Well, I'm full-up for pet-sitting this Holiday weekend. It's amazing how many people wait until a day or two before they leave to call and check if I can take care of their pets (I didn't have anybody scheduled for pet-sitting as of last Saturday). What would they do if I said no? Some of them act like I should have nothing else planned - that I am subject to their whims. Now don't get me wrong, there are legitimate times for people to call me at the last minute. For any type of emergency, I will try my darndest to accommodate the customer's needs. I have cancelled planned day trips to help someone out, and that is fine. However, when people routinely call me just a day or two before they leave (and I know darn well that they have been planning this for a while), that is when I have a problem. I have had customers get huffy because I was going to a wedding and wouldn't be back until about 6 PM - so no, I can't let their dogs out at 4 PM (and by the way this was less than 18 hours before they were leaving that they thought to call).
If there are days that I can't watch animals, I let my customers know plenty of time in advance (we are talking months here). If there are evenings or mornings I will not be available, I do the same thing (OK - this may just be a couple of weeks notice). I figure the middle of the day is hit-or-miss for the client because:
- They know I have a regular daytime job
- Most customers don't need my services at that time of day (only in the morning and at night)
- I, just as they, have other things to do besides work (stacking wood comes to mind)
- Maybe I'm just a jerk
Fortunately, I love taking care of the pets, so am never permenantly disgruntled by their owner's antics. How much do I love it you ask - I love it so much that I haven't raised my prices since I started the business in 1995 (and then I was cheap compared to kennels). And, The Loving Spouse is thankfull for my performing pet-sitting because that means I don't bring home as many animals to live at my house!
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