Austin

You've gotten some good advice, and I surely understand your attachment to your pup. We have two as well.

Why not just call the people you have in mind, talk about your concerns, offer them what you think is reasonable$$ (or ask them), and then play it by ear. You'll get a feel for what they think, how they feel about giving your dog attention, etc. Then you can see who is best for the job.

Rachelle

bonnie, I used to have dogs so please don't think I'm not understanding, but believe me, your dog will be fine without you!

Just for a round table discussion, I explained your situation in my office today. The "quotes" I got were to offer from $100.00-$200.00 TOTAL. Their feeling was basically that either the person is willing to help or not. If they are, they wouldn't accept, or expect, $500.00+ for doing this.

We feel you shouldn't put yourself in a financial burden trying to overcompensate someone for watching your doggy.

gail

Another thought is seeing if one of the vet techs at your vet's office would be interested. Since these are not often well-paying jobs, there might be someone reliable interested in staying in a nice place for a week or so. This person would come with instant references (they work for the vet), an obvious love of animals, experience with elderly or infirm creatures.

(This is one of the reasons even though we like dogs, my kids love them and think I am a neglectful parent because we don't have a dog, we stuck with felines, reptiles, fish)

soccr

Had another thought after reading your latest posts. That sweet poopy sounds like he's pretty geriatric, which is a big part of why you are worried about leaving him. The idea of having a vet tech he knows (or you know) do this might be the best idea under the circumstances. His life expectancy (I'm not trying to be cruel here, having been through losing two furry family members myself) isn't all that long, and if you lost him while you were away, it would be very very tough on you AND the person staying with him. At least if it were someone from the vet, you'd be sure they'd know if he was getting into difficulty and you'd be sure they did all they could to help him.

And one other comment: we didn't take any long trips the last 6 months of our bassett's life without her, pretty much for worry about all these issues.

cmcfong

Hi Bonniebroad, I live in Piedmont NC and pay my petsitter $25. cash per day. She stays overnight, plays with my FIVE dogs and generally enjoys her time alone at the house. She has use of the pool, a well stocked fridge and seems quite happy with the arrangement. She is a former vet tech and I feel good about leaving her with my two elderly dogs and three younger ones.