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| Clear Instructions |
We’ve learned to insist on written instructions from the owner on how to care for the pet and home we’ve been invited to dedicate our time to; in this case, 5 dogs and 2 cats.
We complied with this homeowner’s request that we arrive a few days early so that we could watch how she does things with her pets. Although we did ask, she insisted on doing all the feeding, bedding down, eye and ear cleaning, laundering of soiled blankets, opening and closing of overnight kennels, hand feeding three of the dogs, measuring the feeding amounts for each pet and all other things associated with tending to their needs.
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| Taking Notes |
I’m embarrassed to admit that I followed her throughout the house and into the yard with my notepad recording her actions and instructions. Even after nearly six months of contact with the couple, and our asking for a working manual, none had been prepared. I also learned that if I didn’t get the directions correct when I spoke to her about them later, she would chastise me saying I told you before and would reluctantly tell me again. We asked for a brief meeting that evening.
We let them know that it was their responsibility to develop a procedure manual with enough detail to identify the specific needs of each pet and how they want us to treat the house. Without a working manual, we are left to adapt the best we can to support the habits of the pets.
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| Results of Change of Habit |
We know that when a pet, for example, is used to being let outdoors at a certain time of the day and it is prevented from completing its brain-seared habit, the pet may suffer from anxiety or relieve itself right there in front of you.
As house and pet sitters, we dedicate our time and energy to the well-being of the pets and are proud to protect the homeowner’s property.
Our learning has set in motion our asking the home and pet owner to send us written instructions before we arrive. The document will allow us to ask questions and for them to elaborate on specific instructions. It provides for open-minded conversations.
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| We depend on written instructions |
