later. Right now I have put applications on hold because one of the sitters I proactively contacted is interested in the sit, and I expect they will do it.
Given the liabilities of lending one’s car out, I am not keen to do so. We did the first time we had a sitter, and it was fine, but really you cannot know what kind of a driver someone is. And even if they are great and safe drivers, stuff happens, and then your rates go up, and it is a mess.
Thank you all for your pointers. It is good to get a third person perspective on how it reads.
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@Inthewoods We have favorited your sit because we plan on being on the Olympic penninsula in September 2024.
The only thing we think your listing needs is more photos of the bedroom and bathroom the sitters will be using (and say if it is a queen or king-sized bed), add bright, close-up pics in the kitchen, and – in the “responsibilities” section – tell us how long the pup can be left alone.
I click on the individual’s image or initial (next to their photo) and can see the link to their listing. Then either click on it or cut and paste and go to that URL.
Whether the link works or whether you have to cut and paste depends on how much credibility they’ve earned on the forum — that’s automatically determined by a scoring system tied to the commenting tool that THS has chosen to use for this forum.
Not every forum user has linked to their profile or listing, but many have. You should be able to see everyone who has, like the rest of us. It’s not determined by membership level.
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I would try sharping up photos 2 - 4 if possible and putting a few more photos of your home.
I would change your introduction to make it a little more friendly and introduce yourself by name as I had to scroll to the reviews to find that out when i clicked on your link.
What are the issues about fragrance free ? Do you have allergies? Does this mean you don’t want women to wear perfume and no body wash fragrance?
I love badminton, i use to play in comps so I think that would be great fun.
As there is no public transport are you offering the loan of your car? This would greatly increase your chances to get more ppl and long term sitters that don’t have their own car like myself.
Does Kebab have good recall? Thats important. Maybe tone down about not accepting sitters with pets and change the wording a little.
Instead of -
but he has gotten to be not nice around puppies, or male dogs of any age, so don’t take him to a dog park and ALWAYS keep him on his leash and away from other dogs. Don’t know why, but it is definitely his problem, not theirs. For this reason, no sitter will be accepted who wants to bring their own pet(s) along.
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Kebab is not good around any male dogs and puppies so please dont take him to any dog parks. When out for a walk Kebab must ALWAYS be on a lead and keep him away from any dogs. For this reason no sitters pets allowed sorry.
I think it would be a lovely sit with Kebab and a great experience to stay in your area. Id apply for the experience. Hope this helps 