Hi, I want to write to let some steam off since the person who I booked early this week has cancelled last minute due to her work last minute emergency, When I asked abut what is the value of her word and commitment with me she said but it is my job with a condescending tone. This outraged me, not only for the lack of accountability and sense of responsibility for her commitment to look after my pet, but the damage she is causing now I have to change my plans last minute and leave my cat alone at night while I am going to a funeral. I unconfirmed her in order to re open the listing hoping I can find someone else.
Sorry this happened to you….such a bummer.
Maybe a friend or someone from your vet clinic would be willing to stay for one night?
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Sorry for your loss.
If she had a job emergency one could hardly demand she should jeopardize her income and means of living to look after a strangers cat?
Hope it works out for you.
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Excuse me, if she has a job she should not mess up with people’s life and commit to cat sit which is a big responsibility. She has been elusive and unresponsive without caring that I have commitments to. What about my demands?
I agree. I understand she has to put her job first but she should not apply for sits where there could be a conflict.
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Francesca, I’m sorry that your cat now has to be alone for the night; mine don’t like it either, but they have survived it on multiple occasions.
I also understand that you are unhappy to have to deal with changing plans. So…
Firstly, can you please explain what you mean to say with “What about my demands”?
Secondly, can we please all refrain from the formulation “I booked a sitter”? This is not a job contract, this is not a commercial exchange; it is a mutual friendly agreement. You can not book a sitter, you can agree with them on a sit.
Thirdly, I don’t know how your communication before the sit was, and if she informed you about the possibility of a job emergency coming up or not.
Job emergencies can happen, and if you’re in a critical position you might not have a say in the decision at all, or the cost of not responding to the emergency is too high (monetary, lives lost, etc.).
What I don’t like is her flippance about the affair - she is obviously not taking her agreement with you seriously. This can be out of her character, or failing to understand what’s actually happening, and what it means to you.
Given that, I also don’t like the tone you present this in. You appear angry and self-righteous, as if you were also not willing to walk in her shoes (just like her, if I read you correctly). Oh yes, I understand that you depended on her and she left you out in the cold. I would still demand more understanding from myself in this situation.
To me all this sounds a lot like too little communication.
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You’re absolutely right; or at least explain to the HO what could happen and what the consequences would be.
This feels to me like a newbie sitter not taking things seriously, and a lack of communication.
Francesca, I have to respond once more - please forgive me if I came on too strong in my long response. Your tone set me off, I suppose.
I didn’t see the “elusive and unresponsive” part - I suppose that has been before the sit? That would have been a red flag to me and I would have tried to cancel this sitter. Communication is key.
Just a quick reminder about our Community Guidelines around kindness and respect. It’s important to remember that members will have different views and opinions but these should be discussed respectfully. Thank you.
The point of THS for a sitter would be to travel. Most of us have a job to earn a living. We travel when we have time off, if we have a workplace to attend. I don’t agree that a stranger would have «demands» on my time when I’m called away on a job emergency. My employer who pays me for my services can have demands. @elmi4711 has some valid insights, as I see it.
Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. That is why a HO should always have a plan B. A friend or a vet clinic perhaps, or a paid sitter like Rover. Hope it works out for you.
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Of course I am angry she messed up my plans completely, I have a family to help and attend to I was supposed to be there days ago and now I am forced to go only for one night. And who are you to judge me in this situation, to not like my tone?? Who asked for your opinion? Why is my tone an issue? I am angry because she prioritised her own commitments after having a commitment with me. I am not walking in her shoes because she has the luxury to do what is more convenient for her, not thinking twice about letting people down in a vulnerable situation. Also with an attitude, she knew her plans were changing and left it to the very last minute to let me know. I am just saying I am not new to this platform I had many positive experiences in the past. Looking after our pets is a serious commitment, it is not for people taking it lightly, if they have other commitments or jobs they should not sign up for this
I wish you to have a plan b ready when you have a sudden death in your family. Please no more sanctimonious responses
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Hello,
Just another quick reminder to keep the discussion kind and respectful.
Thank you.
Post closed temporarily for moderation purposes.
Hello everyone,
As you know we don’t like closing discussions, but we’ve taken the decision not to reopen this one.
Thanks to those who popped on with constructive advice and support.
Jenny