Take them with me or hire a sitter?

[addictedtochins]

I think $50-$75 for all those animals. I would call her every day or every other day. Someone on here went away and their sitter forgot all about the pets.

 

[danakscully64]

I was thinking $50 with a $10 tip I was DEFINITELY going to call. I'm terrified of my animals being forgotten. Who could seriously forget about something that serious? Did the persons pets do okay?

 

[addictedtochins]

Yeah, It was just a day or two. I know of another whose parents totally 100% forgot and she came home 1 month later to two chinchilla skeletons.

 

[danakscully64]

Yeah, It was just a day or two. I know of another whose parents totally 100% forgot and she came home 1 month later to two chinchilla skeletons.

Are you sure that's a true story? Seems like a person would have asked at least once if the chins were doing okay after they left. Plus, wouldn't it pop into your mind once or twice as the parent?

 

[addictedtochins]

Well, someone I know said that's what happened to her chinchillas. Yes, it is stupid and horrible.

 

[Ziora]

I've been reading about your trip and can empathize. I've got a similar situation coming up, but not quite so stressful as yours. I wanted to comment on what you were thinking of paying your friend. I think that amount is fine, but I would also give her a small, thoughtful gift.

 

[danakscully64]

I was thinking about giving her a small Christmas present too, just not sure what to get her. I honestly don't know her that well, we met just over a month ago. She's a stay at home Mom with 2 kids. Any suggestions? I'm thinking something she can relax with, like a bath bomb and something else.

 

[Luci]

yea, i agree with a gift!

the girl who's taking care of mine has cats, a bunny, and a bearded dragon. im thinking about a gift card for petsmart on top of some money. not sure how much either.

she'll be out of town herself for a week and will be having another coworker (who also works at the animal clinic) take care of them. so im thinking i'll pay her too. im thinking 50 each? 75? ahh i dunno yet.

 

[danakscully64]

My chins have been away from my for over a week now I get to see them on Sunday though, YAY! I know they're being well taken care of.

 

[danakscully64]

I came home and my chins didn't recognize me right away. They didn't get excited Midnight even bit me! I kept coming in to their room and I think they finally remembered me and got excited.

 

[TheNobleFight]

There is a plethora of stories on forums about animals being forgotten. They all read the same: I trusted (paid) so and so, and they completely forgot to feed/water/care for my animal. The truth is... No one loves YOUR chins more than you! If you trust someone to watch them, check up on them frequently. There should be no shame in protecting whats important to you, even if those involved are family.
I will never forget my first visit to CIA in Langley... My handler told me not to say anything in the bathrooms or break rooms as they were recording at all times. I asked if that was only for unsecured areas, he replied "Oh no... Our motto here is... IN GOD WE TRUST, ALL OTHERS WE MONITOR!"

Here is a page of a local member who lost hers to incompetence.
http://www.cherishedchins.com/index.html

 

[danakscully64]

That is so scary. My sitter was all over it. She came over twice a day, everyday, and called me/FBed me a ton. It took me about a week to get comfortable, the last few days I was completely relaxed and trusting. She took pictures and even made a video for me.

I just don't get how someone could FORGET they're animal sitting. It's no different than child sitting. I've taken care of animals many times for people, I have yet to forget even 1 time.

 

[danakscully64]

My animals love me again I wonder if they were mad at me for leaving them. Mason, my rabbit, didn't seem to mind at all, but the chins were more aware. Mason just wants food and kisses, he's content with just that