As pet sitters, we step into other people’s lives, ready to care for their beloved furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends. But sometimes, it feels less like pet sitting and more like an episode of “Survivor: Household Edition.” Today, we’re diving into the trivial-but-oh-so-relatable challenges that make us pet sitters scratch our heads, laugh, and occasionally want to howl at the moon.
The Great Poop Bag Treasure Hunt
Picture this: You’re in a beautiful park, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Fido has just done his business. You reach for a poop bag and… wait, where are they? Cue the frantic pat-down of all your pockets, followed by the walk of shame to the nearest trash can to grab whatever you can find.
One sitter confessed to using a giant bin liner after a two-day search at the home she was sitting in for elusive poop bags. Imagine the looks from other park-goers! “Jeez, how big IS that dog?”
Tip for homeowners: We love a good scavenger hunt, but maybe not when it comes to poop bags. A quick “poop bags are in the drawer by the door” can save us from using our own clothing as a last resort!
The Mystery of the Missing Mop
Hard floors are great until they’re not. One sitter found themselves in a house full of hard floors but nary a mop in sight. It’s like being handed a colouring book with no crayons. How are we supposed to keep things spick and span without the proper tools?
Tip for homeowners: If you’ve hidden the cleaning supplies in a secret underground bunker, a treasure map would be appreciated. Or, you know, just a quick note on where to find them.
The Case of the Vanishing Hand Soap
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of going to wash your hands, pressing down on the soap dispenser, and getting… nothing. Or worse, that sad, watery dribble that’s more like a soap ghost than actual soap. It’s a first-world problem, sure, but it’s our first-world problem!
Tip for homeowners: We promise we’re not here to judge your soap levels. A quick refill before we arrive, or letting us know where the refills are, can save our hands from a very sad, soap-less existence.
The Toilet Paper Predicament
Let’s talk about toilet paper. Or rather, the lack thereof. There’s a special kind of panic that sets in when you realise you’re down to the last square. Sure, we replace what we use (and then some), but starting with a decent stock is like a warm hug for our peace of mind.
Tip for homeowners: We’re not asking for a year’s supply, but enough to get through the apocalypse (or at least our stay) would be lovely.
The Key Conundrum
Keys are supposed to be simple, right? Insert into lock, turn, door opens. But sometimes, it feels like we need a Ph.D. in Lock Picking to get inside. There’s always that one key that needs to be jiggled just so, or that lock that only opens if you whisper sweet nothings to it first.
Tip for homeowners: If your key has a secret handshake, let us in on it. We promise not to tell the other keys.
The Coffee Quandary
Ah, coffee. The lifeblood of many a pet sitter. But what’s a caffeine-dependent sitter to do when faced with a coffee machine that looks like it belongs on a space shuttle? Sure, we could probably figure it out, but do you really want a bleary-eyed, pre-caffeine pet sitter experimenting with your high-tech gadgets?
Tip for homeowners: If your coffee machine requires an engineering degree to operate, a stash of instant coffee can be a real lifesaver. We won’t tell the coffee snobs if you don’t.
The Art of Communication
Here’s the thing, dear homeowners: We pet sitters aren’t expecting perfection. We’re not here to judge your soap levels or your toilet paper stockpile. But a little heads up on these trivial matters can go a long way in making our stay smoother (and more enjoyable for everyone involved).
Remember, we’re stepping into your world, trying to keep things running as close to normal as possible. We don’t expect you to be mind readers, but a quick rundown of the quirks of your home can save us both from some amusing (and occasionally frustrating) situations.
So next time you’re preparing for a pet sitter, take a moment to think about these little things. Your sitter will thank you, your pets will thank you (in their own way), and you’ll come home to a house that hasn’t been turned upside down in the Great Poop Bag Hunt of 2024.
Happy pet sitting, everyone! May your keys always turn smoothly, your soap dispensers be full, and your coffee machines be user-friendly. And remember, when all else fails, a sense of humour is a pet sitter’s best friend!