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Senior dog sitting agreement?

Hi,

My name is Lisa and I have been a pet sitter for 6+ years with the past few years as a part timer. Starting next week ( June 17 ) I am scheduled to pet sit a senior dog for a week who is in serious need of extra care. 2 days ago I was contacted by the family saying their girl may not make it till the 17th and we agreed to cancel. Last night they contacted me again and said she's rallied and could I watch her as planned. Yikes. She's very old. Her legs give out and she cries in pain. I would need to carry her up and down stairs in the dark. They told me she wakes in the middle of the night sometimes crying in pain and falls into the wall at night when trying to stand. I told them my concerns that in her state anything can happen and I don't want to feel liable or responsible for any further failing health. They became huffy and said " Psh, Its no problem she's fine! Even my 14 year old son watches her!" Ok long winded. My question is is there a right way to back out of this or any other suggestions? I would like to add that they are regular clients of mine and last time I watched her, in March. she was barely able to walk then. it was stressful. I kept her fed, took care of meds and carried her to the park. She's a trooper and wish I could say the same for myself!

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Lisa S.

Thank you for all the great tips! I just might suggest Rover Match. Im meeting with the clients this Sunday to check out the situation and maybe make other arrangements. Theres a chance that the sweet ol girl may not make it until their return from vacation and I don't think i would be able to handle that scenario very well. P perhaps a sitter who has lots of experience caring for geriatric dogs would be better suited. As far as her falling...From what I understand is that she tries to get up at night to get water or something else and stumbles against the wall as her legs give out then cries in pain. She is barely able to walk these days.

I do need some flashlight get up. I actually used a headband flashlight last time but that did not help and I ended up using my mouth to hold the light. If I do take on the job I need to figure out a better light situation. Thanks too for the pet transport tip. Thats something I have never considered before. Nice to know they are out there!

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Erica M.

Hi Lisa, Sorry you have been put in this stressful situation. There is no "correct" way to back out. I probably would not use the "liability" reason though. (I think that falls into a trust issue and I can see where someone can get offended really fast, especially if she is a regular client.) I would stick to that you really do not feel comfortable, and refer them to Rover Support.

Deb had mentioned some great tips and questions to ask, but you need to really consider if you really want that responsibility. Yes,the owner may make a snide remark that her 14 year old son can watch her. The difference is, his mom is still in town, she is able to go home if there was an issue but they are leaving town. There is a huge difference between an hour or two vs 7 days.

I don't think this case in necessarily a matter of experience but rather about the Quality of life. I have 20+ years in the Veterinary Field and I don't think this would be a stay I would accept. To me it sounds like the pet is in a great deal of pain and one needs to question the quality of life this pet is living. I know it is not an easy topic to broach but something that needs to be said.

If you do choose to take this stay, what happens if the dog gets worse? Do you really want to be the one to make that decision or not make that decision and watch dog get worse and/or suffer?

There is no right answer, it is a matter of what do you feel comfortable with? If I was in your position I would talk to the owner about euthanizing her humanely. (Keeping in mind that) some owner are just in complete denial where others, needs to hear it from someone else.

If you do choose to watch her- You want to make sure you communicate with the Veterinarian or office Manager of the Hospital to make sure they have what is needed and/or if they even allow another person to make the decision of Euthanasia if need be.

Being the state that the dog is in already, I both personally and professionally would say to Euthanize her. I would not be able to sit there and watch her be in pain. If the owner was completely against Euthanizing her pet (which is 100% her decision and I would respect that) but I would let her know that I would not be the best sitter for her and refer her to Rover Support. (the same as I would respect her decision, I would expect her to respect mine.)

It is never an easy conversation. If you do choose to talk to the owner about Euthanizing her dog, you are welcome to email me privately and I can help you with your wording. It is very sensitive topic ... (more)

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Deb A.

Book a Stay
Irvine, CA

Since it's over a week away, it seems like they could find another sitter. I think just honestly telling them you're not up to providing the care she needs (without getting into why, for all they know it could be your personal physical limitations and maybe it is-stamina).

Currently, your profile doesn't indicate you're a sitter with Rover. No matter how this was booked, you could suggest Rover Match to help them find the right sitter for no extra fee would be the way to go. If it was booked through Rover, agree to waive any cancellation policy that may apply. Help them to take that step of choosing someone else, especially if this is currently booked.

If somehow you end up caring for her, here's a few things I'd do... Find out their current vet & emergency after hours vet, and ask the client to notify those offices that you'll be caring for her and have them put their credit card down with the vet along with instructions as to what they want done regarding her care. Research pet transport companies and discuss what you learn with the client, in case you need assistance with their pup. And pick up a battery operated light that attached to a baseball cap (they clip on) or even a head lamp (anywhere they sell emergency gear such as hardware store), so that you're not walking around or going up and down stairs in the dark. Final thought: if she falls into wall when trying to stand, can't they place a pillow or cushion there to soften the blow?

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