I Can't Care More Than You. But I'll Still Quietly Judge You!

During the first couple years of my pet sitting business, I equated being a great pet sitter with being a Judgmental Auntie at Thanksgiving!

It wasn’t long before I found myself chastising clients for what I considered basic pet care lapses. Dirty food bowls? Overgrown nails? A smell coming off the dog that could be used as a biological weapon? I took it personally.

I'd show up to take care of a dog or cat and leave feeling like I needed to stage an intervention. “Have you considered…giving Muffin a bath?” I’d say gently, while my eyes screamed, for the love of God, do something about the stench!

But here’s what I’ve learned over the years: I can’t care more than they do. And even if I do, it doesn’t mean they’re going to suddenly change because their dog walker gave them a polite nudge and a bottle of dog shampoo.

Now, if I notice something’s off, long nails, matted fur, green fuzz growing in the water bowl...I mention it once. That’s it. OK, maybe twice. I make my closing argument and leave the decision up to a jury of two. I have to remember I am not Johnnie Cochran. I’m the pet sitter. And my job is to keep their furry family member happy, safe, and well cared for. Not to make them feel like they're being subjected to scrutiny by the D.P.S. (Dog Protective Services).

However, 9 times out of 10, they do something about it. Eventually. Maybe not after my first gentle heads-up, but at some point, they’ll text me saying, “Hey! We finally trimmed Bella’s nails!” 

For the past several years I've been leading with compassion, grace, and just enough sarcasm to keep myself entertained. Because being a great pet sitter doesn’t mean fixing everything, it means showing up, doing your best, and understanding that people love their pets in their own messy, imperfect way 💖 - while I continue silently judging them.😂

Puppy Protest!

 

Sometimes I get a dog that "puts on the brakes" during a walk - just plants their feet firmly on the pavement like a toddler refusing to leave the toy aisle! If they’re smaller dogs, no problem - I just pick them up, carry them a few feet, place them down and they're back in action like little wind-up toys.

The larger and heavier dogs...not so much! Some will stage a full-on protest like they’re fighting for better treat wages and longer cuddle breaks. They flat out refuse to do what's expected of them i.e. enjoying time outside, taking care of business, and checking out messages other dogs have left them. 

Some take it further by lying down and rolling over on their backs! There’s nothing I can do. It's a stalemate and a canine strike is imminent. All I can do is sit back down at the concrete negotiation table (or sidewalk), use belly rubs as a concession and hope they don't make me late for my next pet visit. Because seeing a bunch of dogs holding picket signs is not good for business.🐶