I’m so sorry this has happened to you and yes, completely agree with the sit being left open. I don’t really understand the reasons for closing it. The sitter needs to be made accountable for letting you down in this way.
As a long-time sitter myself (also since 2018), I do wonder if there is a reason for the proliferation of inadequate sitters recently as I am hearing more of these stories, i.e. with THS’s increased advertising, are people just signing up and not taking it seriously? Cancelling at the last minute because their plans have changed without considering the impact this has on the home owner? I wouldn’t dream of doing this.
Just realised this thread is from a couple of years ago. I hope you have had better experiences since then!