House Sitting in Gapsville

Crystal is an exceptional young woman in every way. She knew I was in a spot and agreed to do a last minute sitting job, even though she was having a hospital procedure the same day and the job was nearly 30 minutes away with traffic. She clearly didn't feel terrific -- yet still managed to take the dogs out three times in one evening! She was a last-minute substitute for my original Rover sitter who was MIA for drop off in Connecticut, where I live. So instead, he dogs had to join me on the six-plus hour ride to a wedding in PA. I'd found a dog-friendly hotel, and Crystal agreed to sit there (even though it was a dive!) If ever there was a reason to move back to PA from CT, it would be Crystal. Upon seeing her, it was wiggle butts all the way. The dogs immediately began doing the happy happy joy joy carpet dance belly up on their backs! Often this kind of unbridled affection means they just met a good-hearted sucker (or you've got jerky in your pocket). Au contraire! Crystal did give them modest treats, but she was strict (well, stricter than me) and they obeyed her (more than is typical for my terriers). She clearly has a way with animals, and people, too. She's a lovely person to talk with, and super-smart. I knew she had a chihuahua in her care. I'd told her in advance that Liam (one of my terriers) doesn't always like other dogs and offered to bring a gate, but because we didn't have a pre-booking meet & greet so she could scope Liam out, she left the chi with her son rather than risk drama, knowing that should there be an issue, I might not be able to answer the phone (I was the best man). I was pleasantly surprised when I got back (two hours after expected!) not only that Crystal was courteous enough to wait, but that the chi wasn't there. In my experience, even good sitters can presume owners of small fluffy dogs are being melodramatic when you mention there might be a dog-aggression issue -- especially when said dog is crazy about people. They reason that maybe you let them get away with it but it won't happen when they're around or if it does, they can handle it easily. True enough, but you're an adult human and Liam's only 20 pounds. Believe me, it's not pleasant for the dog he took a dislike to and terrier-ized. Crystal never considered bringing the chi -- she wouldn't risk emotionally traumatizing one of her other charges just for convenience. Yay, Crystal! I don't know what else to say. She did everything right. Took amazing dog photos (she should SELL them -- much better than I've ever taken). Gave them their food, as instructed. Sent updates, even though I couldn't answer. Even the hotel staff loved her. (Despite the hotel being a dump, the staff was superb and knew class when they saw it.) All I know is, if Crystal wants to use me for a reference for anything, anytime, she's got it. She's amazing. If she has one fault, it's geographical -- she's not my next-door neighbor.

Very attentive and sweet with my pet baby. She followed the instructions well and is reliable!! She is definitely going to be one of my favorite pet sitters.

Emily was fantastic! Our dogs can be very anxious and hate being alone, so she hung out with them while we went out for a few hours. She did really well with them and made sure they were well taken care of and comfortable! We’ll be using her again & Would definitely recommend! Thanks again Emily! 🙂

Titan stayed well feed and happy under Amanda’s watchful eye. I highly recommend her as a dog sitter. She communicated very well and kept me well informed, didn’t trash my house, and my pup remained in one piece with no issues. Gave him plenty of love and treats!