Meet & Greet: A Day in the Life of a Dog Sitter.

What is dog sitting like?

13 Reasons why Dog Sitting is like Camping.

Nurture in Nature.

Dog Sitting rate per day.

Morgantown, WV Pet Sitter.

Meet a local Dog Sitter from Morgantown, WV

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Book Bessie on Rover!

In September 2023; I was getting so close to my goal weight. I began a routine of taking early morning walks. I thought “Hmm.. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a dog to walk? Maybe I could GET PAID to go on my morning walk!”

The gears started turning. I was serious. I just needed a dog to accompany me early mornings. I’ll find a pup who needs exercise! I signed up on Rover. Created a profile, submitted my information, cleared my background. Now it’s official!

Within a few days, I started getting requests. I had two confirmed gigs my very first weekend!

I didn’t plan to get into dogsitting. Dogsitting kinda found it’s way to me. I had no idea what I was REALLY getting into!

After one year of gigs and meeting a few dogs; I understand the job! Sure, it’s super easy and it’s very FUN! But, what are the challenges? Is there any real money to be made?

If anyone asks, I tell ’em..

“Dog Sitting is like Camping”

1. Everyone lives differently.

Easily the #1 quirk of dogsitting. As you embrace to spend a day, a week, or even a month of dogsitting; Embrace the Quirk. Walk into a client’s home; get familiar, it’s your new space. Some folks only own two blankets. Others actually own a bidet with 15+ settings!

Every home is different,

Every life is different.

In each pet-sitting adventure; it felt like an AirBNB provided with random dog/s to keep you company. Seriously though! I’ve been blessed with the best regulars. They’ve been so good to provide (clean bedding, towels, snacks, even pumpkins!).

**Pumpkin Carving Guide:**
**How to Carve like a Pro!**

The warm hospitality is like a vacation!

Some days feel like a paid cultural experience. And I’m all about new experiences! And adventures ❤️

2. Every dog is different.

When I get a notification from Rover to sit for a Chinese Crested or a Saint Bernard.. The excitement builds up! There’s many breeds and many personalities. I enjoy getting to know the breeds! I’ve come to understand the playful characteristics of a German Shepherd. Or the calm temperament of a Goldendoodle.

Every dog is different.

Every day is different.

I’ve been around dogs since birth. Growing up, we always had a dog. With 10+ years experience in the delivery “biz”; I meet lots of dogs everyday (that’s my favorite part!) . By now, I’m sure I’ve met thousands of dogs.

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I approach every dog the same way; Whether it’s a Pitbull, Chihuahua, or Yellow Lab. I meet and greet every dog in the friendliest manner. My mental thoughts are something like;

“Who is it?! Do you wanna be friends?! You so pretty/You so handsome. Who is the best girl/boy?! Is it YOU?! Yeah!”

..and it usually, almost always goes well.

The Mindful Journey: 13 TIPS for Mindfulness, Awareness, Productivity, and Living Intentionally. Tip #2

It’s important to not craft up scenarios in your head. Don’t get yourself into a sniff-uation. Dogs can smell fear!

3. Cook up a Mess

I enjoy cooking. I really do! And I feel like I’m good at it, too. However; nothing quite prepares you for cooking in someone else’s home. A different assortment of spices to work with (some houses have zero spices!). Strange cookware. Unusual utensils.

Along with the skillet;
I pack meals for the week.

During the weeks of dogsitting; I keep it simple with “Camping Food”. Such minimal ingredients and little prep.

Chicken and Veggies
Potato Soup
Hot Dogs
Frozen Pizza (the oven does come in handy!)
Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Biscuits and Gravy
Spaghetti

4. Try before you buy!

I get to test/sample all kinds of products. From carpet cleaner to BBQ sauce; Coffee Creamers to leashes.. I’ve tried stuff I’d normally wouldn’t buy. I’ve found some pretty amazing products this way!

5. The Sleeping Arrangements

The couch? Or the most comfortable and luxurious bed? Either way, I’ve experienced both. On those week-long stays, it can be difficult to get the suggested 8 hours of sleep each night.

6. The Logistics

A good chunk of the “mental exhaustion” comes from figuring out the logistics. I can’t be three places at once. And I don’t want to be driving around all day. Dividing time and making the most of the day.

I strive to make sure all the dogs, including my own are taken care of. Sometimes I have to run “back home”. Going “back to back” can get confusing; it’s all in the timing. Each greeting is welcomed!

7. Cleaning

This is the actual work to dog sitting. Most of the time, it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like a different life. You’re in someone’s home, with someone else’s dog/dogs. Surrounded by their belongings. Maybe it’s just me, but I want to keep their house nice!

Constant maintenance cleaning throughout the stay. Cleaning up after ourselves, and the dogs. Then at the end of the stay, I always do a “pack out” cleaning. Sweep, vacuum, wipe down, re-arrange, put away dishes, start a load of laundry, take out trash. Nice it up!

8. Neighbors

This may be one of my favorite parts of dog sitting. Going on walks in different neighborhoods and meeting “new neighbors”.

We chat up. Exchange stories. Give and take. Good neighbors are everywhere.

9. Floofs of Fur

We have two Boston Terriers. Their single coat is short and thin. The shedding is extremely minimal.

Bostons CAN hike! But, they can barely shed.

Most dogs have multiple coats. Floofs of Fur! I enjoy the softness and running my hands through. More to love!

As much as I love the softness and furry-ness; there is literally hair everywhere! It’s not at all what I’m used to. By dinner time; I change my clothes before fixing a quick meal. Then go back to playing/cuddling/petting after I eat.

10. The Attachment

Spending day in and out together; we bond with dogs. All the fetches, treats, and cuddles. Kind words and “GOOD BOY!” deeds. It all builds up into a trusted relationship. I always end up loving ’em like my very own. Then their owners come home, and it’s over. Life goes back to normal for everyone. Till the next adventure! ❤️

11. The Attachment II

People and dogs do get attached to one another. Relationships are special. When it’s gone; you’re left with only memories. Those memories are cherished! Hearing the news is the worst part, and sometimes the “why” is unfathomable. When something is missing; we feel it. The loss hurts. Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed to meet some really great dogs. And great people, too.