Not happy with my Pet Sitter

[Kaleigh]

I'll make this short. Was in FLA, while away a big storm was to hit here. She emailed me that the dogs would be taken to another person's house... Someone that works for her.

The email I got, was Lisa, heads up 50 mile an hour winds and a blizzard is headed our way.. Want the dogs to go to Lisa R's house. Is that ok with you??

I was happy to get the heads up , so scared my dogs could be stuck in a blizzard, so wanted them out before it hit, etc...

So the person that had them brought them back to me , I came home on an earlier flight since my afternoon flight was canceled.

I gave the pet sitter the heads up I was coming home early, she said she would tell Lisa R.

Lisa R comes in my house, up the stairs., I am like hello??


Oh you are home?? I said yeah, had to take an earlier flight.

I smelled smoke. On her, then on the dogs!!! I didn't say anything, just was sooo happy to see my dogs.

The dogs, looked sullen.

My dogs never look sullen. They are the happiest dogs I know.

I thanked her. Wanted just to be with the doggies.

When I left I had no clue of an impending storm. If I did, I wouldn't have gone.

But I need a life with my husband, and our house in FLA doesn't allow dogs. We are fighting that... Plus we rent it out for the season, and our tenants went back to CT for the Week, so we snuck down for some R&R...

Ok so my question...

The original Pet sitter, contracted out my dogs to be cared for in case of a Blizzard. I have no problem with that.

BUT the contracted person smoked...

And the dogs were dehydrated... They are drinking water like crazy...

The Pet Sitter knows how much they need water.. Fresh water daily
So where does my problem lie. Shouldn't the pet sitter know the needs of the dogs and only give them to someone that will care for them reasonably?? If she has cared for them for over 10 years, that's within reason right??


I am guessing having them taken to the other pet sitter's house was very hard for them. But at the time, I had no choice being told a blizzard was coming with 50 MPR winds and over a foot of snow. I wanted them out, and trusted the primary pet sitter...

I guess I need to feel better.

I feel like I let my doggies down....

Hate that.

 

[Lorelei]

Lisa you DIDN'T let your doggies down, you did the very best you could and trusted your pet sitter to do the right thing!! In this case it sounds as if she didn't so what I would do is tell her your concerns and insist that she does not entrust your babies to this other sitter again. I would be absolutely furious too!!!

 

[jewelz617]

You have a right to be upset, but surely someone you've known and trusted with your dogs for 10 years would not deliberately leave them with someone who would put them in harm's way.

You should not be upset with your regular pet sitter. This was not a conspiracy or a malicious act, it was a bad judgment call. Simply ask her in the future to not leave your dogs in that person's care and especially not a smoker. Maybe you could make an instruction sheet for reference should anyone else in the future end up watching your dogs.

But ultimately, your regular pet sitter is not responsible for anyone else's actions nor should she be. It sounds like she did try to make accommodating arrangements and it was not with the right person.

ETA: Plus, how do you know she didn't give this other sitter clear instructions before she left the dogs and the other sitter just didn't follow them? That happens all the time, kind of like when the babysitter has a party even when the kid's parents said no.

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

You did your best, your regular sitter did her best. They are fine, too. That's the main thing. Don't beat yourself up, because it was an emergency response, not something you'd planned to happen. It could have been way worse if your regular sitter hadn't had someone to help, even if her care wasn't of the standard you provide.

My friend takes my dog in emergencies / unscheduled overnights and while I know the dog hates being there (grabby toddler, more grooming than is good for a wire coat, fussy about where she goes in the house, husband smokes) I also know that she is basically safe. It wouldn't ever be my first choice, but it's for a short time and we all survive it!

Don't feel bad.

Jen

ETA Meggy doesn't like to eat or drink except at home. She'll refuse treats and she's always thirsty when she gets home. In much the same way I prefer that 'taste' of our own water, maybe?

 

[CasaBlanca]

I too say don't beat your self up. You did the responsible thing by taking the weather precaution you were offered. (you didn't have time to check for references on the standin.) BUT THE SITTER SURE DID! She should have several *reliable choices in her arsenal.

So, in my opinion, I disagree with the poster that says your Normal sitter isn't responsible. You original sitter took the job in the midst of winter. If she wasn't prepared in all emergencies to come, she should have given you a caveat, such as;

"In case of bad weather, you know I can't make it"

"You know my transportation won't navigate through snow, so if a BLIZZARD happens during your absence...I can't be counted on-your pets will be on there own."

And...Lisa, I think you are somewhere from the North East...haven't you all had almost 100 inches of snow this winter? It is still on the ground...causing all sorts of problems? This wasn't something that just happens like an earthquake. She should have refused the job...or provided you with warnings BEFORE she took the job. She should also have contacts with the three closest vets in the area...and have their numbers...so many things she SHOULD DO. SHE!!!

SHE took the job. IT was her responsibility. Looks like the stand in had time to get in before the weather hit. Where was the trusted reliable sitter? She had time to call you about the impending forecast. What if you refused to have the stand in otpion? What was her second idea? Sounds to me like she didn't have a second plan. I shutter to think! You would have the problem NOW with her, wouldn't you?

So the way I see it is...It was SHE that suggested the standin. It was SHE that dropped her responsibility and handed it off to someone else.

Again, you had no way of knowing standin "SMOKIN HOT CHICK" (added just for a laugh no insult to anyone intended) had issues. But lets hope, and pray your original sitter at least KNEW more about the standin babe. That is the scary aspect to me.

******************

One more thing, I noticed. Your story read like this "SMOKIN" CHICK just appeared on your stairs...was it necessary for her in returning your babies that she come to the second floor? Was she taking a tour of your home? You made it clear that she surprised you in your HELLO??!! greeting. So the way I read it is your reliable sitter handed off trusted pet sitting to a snoopy exploring smoker chick. Was security of your valuables at stake on the second floor?

If so this opens a whole other can of worms. Pet Sitter is in deed RESPONSIBLE for choosing this SMOKIN SNOOPY SITTER.

Ha...on a funny note, did you notice that? Snoopy Sitter...as in SNOOPY the dog?

Don't beat your self up Lisa. I would use this experience as a learning one, and would have a discussion and a fire drill conversation...What happens here...and what is your plan if such and such happens...And I would go over your expectations with her and your guidelines on what you want followed. Perhaps an option for the babies to go to the vet or a boarding house in the case of her not fulfilling her responsiblities. One that you have already pre-checked and pre-agreed on.

Hugs to you and pats to your furry babies.

So glad they are back in their loving moms care!

 

[elrohwen]

I would just tell your regular sitter that you don''t want her to leave your dogs with this other person again and leave it at that. Don''t beat yourself up - the dogs are perfectly fine it sounds like. I honestly wouldn''t worry about it.

 

[Bia]

Date: 2/28/2010 10:01:39 AM
Author: elrohwen
I would just tell your regular sitter that you don''t want her to leave your dogs with this other person again and leave it at that. Don''t beat yourself up - the dogs are perfectly fine it sounds like. I honestly wouldn''t worry about it.

agreed.

Doggies are fine...but next time make sure your usual sitter understands it''s either JUST her, or someone else.

 

[CasaBlanca]

PS...Where my family lives, there are MANY pet sitting businesses. It is a dog eat dog (sorry the pun) business. They are constantly trying to trump one another by features and options and benefits to why they are better. They provide a list of things that may occur and what they will do in your absence.

A walk in the park or beach, on any given day and you can see mini vans with signs and walkers in uniform "tshirts" and they are just everywhere. Our sunny weather I suppose it is easier for this business to be ubiquitous. An area with snow...not so much.

I realize that not every region has such great competative resources...and that you have come to rely on one caregiver and that is a trusted source for you and your pets! I think that is great that you have such a long track record with one person. I just didn''t add enough compassion for you in your situation in my original post. I see why you are so upset. Over a decade with one person? TEN YEARS! I agree with you and would be upset too!

I didn''t address that question you had in your op. Yes, that is a reasonable assumption.

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 2/28/2010 9:52:48 AM
Author: CasaBlanca
I too say don''t beat your self up. You did the responsible thing by taking the weather precaution you were offered. (you didn''t have time to check for references on the standin.) BUT THE SITTER SURE DID! She should have several *reliable choices in her arsenal.


So, in my opinion, I disagree with the poster that says your Normal sitter isn''t responsible. You original sitter took the job in the midst of winter. If she wasn''t prepared in all emergencies to come, she should have given you a caveat, such as;


''In case of bad weather, you know I can''t make it''


''You know my transportation won''t navigate through snow, so if a BLIZZARD happens during your absence...I can''t be counted on-your pets will be on there own.''


And...Lisa, I think you are somewhere from the North East...haven''t you all had almost 100 inches of snow this winter? It is still on the ground...causing all sorts of problems? This wasn''t something that just happens like an earthquake. She should have refused the job...or provided you with warnings BEFORE she took the job. She should also have contacts with the three closest vets in the area...and have their numbers...so many things she SHOULD DO. SHE!!!


SHE took the job. IT was her responsibility. Looks like the stand in had time to get in before the weather hit. Where was the trusted reliable sitter? She had time to call you about the impending forecast. What if you refused to have the stand in otpion? What was her second idea? Sounds to me like she didn''t have a second plan. I shutter to think! You would have the problem NOW with her, wouldn''t you?


So the way I see it is...It was SHE that suggested the standin. It was SHE that dropped her responsibility and handed it off to someone else.


Again, you had no way of knowing standin ''SMOKIN HOT CHICK'' (added just for a laugh no insult to anyone intended) had issues. But lets hope, and pray your original sitter at least KNEW more about the standin babe. That is the scary aspect to me.


******************


One more thing, I noticed. Your story read like this ''SMOKIN'' CHICK just appeared on your stairs...was it necessary for her in returning your babies that she come to the second floor? Was she taking a tour of your home? You made it clear that she surprised you in your HELLO??!! greeting. So the way I read it is your reliable sitter handed off trusted pet sitting to a snoopy exploring smoker chick. Was security of your valuables at stake on the second floor?


If so this opens a whole other can of worms. Pet Sitter is in deed RESPONSIBLE for choosing this SMOKIN SNOOPY SITTER.


Ha...on a funny note, did you notice that? Snoopy Sitter...as in SNOOPY the dog?


Don''t beat your self up Lisa. I would use this experience as a learning one, and would have a discussion and a fire drill conversation...What happens here...and what is your plan if such and such happens...And I would go over your expectations with her and your guidelines on what you want followed. Perhaps an option for the babies to go to the vet or a boarding house in the case of her not fulfilling her responsiblities. One that you have already pre-checked and pre-agreed on.


Hugs to you and pats to your furry babies.

So glad they are back in their loving moms care!

And I respectfully disagree. Over-dramatizing this issue is only going to result in a loss of dog sitting that has been consistently good for 10 years prior to this one incident. In the long run it is NOT a huge deal. The dogs are fine, the sitter did her best on a short notice emergency. Better for OP to mention that she''d rather not have the other woman watching the dog anymore and drop it. Everyone gets caught in tight situations now and then. Rather than totally bail (which she could have), she did her best to try and fix it. It''s unfortunate that it wasn''t up to par, but sometimes you have to cut people some slack, especially if it was an isolated incident. If I worked for someone for 10 years I''d expect a little forgiveness, especially when I was just trying to make it work for my client rather than saying "sorry, you''re on your own with the dogs, good luck".

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/28/2010 12:30:22 AM
Author:Kaleigh



And the dogs were dehydrated... They are drinking water like crazy...

This would be of definite concern to me too, having the dogs in a smoky environment is one thing and is bad enough but returning them so obviously thirsty is quite another.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 2/28/2010 10:52:31 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 2/28/2010 12:30:22 AM
Author:Kaleigh



And the dogs were dehydrated... They are drinking water like crazy...

This would be of definite concern to me too, having the dogs in a smoky environment is one thing and is bad enough but returning them so obviously thirsty is quite another.

I had dogs that would often drink after coming home from a strange place whether it was the park or the vet''s office. I don''t know that it necessarily means they weren''t provided with fresh water while they were at the other woman''s house.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/28/2010 11:31:14 AM
Author: elrohwen

Date: 2/28/2010 10:52:31 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 2/28/2010 12:30:22 AM
Author:Kaleigh



And the dogs were dehydrated... They are drinking water like crazy...

This would be of definite concern to me too, having the dogs in a smoky environment is one thing and is bad enough but returning them so obviously thirsty is quite another.

I had dogs that would often drink after coming home from a strange place whether it was the park or the vet's office. I don't know that it necessarily means they weren't provided with fresh water while they were at the other woman's house.

I agree this can happen but its something I would also be concerned about. Kaleigh knows her dogs and their drinking habits and to her this was a flag, it would be to me too.

 

[CasaBlanca]

Pink you are correct to point out my post is extreme in words, I didn't mean to add drama. I wouldn't suggest that Kaleigh drop her sitter either. Good call on that one! (infact I said use this experience as an excuse to hold a fire drill conversation on what you expect in the future. My words were to address that conversation.)

In exchanged respect from me to you...wink wink...My words were to counter YOUR original post of saying the original sitter has no control over anothers actions. That is part I disagree with. Respectfully!

Honest.

Kaleigh took the 10 years of trust to rely on this woman for making the right decision in suggesting an alternative sitter. She assumed as would I, that the 10 years accounted for the same level of care. I see you also honor this tenure.

So, yes, I probably added more sentences than was necessary...I apologize. Again, exchanging respect to you...with a smile!

**************

I should have focused on positive support for you Kaleigh ...instead of focusing on my disagreement with the sitters responsibility. So, Pink is correct to point out that I lost my way. Kaliegh I apologize if I added to your angst.

**************

One point I should have focused on is... Kaleigh hasn't returned to explain, But if I read her entry right, the babies are used to staying in there OWN home, and the normal sitter comes to them, so, this situation COMPLETELY threw the babies off. (so it probably wouldn't matter WHERE the pups went, stress was going to be a factor, right? Because they are used to staying in their environment, right?) They were in a totally NEW surrounding. Perhaps with other animals-may have been way over the top in intimidation...noise levels...then it is possible the new house had inside smokers...the dogs number one sense of smell wasn't usable. As you may know, dogs rely on sense of smell for comfort and protection. It is always on even when they sleep.

So...everything added together may explain the sullen change in personality. That would explain why they hadn't felt comfortable in consuming water.

This second sitter may have lots of experience with animals, and bring them all into her home. Kaleighs babes were just overwhelmed. But WE ALL AGREE they were cared for! And it was better to be cautious than take a chance on no one having access to get to the dogs.

I just disagree with the fact that the original sitter responsibility on care dropped when she handed off the baton.

But Pink, you and the other posters are all right...focus on all is well. They are home and safe...and I am sure they were always in capable hands in her absence.

Kaleigh, my post was to support you in your view that you should discuss your concerns...and that 10 years you expect to have reliable options. For all scenerios in your absence.

thanks pink!

 

[jewelz617]

And I hope I didn''t make it sound like what happened to the dogs was ok... because it''s not, but just that blame shouldn''t all be put on the original sitter who most likely had nothing but good intentions.

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 2/28/2010 9:52:48 AM
Author: CasaBlanca

So, in my opinion, I disagree with the poster that says your Normal sitter isn''t responsible. You original sitter took the job in the midst of winter. If she wasn''t prepared in all emergencies to come, she should have given you a caveat, such as;

''In case of bad weather, you know I can''t make it''

''You know my transportation won''t navigate through snow, so if a BLIZZARD happens during your absence...I can''t be counted on-your pets will be on there own.''

And...Lisa, I think you are somewhere from the North East...haven''t you all had almost 100 inches of snow this winter? It is still on the ground...causing all sorts of problems? This wasn''t something that just happens like an earthquake. She should have refused the job...or provided you with warnings BEFORE she took the job. She should also have contacts with the three closest vets in the area...and have their numbers...so many things she SHOULD DO. SHE!!!

SHE took the job. IT was her responsibility. Looks like the stand in had time to get in before the weather hit. Where was the trusted reliable sitter? She had time to call you about the impending forecast. What if you refused to have the stand in otpion? What was her second idea? Sounds to me like she didn''t have a second plan. I shutter to think! You would have the problem NOW with her, wouldn''t you?

So the way I see it is...It was SHE that suggested the standin. It was SHE that dropped her responsibility and handed it off to someone else.

Lisa, I most heartily disagree with everything highlighted.

You''ve had a trusted dog sitter for 10 years taking excellent care of your babies. The suggestion that one should decline a job on the incredibly remote possibility that a storm dropping 2+'' of snow is preposterous to me. For me, I''d feel it was FAR more irresponsible for a sitter to tell me "oh, sorry - I can''t get there, so I''m just going to leave your dogs stranded."

Your normal sitter did her best to make sure your dogs were cared for when an emergency arose and she couldn''t. I have to think she may not be aware that Lisa R''s care was such that it wouldn''t meet your standards.

I would simply have a talk with the primary sitter explaining why Lisa R made you uncomfortable and laying out the parameters you''d like in the event she ever needs to rely on a back-up again going forward. Ex. I''d rather have them with a sitter who doesn''t smoke, and if/when they come to drop dogs off, movement in my house should be limited to making sure there''s food/water for dogs and as minimally intrusive as possible.

 

[junebug17]

Aw Lisa, don''t feel guilty about your doggies! You didn''t do anything wrong at all, this was all a complete surprise to you, and your pooches are fine, so please don''t beat yourself up! It was just one of those unforeseen situations that happen sometimes.

My only thought is that right now your sitter thinks it''s ok to use sitter #2 as a back-up plan in case of emergency, and you''re not ok with it. I wouldn''t make a big deal out of this, because your sitter made an effort to see that your dogs were cared for. but I would mention that you detected smoke on your dogs, and you don''t want them to be in that environment. As the owner, and the fact that you''re paying for this service, I think you have a right to say this. I''m not sure I''d bring up the water, because you don''t really have proof that your dogs weren''t provided water, they may have been and were too keyed up to drink (that happens to my dog sometimes).

 

[Bliss]

I'm sorry, Kaleigh... I know my dogs really well, too. I think your "read" on your fur babies is absolutely correct. If you're a pet owner long enough and love your animals, you *can* tell if they are happy/sad/distressed. And I can also tell if my pets are thirsty. So I think you are spot on with your instincts.

Gosh, I am also really sorry that the pet sitter smoked around your dogs. That would make me incredibly upset. I have NO idea why someone who is paid to watch over animals would do such a horrible thing. A dog's sense of smell is way more sensitive than my sense of smell so if I can't stand smoke, I can't imagine how they felt. Awful, gross and just infuriating...not to mention health hazard! I'm very sorry for your experience and wanted to tell you that yes, you do have every right to be upset. I would not be as upset with your primary sitter but I'd be sure she knew about how irresponsible her stand-in is so that other pet owners wouldn't have to go through the same thing. (HUGS) You didn't do ANYTHING to let them down.

 

[Kaleigh]

Hey Guys,

Thanks. All of you have made some great points.

Pat my regular stitter is awesome. She goes above and beyond for me, and I really appreciate that.

The storm wasn''t bad at all here, 4 inches max. But she was proactive in getting the dogs out, because the forecast was for 6-12 inches and 50 MPH winds.
I knew Lisa R''s name because Pat isn''t the only one to come here while I am gone. But have never met her.

So had no clue she was a heavy smoker.

The dogs were stressed from being taken out of their home environment.

Casper is almost 16!!! So he doesn''t do well with Change.

I think Pat used Lisa R as an emergency back up.

But do want to talk to her about going forward I wouldn''t want my dogs going to Lisa R''s again.

I have many friends who would have taken them in if need be.

But didn''t know that LisaR was a smoker.

My dogs love to drink water, I have several bowls around the house and outside.

This was different.

They are pepping up now. So am relieved.

Thanks for all the advice!!!

Lisa

 

[CasaBlanca]

Pie Girl,

You do have merit in your finding in my writing. I promise to stand in the corner for a time out!...

*******************

I just reread the original post, and Kaleigh said;


"she contracted out my dogs to be cared for in case of a Blizzard. I have no problem with that."


THAT IS WHERE My fault lies in the fact when I read that I didn''t see the word NO. I read

"I have a problem with that."

I have been scratching my head in the replies that followed, but it all makes sense now. You all can read! Me not so much! I AM SOOOO SORRY TO EVERYONE AND I REMAIN IN THE CORNER UNTIL PIE IS SERVED or thrown.

I thought she HAD A PROBLEM with the hand over...

and subsequent hint of care level from caregiver #2,- magnified when learning of the sullen personality and the thirsty, smoky smelling dogs...then I went off the edge assuming #2 sitter was just touring the unoccupied home at her leisure instead of playing with or comforting the lonely dogs. (which explains why sitter #2 wasn''t talking to the dogs but silent?)

Did I pass judgment on the smoking snoopy sitter? Yeap. (because I didn''t read the word NO, yes! Guilty!) But I think Kaleigh is weighing doubt on her level of care as well, do you see that too?



PS...the snoopiness I interpret could be explained when Kaleigh returns...it could be the pups ran up the stairs sensing mom was home...and the sitter just followed to insure everything was safe? Then that would only leave the smoke issue huh?

And then that would leave me, in the corner with pie on my face...hope it is meringue something...creamy pies don''t hurt as much when they hit.

 

[Karl_K]

You did the best you could so don''t feel bad.
Likely your pet sitter did the best she could also.
Finding a place for 2 elderly dogs is not easy under extreme weather conditions.

If you had left them then it would have been 12 inches of snow and trapped for 2 days.
In other words its better to be prepared for something that doesn''t happen than not be prepared for something that does.

Give em a bath and lots of hugs and they will be right as rain :}

 

[CasaBlanca]

Oh Hi Kaleigh!

Sorry your thread ended up to be more about me...or correcting me than helping you! I just read your words wrong.

I am so sorry! Must have blinked when I got to the word NO...pretty important one, huh? Really I am sorry.

Glad they are coming back to their normal puppiness!

 

[Karl_K]

also going upstairs.

She could have heard someone moving around upstairs and went to investigate.
That would explain her comment "Oh your home"

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 2/28/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Karl_K
also going upstairs.

She could have heard someone moving around upstairs and went to investigate.
That would explain her comment ''Oh your home''

Yeah that''s not a biggie. Actually I think the dogs sensed I was home, ran up the stairs and she went after them.

Casablanca, hey we all do it, so no worries!!!

 

[CasaBlanca]

Awe, you are too sweet! Thanks!

 

[isaku5]

Aw, Lisa, you''re being too hard on yourself. Given the choices and weather conditions you describe, I would have done as you did.

Our kitty was left at the vet''s for a week while we went on our one week vacation. He needs meds; that''s the reason for the placement. When DH brought him home, he went straight to his large water dish, drank the contents and wanted more. I couldn''t figure out why until I thought about it for a while. The vet''s office is on town water (chlorinated) while we have our own well (pure, clean water). I''d never given that a second thought and I know what you mean about guilt.

.

Now when we leave him there we make sure he has the well water.

 

[whitby_2773]

hi kaleigh

smoking really upsets my dogs, who are totally unused to it. it takes away one of their primary senses - much more so than with people - and can be as stressful as suddenly becoming blind would be for us. i wouldn''t read more into their flattened mood than that - tho that''s plenty, granted. mine HATE it when they''re surrounded by strong smells they can''t escape.

when dogs are stressed the first thing they do is stop eating and drinking, so there may have been plenty of water provided - but they were somewhat upset, so were off their water. i have one dog who stops drinking as her first port of call when ANYthing stresses her - even a little. she''s a prolific drinker otherwise.

all that to say, the not drinking was probably a response to the strong smell of the smoke, and the smoke led to the flattened mood. not a happy situation for your dogs, and one i''d hate also for my dogs - but at least it''s easily fixed going forward.

i''m sure they''re happy to be back with their mom

 

[rainwood]

I wanted to second Whitby''s comment that dogs can change their water drinking habits when things are different. We found out that our dog will not drink water for several days if we leave her with a pet sitter or at a boarding place. The first time we were surprised because the sitter commented on it, but then were told that the next few times as well from different sitters/places. Now we know that''s what is ''normal'' for her when we leave. She won''t even drink water if we go out for the evening. Once we get home, she heads straight for the water bowl and slurps up a ton.

 

[waterlilly]

I know the fear of leaving pups with a sitter! We stumbled on a wonderful petsitter for our 3 and just got back last week from a week away - it is VERY stressful for us to leave them! I have 3 emergency back up people lined up in the event something happens (and I leave a book of instructions & phone numbers for every scenario possible - I''m a nut)

My opinion:

Your sitter is great. I''m thinking she would absolutely want to know if you are not happy with the other "contract" sitter. You don''t have to say anything in an accusatory or negative way, just a "FYI, she obviously smokes a LOT - just wanted you to be aware, I''d rather they not go to her again unless it''s an absolute emergency, the dogs were very stinky when they came home".

Maybe you can start looking for an emergency backup and have your sitter use someone of your choosing in the future?

 

[Puppmom]

I haven''t had a chance to review all the responses but I''m so sorry this happened to you and your dogs. Please don''t beat yourself up. You clearly have put a lot of thought and resources into your dogs'' care while you''re away.

The one thing I can think of is at least your doggies had each other.

I have a 2 year old dog and we''ve never left him with anyone but family but even that''s not ideal. DH and I went away for 3 days in September and my mother stayed at my house (so NICE of her) with the dog. About an hour after we arrived home he threw up trash - and I mean TRASH - a salad packet and some other undentifiable goodies. If my mom was a petsitter I would have ripped her a new one as my dog has allergies and his intake has to be watched very carefully but, since she''s my mommy and she was doing me a HUGE favor and my big guy was okay, I just left well enough alone.