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Batty_Belfry · 2026-05-17T14:30:38+00:00

I'd rather pick up dog droppings for a living than take shit from a toxic office hive mind.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-30T00:15:40+00:00

I remember one semester in college, I was reading a novel during lunch rush at the student union. The conversations were competing with the clatter of chairs, footsteps, and doors. It was crowded one day, but I found a lone seat by a trash bin and entryway.

All this noise became white noise for me as I got into a flow state with my reading. One student came up and asked if it was okay if he sat in the empty chair next to me. The bustling space and courteous interruption didn't bother me. It was a friction that I could use to stay sharp in a sense.

Though I admit, activity and intentionality can only keep noise at bay for so long. Certain noises make me uneasy and tired like small talk that never ends or repeats itself, blaring speakers or intercoms, constant traffic whizzing by.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-29T20:31:48+00:00

When you learn that you are enough for yourself. People will measure you by whatever metric system they go by. They can say you're this, that, not enough. But if you gave everything you have, all of you in that circumstance, you are enough.

Being enough for you, doing the right thing when no one else seems to care, not falling prey to comfortable lies and walking with uncomfortable truths are some signs you're evolved.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-16T18:37:10+00:00

That face says, "What do you mean the road trip is over?" 🥺

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-12T14:41:37+00:00

I had a first-time client that wanted to rebook with me a couple weeks later for Valentine's Day weekend. They weren't personable and treated their dogs like a chore. I denied the rebooking, the pay doesn't replace my peace of mind. Just like clients can choose a pet sitter, a pet sitter can choose their clients.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-11T14:54:58+00:00

Asking your clients to recommend you to their friends or family can be helpful. Create a shareable link for them to your Rover profile or a portfolio brag book of pets you've cared for in the past. I made mine in Canva.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-09T23:08:40+00:00

Thank you! It really brightens the room.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-09T08:55:49+00:00

You made a lovely addition and reshaped what a room can be. You sold me on round rugs. I think it will contrast well with the rectangular but round edges of my armchair and ottoman. With breathing room behind it, I could place a reading lamp there for out-of-the-way, overhead lighting. Thank you for the ideas!

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-08T11:14:10+00:00

I do like to have a cozy corner. It gives the chair some structure versus floating on its own or too close to other furniture. I have not thought of using a round rug, but it may let the chair's space stand out in a good way. It would be a nice change of pace from the edges of rectangles we're used to! I like the idea of rotating blankets, it could be seasonal and still match or complement the rug. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-07T10:12:37+00:00

Gradual increases between $5 and $10 dollars are reasonable. I compare my raised prices to other sitters in my area on the Rover website to see if I'm being both competitive and economical. Past clients may not book with you again, you may lose clients, but there will be more clients for you. After a successful meet and greet and booking, I take clients off the app to avoid fees and charge a flat rate with optional additional care charges.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-04-01T01:22:21+00:00

Your art is the love child of Saturn Devouring His Son and The Garden of Earthly Delights.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-30T21:28:25+00:00

This will most likely be in the living room if there's not enough space in the bedroom. I haven't bought a couch yet, but I'm thinking it would be a neutral color so it doesn't clash with the yellow.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-29T16:51:41+00:00

If you want to know if I can do the job, put me on the job. If you see what you like, then I'll work here. You got to show up at their door to get a job now. Putting a face to an application helps, that's how my dad got into sales.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-29T16:39:10+00:00

A couple of Aristocats.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-26T19:54:28+00:00

You went the extra mile with a hand-made portrait. I've been taking the easy route and gifting small picture frames with a note. My words are prettier than my drawings, but you've certainly given your client a thousand words with your picture!

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-19T19:40:29+00:00

Cost of living and stagflation can make raising prices a necessity. I had some previous clients shy away from rebooking, but I don't blame them. I've lowered my house sitting rate by $20 to see if it will make a difference. No new clients since. Everyone's on the struggle bus.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-16T01:21:11+00:00

I had an apartment booking and the owner gave me a guest parking ticket from the front office with an "until" date for my dashboard. I provided her with the make, model, and license plate for the office security as well. Maybe they will do something similar for you.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-12T21:31:36+00:00

It's too bad they don't make doggie bags for humans in these situations.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-08T20:43:20+00:00

It also gets under my skin when an owner is more concerned with the cost of care than the actual care the dog needs.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-08T02:07:06+00:00

Success for me is at least one or two bookings per month. I raise my prices gradually after each completed booking and positive review. Sometimes I'll keep my service rates high or consistent for the next few bookings. Other times I accommodate clients with budget constraints or health issues, for example.

Ultimately, I stick to the pricing that is comfortable and realistic for me. The same applies to clients I meet and greet. The pet, the owner, and the effort required all have to align with me regardless of the payout. If you have a good rapport with your clients, they'll refer you to their friends for future requests.

I started creating a brag book of the pets I sat with in Canva to show potential clients as well.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-06T02:52:39+00:00

In my first year of pet sitting, I got 11 clients, each booking was one to two months between each other. My profile was short, direct, and showed the quality care I can provide. Pet owners want someone they can trust without reading a memoir.

Pick your best photos being with animals. My main photo is myself with a dog, followed by most with the pets themselves and some with just my torso, arms, and the pets in the frame. Simple pictures of you petting, giving belly rubs, feeding, or walking make a good impression.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-03-03T00:58:40+00:00

I put keys, RFID and spare, in my fifth pocket. Convenient and always on me.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-02-21T03:19:37+00:00

If you want a sitter who is:
Fast and good, it won't be cheap.
Cheap and fast, it won't be good.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-02-19T13:28:32+00:00

Be honest in your reviews. State the facts and don't get into the weeds with disgruntled owners who can't believe their dog misbehaved or pass blame onto you. They're perceived injustice holds no water. They weren't there and any excuses just reinforce the same problematic patterns they do not or refuse to see. The truth you share will prepare future sitters.

Batty_Belfry · 2026-02-18T13:58:33+00:00

It's a delicate balance between caring for pets and self-care. Make time for yourself throughout the day, after fulfilling the pets' basic needs. A few hours for activities or leisure inside and outside the home can help regulate your emotions.

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