How would you react to this situation

[NinjaPony]

Curious to get other dog lovers views on this situation....I had to leave my dog with a dog sitter to go up to Exeter for the day, I had a very early start so she was picked up the night before. Was informed that she would be staying at somewhere else rather than at the designated usual house. I thought that was a bit odd, and was a bit concerned re change of location but it was only a night and day, so I figured it was fine. Today, I got back home and texted about picking her up, only to find that my dog is not actually in this county....she had left a voicemail saying there had been a crisis with her dad and my dog was now in another country up north and would be spending the night there.....she must have left fairly early in the day, but the call was not made until much later this evening. I could have had her back, had I known, as my sister was home early (had previously meant to be out in the evening) but without any warning i couldn't prevent the action. What do you all think about this? Personally I'm really not thrilled that my pretty young and sensitive dog has been driven very far away for several hours and is now in a strange place, possibly in a hospital, and I don't know how or where or who is looking after her, plus she has only got her small travel crate to sleep in as it was only meant to be a night.... But I don't know if I'm just being precious or not....thoughts?

 

[bonny]

It's a difficult one and I fully understand your concerns but I guess a lot depends on what the family emergency was with your dog sitter. Maybe a real crisis and she had no choice but to leave in a hurry, I would find out before I jump to any hasty conclusions. As long as your dog is happy with the sitter, as presumably she is then I'm sure she will be fine, appreciate your worries though.

 

[SusieT]

Id be demanding my dog back asap..

 

[NinjaPony]

I should probably add that she has said she will drop her back tomorrow morning..., was the first thing I wanted to know!

 

[Fides]

It's odd but at least she cared enough to take the dog with her. Keep us updated though...

 

[BSL]

I wouldn't be happy. But, unexpected things happen, and as Fides said, she still thought of your dog, and did what she thought was best, even though it sounds like she had an emergency. I do understand your concerns though.

 

[twiggy2]

you should have asked where your dog was staying the night if you had concerns, if you trust the sitter then at least you know your dog is safe, she will be fine and the sitter is probably mortified that she has had to mess you about

 

[planete]

I would ask her how her Dad is now and offer my sympathy, enquire tactfully how my dog is and thank her for looking after her in trying circumstances. Then I would wait till my dog is delivered and check her reactions to her normal routine and if necessary make sure I reinforce anything I know makes her feel safe. S..t happens, nobody' s fault.

 

[JillA]

I would ask her how her Dad is now and offer my sympathy, enquire tactfully how my dog is and thank her for looking after her in trying circumstances. Then I would wait till my dog is delivered and check her reactions to her normal routine and if necessary make sure I reinforce anything I know makes her feel safe. S..t happens, nobody' s fault.

^^^^^ This, and base any complaint/response etc on how you feel your dog is after the ordeal. No point getting in a tizz if your dog is happy enough, but if she is stressed, ask a lot of questions and be prepared to find another sitter.

 

[aintgotnohay]

first of all has this person got any insurance and an animal boarding license? i wouldnt want to leave my dogs with anybody who doesnt have the appropriate license and insurance from my local council.alot of people set up these so called dog sitting business to make an easy buck.this person is downright irresponsible in my opinion.

 

[NinjaPony]

She does have the correct insurance etc. I have my dog back and part of me is tempted to never let her out my sight again... She seems ok, a bit tired and clingy but fine, which is the main thing. She should have called me to let me know what was going on I feel, but hey ho. I will probably try to find another person to look after her in the future, but such is life and I'm glad my dog isn't any worse for wear.

 

[Archangel]

As she is running a business I would expect her to have a back up plan for emergencies - this wasn't her pet that she could move about as required, this was someone else's dog that she was being paid to care for in a specific location and in a specific way. Emergencies happen but I would not use this sitter again as she has no back up. Glad your dog is OK.