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Post by peano on Sept 20, 2017 19:54:38 GMT
We've used her for at least 15 years with no issues. We have an overnight trip scheduled--late Saturday morning and planned return late afternoon or early evening on Sunday. Plan was to drop off at her house on our way out of town and pick up on our way home.
In response to my text, she told me she is burned out and has decided to reserve Sunday evenings for dinner with friends/early to bed with a book/etc. so gave me the option of picking her up late (9p.m.) or waiting to pick up on Monday--no additional charge.
I responded that I don't care about the $ but since Posie is sick (Cushing's Disease), I'm trying to minimize her stress. I know dogs don't experience time like humans but still, it's got to be stressful for her being out of her environment.
1. I applaud her decision to take care of herself and don't begrudge her that at all...but
2. It seems weird and a poor business decision to select Sunday as the day to do that since so many people return from trips on Sunday. I think she isn't going to charge me this time, because I am an original long-term client, but I can't imagine other people are going to be happy to fork over an additional $50 for the Sunday overnight, and I kind of have a feeling (but haven't confirmed) that she considers this a one-time courtesy kind of deal.
3. It seems weird and illogical to me that she would prefer Sunday at 9 p.m. over Sunday from 3-5, especially since she's saying she wants to relax...And when I think about this being a permanent thing and the likelihood of doing more weekend travel after DS is out of the house next year, it stresses me out.
4. More selfishly, I jones for my dog when I'm away and I want to see her the day I get back so I kind of feel like she's being held hostage with this arrangement. I also want to be free to accept sub assignments and Mondays are prime days for this.
So I just wanted to get other people's thoughts, and if I'm being too rigid and unreasonable.
I've thought about telling her I will still use her but if we have any future Sunday returns, I may choose to use someone else, but I'm afraid of damaging our relationship.
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Post by burningfeather on Sept 20, 2017 19:57:08 GMT
I have never boarded my dogs anywhere that Sunday was a pick up option. Maybe 1 place did but it was very, VERY limited hours. I think that she's being very accommodating by even offering a Sunday pick up in the first place.
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Post by christine58 on Sept 20, 2017 20:04:40 GMT
I have never boarded my dogs anywhere that Sunday was a pick up option. Maybe 1 place did but it was very, VERY limited hours. I think that she's being very accommodating by even offering a Sunday pick up in the first place. I never had Sunday as a pick up option. |
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Post by mom on Sept 20, 2017 20:07:10 GMT
We have never had a Sunday pickup as an option. You just know if you are going to be back on Sunday that you won't get to pick up the dogs until Monday 7am at the earliest.
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Post by papersilly on Sept 20, 2017 20:12:04 GMT
my dogs are everything to me so if i had a dog sitter that i absolutely loved and trusted and had for that long, i would bend to her will. "whatever Lola wants, Lola gets" as DH would say. he like to joke that i let our cleaning lady get away with murder because we trust her much.
in your case, i would probably do the sunday 9pm than Monday pick up.
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Post by annabella on Sept 20, 2017 20:12:45 GMT
You've over-reacting, don't be difficult.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,175
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Sept 20, 2017 20:19:21 GMT
I think I would just opt to pick up our dog on Monday.
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Post by bianca42 on Sept 20, 2017 20:20:12 GMT
We went away Labor Day weekend and came home Sunday Morning. We couldn't pick up our dog until Tuesday because no pickups Sunday and Monday was a holiday. I didn't even blink an eye at the no Sunday pickups when I boarded her the first time.
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Post by littlemama on Sept 20, 2017 20:24:50 GMT
It sounds like she is doing this out of her home, so the "no Sunday pickup" thing that commercial kennels have wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue. How hard is it really go give someone their dog. If you are going to go out to dinner, fine, you aren't available for those 2 hours, but to not have sunday pickups until 9pm seems inconvenient. I think I would find someone else. (disclaimer, I am really irritable today, so I could read this tomorrow and totally disagree with myself!)
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Post by monklady123 on Sept 20, 2017 20:29:24 GMT
I'd go get my dog at 9:00 then. Maybe she's hoping that most people won't do that so she'll make money for another night. (I know you said she wasn't charging you, but she's probably not offering that for everyone...) So I'd go get the dog at 9:00. Seems late to me...I mean, I wouldn't want people showing up at my house at 9:00. lol. But since she offered that to you, it wasn't you who is asking for that as a favor, then I'd take her up on it.
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Post by cmpeter on Sept 20, 2017 20:35:02 GMT
I'd just get her at 9:00 pm.
I've also never had the option for a Sunday pick up. We generally do 7:00 am on Mon and are not charged for the Mon, since drop offs do t start until 8:00 am.
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Post by burningfeather on Sept 20, 2017 20:42:13 GMT
It sounds like she is doing this out of her home, so the "no Sunday pickup" thing that commercial kennels have wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue. How hard is it really go give someone their dog. If you are going to go out to dinner, fine, you aren't available for those 2 hours, but to not have sunday pickups until 9pm seems inconvenient. I think I would find someone else. (disclaimer, I am really irritable today, so I could read this tomorrow and totally disagree with myself!) Of course it's an issue. Just because someone works from their home does not mean that they are not entitled to having days off. Your pet sitter is telling you that although she loves her work and the pets that she sits, she is tired and worn down from being at the beck and call of her customers' schedules. She wants one day a week or even part of that day blocked out on a regular basis so she can make personal plans instead of catering to the schedule of everyone else. She's offering more than reasonable options. |
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Post by shamrock on Sept 20, 2017 20:46:50 GMT
It doesn't bother me- I'm used to Sundays not being available for pickup (and having to pay an extra night) or only available for a very limited time.
My solution- my mom picks up our dog during the small pickup window on Sunday and drops her off at our house. Do you have family or a friend that could do that for you?
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
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Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Sept 20, 2017 20:50:56 GMT
When I boarded my dog Sunday pick up was an option, but only between certain hours. They'd allow you to pick up after those hours, but you were charged a fee in addition to a full day. If I couldn't make those hours for pick-up my dog stayed an extra day.
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Post by bc2ca on Sept 20, 2017 20:52:33 GMT
The only thing I found odd is that she is willing to let you come by at 9 PM for the Sunday pick-up but I guess that is the window between dinner out and heading to bed with a book.
I don't find anything wrong with her reserving Sunday afternoon/evening for herself and not to be on call for pet owners to drop by.
We've never used a commercial kennel and I had no idea weekend pick-ups aren't routinely available. If our regular dogsitter (Bella's first family) isn't available, DD's friend stays at our house. This friend dogsits about 20 nights a month for various families, always in their home.
She is being upfront with you about why she has made the change, so just be upfront with her if you decide to develop a relationship with a petsitter than can meet your needs better. I don't think either of you is unreasonable in your expectations.
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Post by peano on Sept 20, 2017 21:52:01 GMT
It sounds like she is doing this out of her home, so the "no Sunday pickup" thing that commercial kennels have wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue. How hard is it really go give someone their dog. If you are going to go out to dinner, fine, you aren't available for those 2 hours, but to not have sunday pickups until 9pm seems inconvenient. I think I would find someone else. (disclaimer, I am really irritable today, so I could read this tomorrow and totally disagree with myself!) Of course it's an issue. Just because someone works from their home does not mean that they are not entitled to having days off. Your pet sitter is telling you that although she loves her work and the pets that she sits, she is tired and worn down from being at the beck and call of her customers' schedules. She wants one day a week or even part of that day blocked out on a regular basis so she can make personal plans instead of catering to the schedule of everyone else. She's offering more than reasonable options. I did say I totally agree with and approve of her self-care actions. I was aware that vets who board and boarding kennels tend not to have Sunday pickups or limited hours--one of the reasons I don't use them. I really wanted to see what the experience is of people who board their dogs in someone's home. |
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by basketdiva on Sept 20, 2017 21:55:54 GMT
When I boarded my dog Sunday pick up was an option, but only between certain hours. They'd allow you to pick up after those hours, but you were charged a fee in addition to a full day. If I couldn't make those hours for pick-up my dog stayed an extra day. Our favorite kennel had this same policy. |
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Post by Woobster on Sept 20, 2017 22:03:23 GMT
I would just plan to pick up my dog at 9:00.
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Post by Miss Ang on Sept 20, 2017 22:07:30 GMT
It sounds like she is doing this out of her home, so the "no Sunday pickup" thing that commercial kennels have wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue. How hard is it really go give someone their dog. If you are going to go out to dinner, fine, you aren't available for those 2 hours, but to not have sunday pickups until 9pm seems inconvenient. I think I would find someone else. (disclaimer, I am really irritable today, so I could read this tomorrow and totally disagree with myself!) Of course it's an issue. Just because someone works from their home does not mean that they are not entitled to having days off. Your pet sitter is telling you that although she loves her work and the pets that she sits, she is tired and worn down from being at the beck and call of her customers' schedules. She wants one day a week or even part of that day blocked out on a regular basis so she can make personal plans instead of catering to the schedule of everyone else. She's offering more than reasonable options.  It doesn't matter why she wants that time of the day blocked off for pick up. She is running a business (even if it is a business ran out of her home) and has the right to set the hours of operation. I truly think you're being unreasonable. Sorry. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Sept 20, 2017 22:07:48 GMT
Our kennel had early Sunday pick up hours and has recently switched them to late afternoon/early evening to make it more convenient For those returning on Sundays. However, this is a large commercial business and they have to have staff they anyway because the dogs need to be fed.
I'm wondering if this is her business or a side job. Business--not too out of the norm to have a small window for Sunday pickups. Pick another day to be "off." Side business? I'd be more understanding, especially if she isn't charging for the extra night.
id pick her up at 9 pm and then decide if the change is a deal breaker for me.
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Post by mcscrapper on Sept 20, 2017 22:16:04 GMT
I don't fault her at all for having some scheduled hours for herself on Sundays if that's the day that works for her and her family. As long as she is giving you fair notice that her hours are changing, I don't think you can complain much.
Most kennels or other boarding services are typically not open on Sundays but if they are, it is for very limited hours only. If I've ever had to use a boarding service I've just planned to pick up my dog on Monday. I am a huge fan of pet sitting in my home now. My dog just does better at home than with other dogs for a long period of time. When I was single, I had to use a service in my home because I wouldn't get home from a long soccer weekend until all after 8pm on Sunday evening. It was more expensive per day to have someone come to my home but I also had someone coming to my house twice a day which gave me some peace of mind too. She could turn lights on and off in different rooms, bring the mail in, etc. It was worth it for me.
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stepht5
Shy Member
Posts: 39
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Post by stepht5 on Sept 20, 2017 22:19:39 GMT
We only use a boarding facility that has 24 hour/7 days a week for drop off or pick up.
Everyone that I know that uses a pet sitter, the pet sitter comes to their home (several times a day) to take care of their pets. I've never heard a person that watches other people's animals in their personal home. Interesting.
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peabrain
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,588
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Post by peabrain on Sept 20, 2017 22:21:25 GMT
Pictures of said dog would certainly help me rule in your favor. LoL
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Post by burningfeather on Sept 20, 2017 22:21:40 GMT
She probably has picked late Sunday rather than mid afternoon so that she can make dinner plans or other plans. With a 3 to 5 pickup, it virtually eliminates any chance of going to a movie or dinner with friends especially if they want to be home to go to work on Monday morning. And you just know someone will roll up at 5:25 to pick up their dog. Nine pm gives everyone who is returning home that day the chance to get in, drop of their bags, maybe settle things a bit, and then pick up. She's grouping everyone together late in the day.
I guess I don't see the problem with picking your dog up at 9 pm. You seem to be saying you'll miss out on work opportunities if you pick up on Monday so pick your dog up on Sunday night.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Sept 20, 2017 22:22:06 GMT
Not only do we get Sunday pick ups, if we tip an employee, they'll come in late on Sunday if our flight gets in late.
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Post by burningfeather on Sept 20, 2017 22:26:08 GMT
We only use a boarding facility that has 24 hour/7 days a week for drop off or pick up. Everyone that I know that uses a pet sitter, the pet sitter comes to their home (several times a day) to take care of their pets. I've never heard a person that watches other people's animals in their personal home. Interesting. We actually did use a 24/7 place too but it was a full service place where you could park, they would drive you to the airport and pick you up, etc. It was very spendy especially with two large dogs but it's a case of paying extra to get what you want. My dogs loved it because it had an indoor pool and sometimes I felt like we spent half our vacation watching our damn dogs play in the pool through their internet cameras. |
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,350
Location: Dallas Texas
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Post by SabrinaP on Sept 20, 2017 22:27:39 GMT
Her business her choice. You can chose not to use her if you don't like her policy. I understand her not wanting to be tied down during the early evening hours and wanting pickup to either be late Sunday or early Monday.
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Post by busy on Sept 20, 2017 22:33:36 GMT
I didn't read any of the other responses, but I think you're overreacting. If you've used her for 15 years, you obviously trust her. I can't imagine leaving someone with that kind of history over a few hours. It's not going to cause your dog extra stress and it's not costing you extra money, so I don't see the big deal.
I do agree that Sunday night is an odd night to do it, but it's what she wants and that's her decision. She probably has good reasons for it, but she doesn't really owe you a detailed explanation of why this works for her personal life. Since she's giving options without additional cost, I'd respect her choice and continue to use her.
Of course, you can do whatever you want, but this would not bother me in the slightest with a service provider I had that kind of history with.
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Post by mom on Sept 20, 2017 22:47:27 GMT
It sounds like she is doing this out of her home, so the "no Sunday pickup" thing that commercial kennels have wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue. How hard is it really go give someone their dog. If you are going to go out to dinner, fine, you aren't available for those 2 hours, but to not have sunday pickups until 9pm seems inconvenient. I think I would find someone else. (disclaimer, I am really irritable today, so I could read this tomorrow and totally disagree with myself!) I really disagree with you. Even those who work out of their home deserve to be able to have a break. We would not be expecting other occupations to be on the clock every day, all day for our convenience (unless, of course, the worker agrees and is compensated for it). At the end of the day, you don't want a dog sitter who is tired and irritable taking care of your pet. So accommodating their schedule seems like an easy thing to do. SaveSave |
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Post by Delta Dawn on Sept 20, 2017 23:26:56 GMT
The little old lady we told her when we would return to pick up the dogs and someone was home to greet us with the dogs. As long as we paid in cash she didn't care about anything. I always did weekend pickup and she had no problem with it. They dogs would come home happy and missed us. I think they secretly liked the Donkey.
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It doesn't matter why she wants that time of the day blocked off for pick up. She is running a business (even if it is a business ran out of her home) and has the right to set the hours of operation. I truly think you're being unreasonable. Sorry.
