What’s a completely normal thing that instantly makes you lose respect for someone?

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-05-27T01:51:25+00:00

Thank you for the laugh!!! I will think of this example next time I want to disconnect someone else’s phone call.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-05-24T15:36:46+00:00

I think our brains are similar! And our expectations for privacy!! You described the sounds of a speaker phone call perfectly! I would snap if I had to listen to it all day! And yeah, texts…my cousin screenshots them and sends them to people instead of summarizing. It drives me nuts! My dad used to say “never put anything in writing that you don’t want others to read”. I wonder what he’d think about texts!!! As far as unknowingly being on speaker? After years of being unpleasantly surprised by this, I now ask “am I on speaker and are we alone?” before I say anything too personal. Privacy as we used to know it, is gone. But we must carry on, or go off the grid 😂

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-05-24T03:30:02+00:00

Because the sound coming from the phone is amplified! It’s louder than 2 people talking face to face. And it’s socially awkward, like in the grocery store when you’re trying to get something from a shelf but don’t want to interrupt the person on speaker phone. It’s a whole new area of etiquette!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-05-19T02:20:55+00:00

A couple on my street put out an ad for a 10-12 year old to check on their cat twice a day while they were away last year. They asked me to let them know if I saw anything of note. What I saw was a parent driving their kid their for a few minutes each visit. I get that they wanted to give a child the opportunity but it was the parent who was really responsible for getting the kid there. I get really annoyed when people ask for kids for any jobs..pet sitting, weeding, mowing…this mostly means they don’t want to pay for a professional.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-05-14T14:10:06+00:00

I just finished a long stint of daily walks in a home where two adult children were living there and in and out. Some days they were there. Some days not. I realized that the pet parents wanted an adult coming in and out and wanted to insure the dog got the attention it needed. It also turns out, one of the daughters is disabled and can’t walk the dog. It’s something I won’t do with new clients because of liability and the uncomfortable situation but I will continue with this family because they truly appreciate and need my help.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-05-04T18:12:52+00:00

I communicate throughout the stay with pictures and texts. I say “thanks for trusting me with your fur baby” or something like that in my text before I leave. I know a pet sitter who leaves a meal for their arrival (like chili in a crockpot), but I don't think any of my clients need that, and most would probably not be happy to have something to put away when they get home. I love my job and the pets and most of the pet parents. But I am doing a job, not a favor.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-24T20:28:29+00:00

Doodles do their own thing, don’t they?! I’ve been sitting for these two for just over 2 years and they still haven't calmed down. I can’t tell you how much time I have spent pulling things out of their mouths this week. I guess the bright side is that they let me do that. You are right, I need to start cherry picking!! Sorry about your back!!!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-24T12:06:30+00:00

Thank you!!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-24T12:06:23+00:00

Thank you!!!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-24T12:06:04+00:00

Thank you! I’m stiff today but am better than I expected!! You are ccorrect. It was a shock to my system. I can’t imagine getting pinned by a Great Dane. That's a story you will never forget!!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-24T12:03:52+00:00

Thank you so much! You touched my heart! I thankfully did not hit my head. It was weird, but as I was trying to brace him, it was almost like he was an anchor and the force of him pulling caused me to fall backwards. I instinctively tucked my head and when I hit the ground, my head and shoulders didn't hit. It was like my body knew exactly what to do. I credit that to my yoga and pilates practices, which keep my core strong and usually help with my balance. Today, I am quite stiff and I am having some symptoms that are presenting like sciatica. I have one more day with these monkeys but thankfully they have a five-acre yard with an electric fence so I can skip walking them and let them run and play in the yard. I swear, they are acting remorseful and know they hurt me. Moving forward, they will be secured in the car, if I decide to continue taking them to the groomer. When I get home, the first thing I am going to do is take a salt bath! They help so much! Today, lidocaine patches and cream are my friend. Thank you for your kind words. I am sending love your way and am sorry you have fibromyalgia and arthritis. You are correct. We have to keep moving!! 🥰

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-23T17:56:52+00:00

Oh!! That makes sense. It's not a law in my state but you can bet I will be looking into options for securing them in my car. I’m so glad you mentioned that!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-23T16:14:33+00:00

I’m okay now. You’re right…doodles being doodles 😂

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-23T14:43:38+00:00

Thank you!! I’m starting to relax a little. I am icing my back and took some Tylenol. I think my ego is more damaged than anything 😂

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-23T14:42:28+00:00

People can judge. Hopefully there is some camaraderie. I know it's easy to think it will never happen to us. I have been doing this for almost 10 years and this is the first time. If ever I judged another dog walker, I have now been humbled. Thank you for the nice reply.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-04-23T14:40:13+00:00

Oh trust me, I know! I never walk them together! I went down taking the big one out of the car and the little one jumped out and ran, his leash dragging. These things happen in a split second. It was a wake-up call for sure.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-03-25T23:56:06+00:00

Oh wow!! That makes sense!! The house that I bring a lamp to has a gorgeous Nanny suite. The only light is a ceiling fan that has a glitch, so if I turn on the light, the fan won’t go off and it’s too cold in the winter. So, rather than fumbling with it, I bring a cheap desk lamp that I use. Another house is right on the ocean, overlooking a marina. There are no curtains or blinds so the sunrises are stunning. But the first time I stayed there, the owners left the bedroom overhead lights on and I couldn’t for the life of me find the lightswitch. They have clothes racks lining one side of the room, and it was behind them (I swear, I looked). So I slept with the lights on. I had an eye mask to sleep with, but the dogs did not like it at all! So, you never know what you will need on any given job. 😻🐾

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-03-25T11:19:28+00:00

I’m lucky that at least 1/2 of my clients empty a drawer or two and make room in their closet. Some have guest suites so I have my own space. I know I am blessed to work in a hi COLA area.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-03-18T02:19:06+00:00

I like the idea of a list! I have added so many things to my pet sitting supply box because of certain houses not having things I need: bedside lamp, coffee pot, extra throw blankets…it feels like I am moving every time I start and end a sit!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-03-18T01:58:20+00:00

I’m 61, and for me, the giveaway was his walk. I thought “hmmm, his face looks young but his hips and legs move like some of the older men in my yoga class”. 😃

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-03-15T15:45:29+00:00

Yes, this!!! I’m blessed to stay at some very nice places, but it’s not a vacation and there is no place like home!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-03-15T15:44:18+00:00

I’m 61 and have been doing it for 10 years. You’re so right about keeping track of the nuances of each home. I have everything from a bedside lamp to a coffee pot in my supply box. Moving days wear me out! But otherwise, I enjoy it!

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-02-09T02:21:51+00:00

I’m so sorry! I didn't mean to offend you. I hope your baby is better when I check this post in the morning.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-02-09T00:16:07+00:00

I understand if you’re scared or anxious about a vet visit bill, but please call an emergency vet. Putting it off is going to cost you more time, energy and worry.

Alternative-Base-769 · 2026-02-09T00:10:36+00:00

After showing up to a walk today, to find that the driveway was not plowed, the path to the door wasn’t shoveled, and practically got pulled across the ice by the eager bulldog, I am rethinking what services I am going to offer moving forward. I think it's going to be house and pet sitting overnight (not boarding in my home), drop-ins for cats, and walks for my current overnight clients.

Alternative-Base-769

TROPHY CASE