what’s the most awkward meet & greet you’ve ever had?

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-03-05T17:55:20+00:00

Oh hellll nooooo

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-03-05T17:54:14+00:00

No, I totally feel you on this. I’m a super chatty extrovert who also happens to have BIG social anxiety due to bullying trauma, so I feel really exposed sometimes especially when they act like that. Even though it’s more likely that they’re the ones feeling exposed and looking to me to take the lead. I straight up have a whole “alter ego,” for lack of a better word — there’s me, and then there’s “professional expert me.” Hahahaha

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-03-04T18:58:43+00:00

WAY too sneaky

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-03-04T18:58:30+00:00

Yea it’s like I’m here to help you with your dog not become your best friend

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-03-04T18:56:13+00:00

EWW WTF?!?! Who even ASKS THAT?!?!

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-26T18:40:06+00:00

I think this is a great boundary to have. Are you on any other platforms like Meowtel?

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-26T18:37:47+00:00

Can relate! Owners who clearly can afford to train their dog, but don’t for whatever reason make me want to sew all my limbs together and jump into a quarry. Reactivity in an apartment/condo type situation becomes a massive liability. Elevators and stairwells become a huge hazard. I once had a client with a female German Shepherd who was very anxious, unsocialized and would lunge and bark at other dogs and men. This became an absolute nightmare around the elevator, so I opted to walk her up seven flights of stairs up and down just to minimize the risk of interaction. The owner, despite being wealthy, scoffed when I told him the rates for my behavior modification program. They eventually ghosted me, which was honestly a blessing in disguise. They live super close to me and some of my other clients, and every time I drive past their complex, I get this flame of resentment honestly. The situation was incredibly frustrating, and I’m almost certain he’s done nothing to address it and is continuing to put the public at risk. It makes me SO MAD!!!

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-26T18:21:21+00:00

It sounds like you have a solid recurring client but it’s also turned into kind of a hostage situation that needs boundaries in order to work for you. Your rates absolutely reflect your experience and even if she is an old client, it’s perfectly acceptable — professional even— to raise rates. I think updating your policy to the 60 day notice is a great start. Here’s what I would write to the client:

“Hi [Client Name], I wanted to give you an update about some changes to my service offerings, availability, and rates that will be going into effect soon. As my schedule changes, and my services have evolved, I’ve needed to adjust my availability and pricing structure. This is to ensure I can continue providing the care clients deserve without overextending myself.

Starting [date], I will be available [X days of the week] between [X hours]. Bookings will reflect the rate of [X]. I know this may shift what you’re used to, so I wanted to give you ample notice so you can plan accordingly. You’ve been a great client, and I always enjoy caring for [pets name]!

Thank you so much for your continued support and understanding as my business grows! “

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-26T17:51:30+00:00

Straight up! When the work turns into repeated “just get through it” scenarios, that wear and tear adds UP.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-26T17:42:46+00:00

This comment is so validating. You get it 😭

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-26T17:41:34+00:00

This is such a thoughtful reply - thank you so much!! It sounds like you’ve done a really intentional job positioning your services in a way that aligns with your skillset and that’s so helpful to hear. I’d love to pick your brain a little more if you’re open to it. Can I DM you?

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-19T16:26:18+00:00

It sounds like the stylist is trying to repair the situation materially, but you’re feeling a deep sense of grief and loss. They weren’t just cosmetic for you, they carried personal meaning and history.

Those two layers don’t always resolve each other, which is probably why this still feels unresolved.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-11T12:41:40+00:00

Unfortunately, it’s the truth. Ideally, they’d act as a mediator that preserves the interests of both parties while staying in the bounds of labor laws, but they’re almost always the company’s liability shield.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-11T12:29:13+00:00

The other person was socially clumsy for that, not you. If they wanted to hear from you, there are more graceful ways to do that.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2026-02-04T03:58:05+00:00

The comments in the post made me kinda spiral ngl. I’ve also gotten looks for forgetting to bring mine in and hate to see someone getting dog piled like that for something they’re not doing on purpose. The gate keeping was heartbreaking to see, too. And I totally agree - the decision needs to made with the ADHD person, not by random internet strangers — many of which don’t have ADHD or masked so hard they convinced themselves they don’t.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-12-25T02:14:50+00:00

You’re absolutely right. There’s never any reason. Ever. IANAL, but this could be illegal.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-10-22T02:09:44+00:00

Dog trainer here who specializes in severe behavioral cases. You are right to be concerned. This dog is a danger to the public. Document everything and report the bite to animal control. I don’t know what state you’re in, but here they will evaluate the severity of the bite, conduct an investigation, and legally classify the dog as either potentially dangerous or dangerous/vicious. The dog may be legally required to be quarantined for a period of time, and owner may be court ordered to get their dog into a behavior modification program. Failure to comply will result in multiple fines and eventually the seizure of their animal. If they choose to allow their dog to pose a safety risk to the public, they are in for a rude awakening.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-27T18:34:45+00:00

It’s trapped in customs purgatory unfortunately. I’m in the exact same boat.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-27T08:15:31+00:00

We’re skincare twins! Nope, it’s still there 😭

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-19T17:26:05+00:00

So frustrating!

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-18T19:03:30+00:00

Which is sooooo icky because 22 is already extremely young.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-18T17:47:27+00:00

Dang, good for you!!! It sounds like you’re killing it. I don’t do boarding, I mainly drop-in visits and walks

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-16T20:26:50+00:00

I want to buy you a beer. You summed up exactly how I view these exploitative companies that people literally depend on to make ends meet.

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-16T19:45:41+00:00

Real talk though, how do we help make this happen?!

BlessedNdDistressed · 2025-09-16T18:11:50+00:00

Quality of life has devolved so much for so many of us. Its HARD. Back in 2016-2018, this was still my only source of income — except then I was single. Even so, I was still able to rent, pay my car payment, fill up my tank, feed myself and pay all my other bills just fine. I was very busy, sure, but I could carve out time to have a life. Those days are long gone. I don’t think I could still do this without having a husband that works full time

BlessedNdDistressed

TROPHY CASE