My first experience using a pet setter was stressful.

I was referred to a pet setter by a dog-loving neighbor. When I contacted the pet setter, she told me she had moved to a neighboring town and was no longer working my area. She referred me to “the only person"x9D she would let take care of her dogs.

I phoned the “only person”, who was free, and invited her to my house. I wanted my dogs to tell me if she was okay. She came and visited for over an hour, wrote down information about my dogs. She seemed well qualified, and my dogs gave their thumbs up.

As the date rolled closer for the sitter to pick up the key, I started worrying. I let my neighbors know I was going to have a pet sitter, and if the dogs should bark outside unreasonably, to please talk to them. They have a dog door out of the kitchen, and are prone to only barking when there is something to bark at.

The sitter came to pick up my house key. Again the dogs confirmed that they liked her, and I went through all the information regarding my dogs again, even though she had all the info in her file.

After she left, I sat down to watch some Animal Planet, but couldn't focus. I had just given my house key and entrusted my dogs to a near total stranger for four days! I was supposed to feel relieved, not stressed.  Did I even know where this woman lived?? Was she who she said she was?? She could have the house, but not my dogs. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I got back yesterday to find the dogs in good condition and glad to see me. They were a little clingy, but had fresh water and seemed happy. The pet sitter had left a journal of the times she checked on the dogs, what she did, what they did, and any cute anecdotes she had discovered about them. Whew!

As an aside, she came back today to bring me my key and pick up her check. She invited me to go with her to a dog show Sunday"x201DYAY!!  You know, it's nice to have someone to talk to about your dogs"x201Dsomeone whose eyes don't glaze over"x201Dsomeone who can talk about her dogs"x201Dshare cute stories etc. And I was worried about the pet sitter???

You are not alone.  I am very paranoid about who takes care of my pups and house.  I think it is extremely important to get recommendations and only let the first pet sitting be for a short duration (maybe a night or two).

Fortunately, we have a fabulous “dog nanny” that lives in the neighborhood.  She stops by 4 days a week and exercises my youngest pup. 

I would highly recommend her if you live in the Littleton area.

Congrats on finding a good sitter. It’s good to get a referral!

I’ve had sitters for my cats, and I love those who leave journals! It is always comforting to see what everyone was up to while I was gone.

Yes!  I’m very picky about who I have pet sitting.  Does anyone have a good referral for the Morrison/Conifer area?  I’ve been using my neighbor’s daughter who I do trust implicitly, but she is now in high school and has a fuller schedule and will soon be in college.  I’m looking to expand my pet-sitting base.  I personally can recommend Marta Shaw, a retired Cherry Creek elementary teacher, who housesits in the DTC/Lone Tree area.... her site is TheDTCPetNanny.com.  Unfortunately, she doesn’t work in my area!  Thanks for any referrals… -Andrea

Diane probably has the best recommendaitons for the Morrison/Conifer area. 

My go to petsitter is Aura Leigh Fuergeson of Paws Ma Pet Sitting in Littleton (303-995-6844).  We have been using her as a daily dog walker and petsitter for almost 3 years - she is great.  She typically likes to petsit in the Littleton area, but will accept overnight assignments a little further away.  If you get in a crunch, you might try giving her a call.

Hi, Andrea:
Great to hear from you.
I have two pet sitters that come highly recommended by personal friends, one of which is a partner in this website.

Carmen & Dennis Cline 303-933-7292
She works at a vet clinic and our partner has been taking her dog, Eli, to that vet for 8-9 yrs.

Anne Pettis 303-507-6684
My good friend, Laura, has recommended Anne to me and others, uses her when she leaves town with her 13 yr old English Cocker. Laura has high criteria for anyone caring for her dog, so I trust her judgment. Anne is also a dog communicator. Get the story from your dogs on how they feel.

Come and play agility with me again.

Diane