when a pet passes away: a pet sitter perspective

One of the most difficult parts of being a pet sitter is when a client's pet passes away. Over the course of my pet sitting career, I've had to experience this more times than I'd like. Only once has it actually happened in my arms. A handful of times I've let my client know that it might be time when it was too hard for them to let go. But, mostly, the pets I care for pass peacefully with their families. This has happened more than once over the last couple of weeks, and I must say that my heart is breaking. 

When a Pet Passes Away: A Pet Sitter Perspective

I always say that my greatest qualification as a pet sitter is my love of animals. Sure, it takes a lot more than that to be a professional, but if love doesn't motivate one to do a stellar job, I'm not sure what will. You can't learn to love animals. It's just in you or it isn't. 

So each time a pet I've cared for passes, a little bit of my heart goes with him or her. I've spent quality time with these magnificent creatures. We've bonded and shared love. They come to depend on me in their owners' absences, and I depend on them because they deliver the best part of my job. They deliver the joy that makes me love what I do for a living.

Since we're a small family business, my children sometimes come with me on pet sitting visits, so they, too, become bonded with the pets we care for. These past couple of weeks have been really rough on them, too. Though they have now had quite extensive experience in pet loss at such a young age, it still hits them hard every time. 

My clients understand the love we have for their animals, and they usually keep me updated if their pets have a serious health issue, even if we aren't caring for them at the time. The humans who hire us understand and appreciate the bonds we share with their pets. We are so grateful that they take us into consideration. The fact that they are dealing with difficult decisions and sadness but still take the time to keep us in the loop is amazing.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text from my client, Liz.* She let me know that their mixed shepherd, Clayton, had taken a turn for the worse. Over the past several months, I'd been taking care of Clayton as the family traveled, giving him supplements, medication, and special food, and keeping an eye on his overall health as he battled an insulinoma (cancer of the pancreas). I helped care for him after surgery, and the family and I were in regular communication about his condition, even when they weren't traveling. 

Clayton, circa 2007, at the Maricopa Mutt March, a community event I co-founded.

Clayton and his family will always hold a special place in my heart. They became clients of mine when Clayton was just a puppy, soon after I moved to Arizona and opened my pet sitting business ten years ago. Their family gave me a sweet little Dalmatian stuffed animal for my son, Porter, when I was pregnant with him...something he still cherishes. After a couple of years, they moved out of my service area, then we moved a couple of times, then they moved again, and just a few months ago, I got an email from Liz..."remember us?" They were back in my service area, and I was reunited with Clayton. To say that these people and this dog are special to me would be an understatement. 

A couple of weeks ago, when Liz let me know that Clayton had taken a turn for the worse and that the veterinarian was running some tests over the weekend, it didn't sound good, but we hoped for the best.

Come Monday morning, I received a text from Liz letting me know that the cancer had spread to Clayton's bones and had made them so brittle that they could break at the slightest pressure. If that happened, the bones could not heal, and he would be in a great deal of pain. There was nothing more to do. There was really only one choice to make. Liz let me know that the vet would come to their home that evening at 7:00 PM. 

Campbell took the news about Clayton particularly hard. Our dog, N.A.S.H.A., tried to comfort her.

I thought about Clayton and his family all day and watched the clock. I broke the news to my children, and they were devastated. We'd spent a lot of time with Clayton over this past summer, and they had really bonded with him, too. As the clock struck 7:00 PM, we stopped what we were doing, had a group hug and a moment of silence for Clayton. 

About an hour later, I received a text from Damon, Liz's husband, letting me know that Clayton had passed peacefully.

Over the next few days, I exchanged quite personal text messages with Liz and Damon. They sent me a picture of Clayton enjoying the back yard just a few hours before he passed. Their family was struggling, and so was ours. I tried my best to support them. After all, it was their dog. Even so, they somehow understood our deep loss, as well, and considered our feelings. They even offered for my children to choose one of Clayton's toys as a keepsake, as her children had. This was truly a remarkable relationship. 

A couple of days ago, a card came in the mail. It was addressed to the "Junior Pet Sitters." 

The thoughtful message to my Junior Pet Sitters.

The kids smiled and got a little teary, as did I. Included inside was a gift card for them to get some ice cream. That made them smile, and–I think–made us all feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Times are sad, but we can always find joy. And what better joy than ice cream, right? I plan to take the kids for ice cream this week and use it as a time to remember all of the things we loved about Clayton. 

I couldn't be more thankful to have these people, and to have had this dog, in our lives. Bonds like this go beyond the "business" of pet sitting. 

I am looking forward to the day when the Ashcraft family brings a new dog into their lives. They are remarkable pet parents, and I have confidence that our partnership in pet care is far from over. It may take some time, but we'll be here when they are ready. 

R.I.P., Clayton. You will always have a piece of our hearts.

Junior Pet Sitter Porter enjoying cuddles from Clayton.

Clayton and I liked to cuddle.

The many moods of a morning walk with Clayton.

Clayton enjoys a good brushing from Junior Pet Sitter Campbell.

Smooshing in for a selfie.

*All names are typically changed in the interest of client anonymity, but I have been given special permission from my clients, in this case, to use their real names. I wanted to honor them properly.

recognizing heat stress in chickens

The intense summer heat here in Phoenix arrived a bit late this year, but mother nature is now making up for it. Our daily highs have been up to 117°, which is more than uncomfortable. Indoor activities and exercise are best for both humans and animals. It's kind-of like being snowed-in, except we have the opposite problem. We have to be especially careful to be sure our animals stay healthy and protect them from the harsh temperatures. Mid-day dog walks are out of the question, so I have to walk my clients before dawn. Double-checking water bowls are also critical. When I make my pet sitting visits, I make sure all of the animals in my care are comfortable and not suffering from any heat-related issues. I've recently learned more about heat stress in chickens, as I've been called upon several times to check on some of my favorite chickens who haven't been doing too well with the recent heat. 

Recognizing heat stress in chickens and how to prevent and treat an overheated chicken.

Backyard chickens are sensitive to temperature, which can be a challenge since they are primarily outdoor creatures. As lovely as they are, not many of us would invite them inside to sit on the couch with a glass of iced tea to cool off. Chickens can succumb to heat stroke rapidly, so it is important to monitor them closely and intervene at the first sign (or before) of distress. One of my clients thought she might lose her chickens on a couple of occasions this summer and has called on me to check on them during the hottest parts of the day if she can't be there. She has educated me about the signs that a chicken is suffering from heat-related distress, and I have done some additional research in order to be better prepared.

signs of heat stress in chickens

So what should we look for to determine if backyard chickens are in trouble?

• Wing Spread. Chickens typically keep their wings fairly close to their bodies. If a chicken has its wings spread for a prolonged period of time, she is trying to increase air circulation around her body in an attempt to cool herself.

• Lethargy. Decreased activity levels and laying down are signs that a chicken is overheated.

Eggs I collected during one of my chicken-sits. At left is the "distressed" egg side-by-side with a normal egg. At right is a closeup of the distressed egg. 

• Panting. While panting is a way dogs help themselves cool off and is quite normal, unless excessive, if you see a chicken pant, it's time to intervene. They cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as a dog. 

• Waddle and comb lose color. If the chicken's waddle and comb lose color, it is likely a sign of being overheated. The waddle and comb may also appear overly dry.

• Misshapen eggs or no eggs. If your chicken stops laying eggs according to her regular schedule, or if the eggs are misshapen, your chicken may be overheated.

If left untreated, an overheated chicken can begin to have seizures and convulsions, leading to heat stroke and likely death, in a relatively short period of time. Early intervention is critical. 

ways to help chickens beat the heat

My clients have outlined a plan A, B, and C, for me when I care for their chickens, which I very much appreciate. Care during the hot summer months includes:

• Making sure they have fresh ice water. Chickens tend to be a bit messy, so their water should be checked for cleanliness and temperature several times a day. 

Three of my favorite ladies beating the heat in the shade while wading in a puddle. 

• Misting system. The chickens I care for do very well with a misting system that attaches to an outdoor fan. The fan and mist together provide the chickens with a cool area that they can enjoy.

• Shade and shelter. Chickens should never be forced in full sun, especially when temperatures are so high. Making sure their area has plenty of shade is critical.

• Water for cooling. Chickens don't love to swim, but in an emergency, they can be dunked into cool (not cold) water up to their necks to provide relief. You may also consider providing a wading area, such as a kiddie pool, for them to cool their feet. They don't love it, but hosing them down is another tactic for cooling.

• Electrolyte replenishment. Dehydration and heat stress deplete vital electrolytes in the body. The Chicken Chick has a great, easy recipe for a homemade electrolyte solution for chickens. She also shares a lot of other great information, so check out her site. 

• A safe indoor space. As a last resort, chickens may need to be invited inside. My clients are lucky in that they have an air-conditioned tack room with a large dog crate, so I've been advised to seek shelter for the chickens there, if they overheat. If you're not lucky enough to have a tack room, a bathroom is a great alternative. It's fairly easy to wipe down once your chickens are ready to go back outside.

Do you keep backyard chickens? How do you protect them from harsh elements?

the importance of a consultation with your new pet sitter

I have been a full-time professional pet sitter for over ten years, and, in that time, I've met with a wide variety of pet parents. Some will write me a detailed novel about every intricacy involved in the care of their animals, and others have a "just do your thing," attitude. I appreciate and accommodate each of my clients so that they are comfortable, but one thing holds true for all of them: I require a consultation for all new clients. 

The importance of a consultation with your new pet sitter. 

I recently earned the business of a new client that I wasn't so sure about at first. The pet parent initially contacted me via text and let me know that she didn't think a consult would be necessary...that I should just show up for the first visit. I politely explained that I require a consultation for all new clients, and she agreed to meet with me. 

During our meeting, I very much enjoyed my conversation with her and immediately fell in love with her pooch. About halfway through our consult, she said "wow, this is really impressive. I've never had a pet sitter ask all of these questions before." Perhaps that's why I'm the third pet sitter she's tried in recent months. I hope to be the last. So far so good! 

topics i cover during the initial consultation

 All those questions...what do I ask about during the initial consultation?

• about the humans: contact information, travel itinerary, emergency contacts, etc.

• all about each pet: health history, medications, personality, behavior, exercise, routine, diet, likes and dislikes, etc.

• vet information and permission to seek care: I ask for the established/preferred vet and ask my clients to sign a release granting me permission to seek veterinary care for their animals while they travel.

• about the home: security, others with access, where cleaning supplies are (for pet accidents), where are pet supplies located, do plants need to be watered, lights rotated, window dressings open/closed?

• the grand tour: I ask that my clients show me around the areas of the home where the pet(s) will have access, and inform them of my policy to do a sweep of that area (I never open closed doors).

• photography/social media release: I ask (and have the client sign a release) if I may take pictures of the pets during my visit and use them in my blog and social media. (For security purposes, I never post any identifying information about the pet or the client.)

• terms and conditions: I ask that my clients review and sign terms and conditions, which protects both of parties, legally.

beyond all the questions

Aside from all of the detailed information I request, the consultation, which usually lasts about 45-60 minutes, is a great opportunity for the family to get to know me, and for me to get to know them. Why is this important?

• I want them to feel comfortable with me. Though this is a business, I am entering their home and caring for their beloved furry family members, which is quite personal. The initial consultation is a great way to start building trust with a new client.

• Before I accept a new client, I want to be sure that I am comfortable in their home and with their pets, as well as with the requirements of the job. 

• I can see where things are and what needs to be done and have the opportunity to take notes and ask additional questions based on the client's needs and environment.

• If I have any concerns or questions, they can be addressed before they are traveling and have limited ability to help me.

• The animals get to meet me before I care for them in their humans' absence. It's important to build trust with the pets as well as the humans.

• I get a signature on all forms, protecting both parties.

• I receive a key in a secure way (no leaving it under the mat).

after the initial consultation

After the initial consultation, sometimes I never see the humans again. We keep in close communication via phone, text, and email, and I ask that they update me on any changes with their pets or their home. When they adopt a new pet, I typically ask to drop by and meet the new addition (unless it's a fish or something...fish don't really care who feeds them).

I find that establishing a connection in person is beneficial for both parties. Though I have a professional relationship with my clients, we also have a personal tie due to the intimate nature of my work. Plus, my clients love to see their pets grace my Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram feeds while they are away.  

An initial consultation is important for both the pet parents and the pet sitter. Do you have a pet sitter? Did he or she require an initial consultation?

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8 photos of #happiness

Dog Mom Days, one of my favorite blogs, was kind enough to invite me to participate in spreading some joy around this joint! Sometimes I'm guilty of letting the hamsters in my brain take over, so it's kind-of nice to just think about happy and choose some photos that make me feel that way. I hope they make you feel that way, too. 

Pass on the happiness!

A special thanks to Ariel's Little Corner of the Internet for starting this rainbow-of--fun shin-dig! What a spectacularly fabulous happy idea!

my 8 photos of happiness

Though my own animals make me very, very happy, I've chosen a few photos that best represent the happiness my life as a pet sitter brings. 

This lovely lady, posing so politely with my Jr. Pet Sitters (aka, my fabulous littles), makes me appreciate that my children sometimes sacrifice play time and endure days-long pet sitting adventures with me. My children know compassion for animals, have a tiny bit of work ethic, respect my clients' homes and furry family members, and are great helpers when it comes to play time and cuddles. I love them so, and this photo exemplifies their respect and caring for animals and for me. It makes me happy.

When I started my official super-really-real (as opposed to the neighborhood kid coming over) pet sitting business ten years ago, this dude was one of my first clients. Several cities later for both of us, we were reunited a few months ago (when this pic was taken), and though he's struggling with some health issues that make me sad, Being back together with my bud makes me happy. 

This one puts a spring in my step! How can this one not make anyone happy? What made me especially happy was taking a pretty rockin' pic of a black dog...SO hard to achieve!

Not the greatest pic, but this really speaks to the love I have for my clients' pets. For me, it's never been about dropping food and heading out. We share moments and we bond, and this captures that happiness I have when I'm hanging out with my best friends.

This was an early morning game of fetch with some special pooches. Their family was one of my first clients. None of these dogs was in the family when I first started caring for their pets. We've been through passings and happy times, and a lot together. This captures the personalities of these three, how we play together, and how fun they are, which makes me happy. 

This pic I took just a couple of days ago. It's gotten a bit of attention because no one (on the ENTIRE planet, it seems) has ever seen a Husky in a desert environment. It makes me happy to let people know that we love (and take good care of) Huskies in the desert (this was an early morning walk, but temps were approaching 90 degrees). This guy is a brand new client of mine, and he's had some challenges in the past, so it makes me happy to let him shine.

This one's a bit goofy, but that's me and one of my favorite chickens. Most of my clients are dogs and cats, but I have several "alternative pets," and she's one of my faves. She gives me shit sometimes, but she also lets me pick her up and cuddle her. Bonding with animals who are a bit of a challenge is so rewarding. We're solid. Happy!

One of my clients. Need I explain? Perhaps one of my favorite funny pics I've ever taken. This. Guy. Rocks.

Thanks for checking out our happy!

I'd love to tag some others, so here are the rules:

1. Thank the person that tagged you.

2. A shout-out to the originator of the fun, Ariel's Little Corner of the Internet.

3. Post 8 photos that make you happy.

4. Brief description of each picture.

5. Tag up to 10 more people.

tag, you're it!

Hybrid Rasta Mama

Brie Brie Blooms

Mommies in Orbit

Love is Being Owned by a Husky

SoberVeganLesbian

Vegas Rock Dog

top 10 crazy pet sitting stories in honor of our 10th anniversary

July 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of Well Minded pet sitting. Though I dabbled in pet sitting for many years prior, I decided to make it my full-time career in 2005 when my family moved from California to Arizona. This career has allowed me to meet so many wonderful animals and their families, some of whom have been with me since it all began. It has also allowed me to be a work-from-home mom. My kids, now eight and six years old, are my junior pet sitters and have been making visits with me since they were each less than a month old. I feel fortunate to be able to do what I love and incorporate my kiddos into the "family business." 

I've been reflecting on the past ten years and remembering special clients and unique moments. Working with animals can be unpredictable. Though my years of experience help me through most situations, there have been lots of curve balls along the way. Ever wonder what it's like to be a pet sitter? I can tell you that every visit is unique, and I learn from each new experience. In honor of our 10th anniversary, I'm sharing my top 10 crazy pet sitting stories.

Top 10 Crazy Pet Sitting Stories in Honor of our 10th Anniversary.

top 10 crazy pet sitting stories

1. The time I had to hand-feed an attack poodle. If I met this dog today, I wouldn't take the job. But since Paco* came to me in my first year, I was hungry for work and cocky enough to think I could charm any animal, a la Caesar Milan. Paco's mom was an elderly lady who was taking a rare 10-day trip to see her children and grandchildren. During the consult, I did find it odd that she insisted I hand-feed bologna to the teacup poodle, but who was I to argue. Paco barked at me a little bit during the consult, but seemed calm enough as his mama demonstrated their elaborate feeding ritual. 

Everything changed when I came for my first visit. He went bat-shit-crazy, barking and snarling at me. He didn't want to come near me, so I sat on the couch opposite him and didn't make any eye contact. For an hour, he snarled at me. Hand-feeding wasn't an option, so I would toss him bologna like he was a shark. Determined to break his snarling and win him over, I put on leather gloves to try to hand-feed him. He would snarl and bite the gloves as I gingerly handed over the Oscar Meyer. In addition to his off-putting demeanor, he had terrible rotten, stinky teeth (on a diet of nothing but bologna...go figure). After a few days of that, I realized that he was going to hate me no matter what. And the feeling was mutual. So I'd toss the food (if you can call it that) in a bowl and would plop on the couch with a book for the duration of the visit.

We got to the point where he would only snarl if I looked at him. I called it a breakthrough and broke up with the client upon her return.

I learned that if a dog won't really warm to you in a consult, it only gets worse from there.

2. The time I traveled the trifecta. Holiday season 2005. I was living in one city while our home was being built 20 miles away in another. In the interest of building my business, I accepted holiday jobs in both cities, and a third, which was the final point in a triangle of 20-mile-away cities. I had one morning, afternoon, and evening visit to make in each city. We had family in town for the holidays and I didn't get to see them at all. I would leave at 5:00 a.m. and return at 10:00 p.m., driving about a million miles each day. I think I spent more money in gas than I made.

I learned to limit my service area. 

3. The time I broke bones. I was walking Ruthie, the sweetest pit bull mix ever. We rounded the corner, and there was a man checking the mail with his three dogs right next to him. It was only when they charged us that I realized they were not leashed. They attacked poor Ruthie, and she wouldn't fight back (pit bull haters take note). I held onto the leash, was pulled down and drug as I tried to pull Ruthie from the pile while the owner of the other dogs pulled them off her one by one. 

Ruthie came out of it without a scratch, somehow. I, on the other hand came out with three broken fingers (not to mention quite a few scrapes). Two surgeries and six months of physical therapy later...I still have crooked fingers that hurt every day.

I learned that no dog should be out of the control of their owner. Ever. I avoid other dogs when I'm on a walk with a client's dog, always. 

4. The time the ambulance came for me.  I had a heart condition, and I suddenly fell very ill at a client's home. Thank goodness my children were not with me. I called my husband at work and asked him to come right away. I'll spare you the gory details of the condition I was in, but suffice it to say I couldn't stand or walk despite repeated attempts. He asked me to call 911, but I knew I had to give a diabetic dog an injection, so I told him I wouldn't call until he got there and was sure he could give the injection. If he couldn't, then he'd have to carry me to the dog to do it. 

When he got there, I was lying on the bathroom floor. We called 911, and in the moments we waited, I instructed him on how to give an injection to a dog. He was very nervous, but pulled it off and fed them and cared for them before following the ambulance to the hospital.

I learned that a back-up plan is critical. When you think something can't go wrong, it does. (I've had heart surgery, and now I'm all good.)

5. The time a game of fetch went south. A classic game of backyard fetch with an ultra-friendly pooch. What could go wrong? We played, and played, and played. The dog was large and the yard small, so I was tossing underhand, palm down (swinging from the hip with the back of my hand on the upside of the ball, like modified bowling). The dog got excited and playfully charged the ball, only my hand was in the way. His upper fang got stuck in the back of my hand.

I probably should have had a stitch in it, but I'm stubborn and foolish sometimes. Ask my friends.

I learned that even happy dogs can cause injury.

6. The time the dog locked me out. This family recently (and beautifully) landscaped their back yard. They requested that I let the dogs out one at a time, and accompany the outside dog. Apparently, the dogs would destroy the landscaping as a team, but were less likely to disturb things going out solo. I followed instructions.

I took Tango outside first and left Sparky inside. Sparky wanted in on the fun and was quite excited, so she started jumping up and down at the slider. Up and down, up and down, up and down...click. In her flurry to join us, she clicked the lock down. Tango and I outside, her and the key and my phone inside. 

I walked about a mile to another client's house to use their phone to call my husband to bring the back-up key from my office. I went back to Tango and Sparky's in hopes that the landscaping was still in tact. It was. Instead, I could only watch as Sparky drug the bathroom trash to the window and teared through each piece before my eyes, taunting me as I waited for the backup key.

I learned to keep a client's house key and my cell phone on my body at all times.

 7.  The time I found out more about a family than I needed to know. The characters: Two barking dogs. Three talking birds.

The dogs would bark, and bark, and bark at me, at a tree, at each other, and at the wind. It was quite irritating. The birds revealed how the family handled the situation. About five minutes into the bark-fest, I hear:

"SQUAK! QUIET!"

"SQUAK! SHUT UP!"

"SQUAK! DAMN IT!"

 I learned to keep my mouth shut at that house and any other with a talking bird. And I had a good laugh.

8. The time I scared the shit out of a dog. Poor thing. Poor me. It was a big English Sheepdog, and I was instructed to let her out of her upstairs crate and into the backyard. The poor thing was quite fearful of me. As soon as I opened her crate, she bolted toward the stairs which curved twice leading downstairs. As she rounded the staircase, she let her bowels loose and sprayed feces in a fanned-out pattern ALL OVER the staircase walls. 

I learned to always ask a client where they keep their cleaning supplies.

9. The time I was sure a dog would choke. Oh, Quincy. One of my all-time favorites, but not the sharpest tack. The small terrier was rummaging behind a bush, but I didn't think much of it. Dogs nose around in bushes all the time. When he emerged, I saw he had something quite large in his mouth. 

A dove. He had a dead dove the size of his head in his mouth. I slowly approached him to retrieve it, knowing that if I tried to get to him too quickly, he'd bolt. As I approached, I calmly requested Quincy to drop the bird. 

He looked up at me and swallowed it in one gulp. If I didn't see it with my own two eyes, I wouldn't think it possible. He then went about his business as if he'd not just swallowed something the size of his head.

I learned that when it comes to dogs and prey, the impossible is possible.

10. The reunion. Perhaps my favorite memory. When I first opened for business ten years ago I was contacted by a very nice couple with a puppy named Clinton. I cared for Clinton regularly for a couple of years, and we had a special bond. Then the couple moved away. Then I moved. Then they moved. Then I moved. They had a couple of kids, and so did I.

A couple of months ago, I received an email from Emily, Clinton's owner. She said she'd found my web site and wondered if I serviced her area (not really, but close enough). She wondered if I'd be Clinton's pet sitter again. 

So now I am. He's not a puppy any more, and neither am I.

I learned that bonds with animals survive over time and distance.

After ten years, I can definitely call myself a pet sitting veteran. I've seen a lot and experienced a lot. Mostly positive, with a dash of "what did I get myself into?" But every situation has been a learning experience, making me a stronger, wiser pet sitter. I'm fortunate to be able to be paid to do what I love. 

Here's to another ten years of making crazy memories!

* In the interest of privacy and security (and to save off embarrassment), names have been changed.