Pet Sitters

[Meg]

I have a 14 year old Border Collie who has always gone to kennels with her sister, who sadly we lost last month. Him who must be ignored wants to go away in August. I've been looking into pet sitters, in their home not mine! Has anybody any experience of doing this? I'm near Wigan in Lancashire. Thanks.

[paraffin]

Wish I could but sadly I'm nowhere near you. Hope you find someone trustworthy soon.

Best of luck.

[Meg]

Thanks Paraffin, I do value your answers.

[carmalee]

Hi Miss Meg - I live too far away to be of help but I do have lots of experience with BC's and do house sitting on a regular basis for various people. These few points may help - If possible go by word of mouth if you place your pet in someone else's home. Thoroughly check the property, for absolutely dog proof fencing, do they have young children and is your dog used to this, is it on a main road (gates can get left open) are there other animals, is it a noisy house especially if yours isn't etc etc. Also is there a car available during the day just in case your dog needs a vet and how far away is the surgery. How long will the dog be left alone each day. Do you have insurance in case of an accident /damage or will your pet be covered by their insurance.Not all people are what they seem. and look at pet sitting as easy money. Having said that lots are brilliant too so lets not get paranoid.
Professional pet sitting agencies are usually good as they have a reputation to uphold - an added bonus is your pet remains in his/her own home which is less unsettling and your house is not left empty.
My charges are all delighted to see me and have my undivided attention 24 hours a day when I stay. I keep to their routine and give them lots of play, love and long walks. (BTW I always put a slip lead on as well as their usual collar and lead just in case).
Hope you get sorted - will be interested to hear how it works out - go well.

[kita1]

If you are happy with the kennels that you used previously then I would stick to them. They already know your dog (and she knows them).

To be honest being in a strange house with strange people who have a totally different routine to yours - I think that kennels that she already has experience of will be far better for her at her age.

Also if she is used to the company of another dog she will probably enjoy being able to see the other dogs around her in the kennels.

[Meg]

Thank you for the answers.

Carmalee you have made some valid points which I had not thought about (you sound like an ideal carer, wish you where nearer)!!

Kita1 she knows the kennel people and they know her so maybe I shouldn't dismiss thast option.

I have a son in Glasgow who would have her and provide all the comforts she is used to although she would be left alone for longer than she is now due to his work commitments.

Top and bottom of it is she has cancer and I worry about leaving her just to go to the shops for an hour.

Thanks to all of you, Wendyxx

[mrs.chappie]

Hey Wendy, wish you lived nearer to me in Yorkshire, I'd love to look after her. So sorry to read the poor girl has cancer.

By the way, what is her name?

[Meg]

Hi, Mrs C, thanks for the input, her name is Meg, tis how I got my "screen name". On the internet I'm usually Miss Meg or Miss Susie, depended on which dog was demanding the most attention when I signed up!!

[mrs.chappie]

That's a nice name for a dog.

Hope you find somebody lass. BTW, where are you thinking of going for your hols? Is there any chance you could find somewhere dog-friendly so that Meg could go too? Or is she not up to travelling?

[leelapops]

Hello miss meg, I am afraid I am a little too far away, in North Cumbria. And the Mr. barely tolerates our Collie, so maybe offering a temporary home for somebody else's wouldn't go down well!

I just wanted to let you know I hope you find someone good enough for Meg ASAP. Give her a cuddle from me, I think I love her already :) x

[kippyboo]

Hi Miss Meg I am having lunch with a friend of mine tomorrow, I used to run her stud farm, breeding horses until she retired and the welfare of her animals is paramount. She uses a dog walking service and they have house sat her dog and three cats while she took a holiday,I have met the couple and they are really lovely people. I will ask her to see if they do this service although I would think as dog lovers they probably have their own dogs at home . I would offer to help but I don't think my russells would give her bedspace! I am in Leigh by the way and I.will get back to you tomorrow. Just wondering but is there a facility for private messaging on here as I wouldn't want to publish a phone number?

[Meg]

Thanks for the input leelapops and kippyboo.

Kippyboo, please do report back here when you've seen your friend and we can take it from there.

Thanks, Wendyxx