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Post by Peter & Olaf on Nov 28, 2018 14:32:05 GMT -7
Hi Camille - I myself am also a "rover" pet sitter, and have been doing so since about April. Some good questions which you may have already had answered. - Is the pet sitter always with the pets? - If not, how long would they be alone? - Are other dogs being taken care of at the same time? - How many maximum would be taken care of? - What size pets are being cared for? - Will the sitter send you daily updates and pics? (Perhaps multiple times a day.) - Be specific on your needs should there be an emergency!
We had planned to be out of town last month. Our flight was to leave 2 days prior to Olaf's emergency surgery. Fate caused us to cancel the trip. I don't know what I would have done if Olaf had his emergency while we were away and he was at the sitter. I would not have been prepared, or known what to tell the sitter, or where to have him taken.
I've used Rover several times for my dogs prior to being a sitter myself. I've done several home inspections prior to bringing my dogs over. I know Frank, doesn't get along with large dogs. I've seen people that care for 20+ dogs at a time. ...and I've seen some filthy environments where I wouldn't want my dogs to be at. I'm planning on being away in July for two weeks, it's a long way off but still I'm dreading leaving Olaf anywhere.
All the best to your family!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 28, 2018 15:26:06 GMT -7
Wobbly walking at 9 weeks after surgery is good progress. Over time she may become continent of bladder and bowel again. I know how it feels to clean up in the middle of the night and come home to a mess. It is possible to express for poop. I am not sure if you have seen this link: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm#poopIt is important to take time for yourself. Taking care of an IVDD dog can be hard. If you don't take care of yourself you won't be able to take care of Bean. Great news that you have found someone familiar with IVDD to take care of Bean while you are away. Is the sitter going to stay at your hose? Ask for lots of pictures. That will help you feel more confident that Bean is under good care
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Post by Camille & Bean on Nov 29, 2018 10:59:17 GMT -7
Thanks. Yes we found the sitter through Rover, which we've used many times before. Those are good questions Peter, some of which I've already asked but the others are good reminders to bring up. I hope you do get to go on your trip in July and I'm sure Olaf will be so far along by then it won't be of much a concern as it is now.
Romy - I do induce her poop sometimes with an ice cube but sometimes it'll come too wet and so I feel that I'm inducing it prematurely. And yes the sitter will be staying at our house since everything is already perfectly set up here for her, including her penthouse suite pen.
Thanks all.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 29, 2018 14:00:55 GMT -7
You see to have everything well setup for Bean for when you are away.
To get a better handle on the timing for poop expressing it is good to understand how long it takes the dog to process food, put a few small pieces of raw carrot or kernels of frozen corn in with dinner. The veggie pieces don't digest — watch for the stool with veggies and you'll know his digesting time. Then you can try expressing about 30 to 60 minutes before that.
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Post by Camille & Bean on Nov 29, 2018 14:14:22 GMT -7
Yea good point - I think I'm starting to see that veggies are more effective than pumpkin (canned/organic kind). Got carried away and bought several cans because of the post-Thanksgiving sale but it hasn't been as effective as the green beans and carrots I was putting in her kibble. Back to veggies I guess.
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Post by Camille & Bean on Mar 11, 2020 22:28:16 GMT -7
Hi Friends, it's been quite some time since I posted on here. It's been about a year and a half since our sweet Bean had her first spinal surgery and almost a year since her second (Her different discs had unfortunately bursted six months apart). Two surgeries, many sessions of therapy and multiple times rearranging the house and furniture later, Bean is doing great. She never regained back her deep pain sensation but her lifestyle and quality of life has generally been excellent. We have a new kind of norm as far as her care (specifically with keeping her paralyzed legs strong and dealing with incontinence) but she is so happy to still walk and we really don't mind our new routines. My husband has been working on a video on her journey for quite some time and finally finished it. we really wanted to share it with this group to give others hope and faith and to trust the resilience of the wonderful animals in their lives. If you have any questions, I'm here to support how I can. Sending positive vibes to everyone.
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Post by Julie & Perry on Mar 12, 2020 3:11:04 GMT -7
Wow, that's incredible!!!! Spunky little Bean and an awesome video about her journey. Thanks for giving many pet parents new hope.😀
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 12, 2020 4:56:54 GMT -7
That's a truly beautiful video, Camille. Thank you so much for sharing it. Dodgerslist would very much appreciate any and all support you can offer the members here. Thank you! And please give Bean a big hug from all of us.
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