I agree wiht MerryPuppins completely.
As usual marypuppins is spot on
I don’t want to take the thread too far off topic, so please feel free to DM me if you want to discuss further, but I did want to share my response from the post you’re referring to, just so it’s clear why we sometimes move posts about active topics which are split over many threads.
It helps us keep an eye on everyone’s feedback and pass it to the team when it’s in one place. In this particular thread I see the relevance of the discussion, but in general we’ll continue to move posts to the right thread wherever needed.
The Forum team is the bridge between Forum members and the wider THS team, so doing things this way helps us make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
To bring things back on topic, @ManifestingLemons, if there’s anything else I can help with please drop me a DM and I’m happy to make sure you get some support.
Jenny
Come on, THS, be responsive!! We pay you a lot of money; care about us, not just the pet owners!
Your English is excellent and I’m very grateful for your post. THS makes life very difficult when you need help the most. Your post is so helpful.
Agree. There has got to be some money spent on customer service and safety. Something going back to the homeowners and sitters other than the complete degradation of this platform and community.
(Edited to be in line with our forum guidelines)
@SitFeesDestroyCommunity Both customer service and safety were cited as reasons for the introduction of the booking fees yet members are not seeing evidence of this happening.
And my ‘dear friend’ chatgpt gives this suggestion for the review:
The pets were easy to care for, the home was comfortable, and the sit itself was straightforward.
However, I would strongly recommend that future sitters discuss handover expectations, return dates, alcohol use and personal boundaries very clearly in advance.
During my second sit, the homeowners returned earlier than expected, which resulted in a longer overlap than I had anticipated. During that overlap there was significant alcohol consumption, repeated pressure to drink, and personal comments that made me feel uncomfortable.
I chose to leave before the originally planned end of the sit and arranged alternative accommodation.
I would personally not accept another sit involving an overnight overlap with these homeowners.
I think that is the inherent risk with THS. There have been horrible sitters and horrible house owners. I have not experienced either. Luckily. Although they behaved badly, I think the review is the only thing you can do, since technically no “crime” was committed. Say this is not a sit for solo female sitters. Sorry for the experience. It must have been terribly uncomfortable for you. Glad you had the resources to leave.
I agree with your assessment, but I think this particular instance is dangerous and abusive to female sitters. Add alcohol which further lowers inhibitions, and I feel she was smart to remove herself and warn others. Where I have a problem is that THS has done NOTHING but retraumatize the sitter with inaction. She is trying to warn others and going above and beyond by posting here. What has THS done to support her? Maybe something, most likely nothing. The other posters telling her what to say and how to review and are trying to be helpful, but this is not the point at all. What needs to happen is THS need to take the lead in this issue, ban the homeowner and show some sort of responsibility and accountability to its members. Apologies for the rant. I’m sick of it being all on her to deal with this. This woman avoided/fled a predator in my opinion. She has warned others. THS has done nothing but make her life more difficult and waste time protecting themselves and this nasty predator.
I agree theoretically. But, sitters or HOs could make all kinds of claims to get others kicked off the site and maybe they should be, but I had an experience where I came the night before, the HO and I got into a political discussion, she expected me to drive her to the airport the next morning as “part of my job”, which annoyed me. Said I didn’t clean the floors in my review, which I had, said she was glad her dog had not lost weight. Who writes that? I have great reviews, but this woman, due to political differences and because I didn’t want to drive her to the airport made claims against me. Slippery slope. I know it is not close to what happened to this sitter, but that is why the reviews are critical. It is necessary for this community to be honest for the next sitter. Some male sitter may not have had a problem with his behavior. This is a tricky situation for us to go to some stranger’s home, maybe in some foreign land, and stay. I wouldn’t want to go to this place and sit. And would be glad if the review stated that.
Judging by the information given by the OP, it certainly is a sit to be avoided by solo female sitters but IMO it’s a very awkward situation for anyone. Who would want to be pushed into drinking, participate in a conversation with someone with no self control and witness an argument between a couple?
I wouldn’t, not in the best ever mansion, with the cutest pet in a dream location with travel expenses covered and a generous remuneration.
THS may be investigating the matter.
The OP may not have left a review.
We may never know the outcome.
Excellent points. Thank you.
Agree entirely. Thank you. No one should be subjected to this behavior. This is why THS needs to investigate and get involved.
As a new sitter, this is my biggest fear. Thank you to the OP for posting. Why does THS not remove scary owners like this one? I’ve learned so much about the truth on Reddit, more than here, but I’m still anxious and still having good sits. However, I am concerned. Thanks again to the OP for sharing that this happens. I’m so sorry that it did.