Dog walker vent!
 

I am pretty pissed off right now. I have had a dog walker for the past 6 weeks and she has been great to my knowledge. I know I got a steal with what I pay her but I also feel I am pretty easy going and not demanding of her. She is young but I felt responsible. She came with excellent references as well. Well today she texted me that she took the boys out for their walk and gave the usual fresh water and treats. But they did not poop.


I was concerned because she usually texts me when she arrives and leaves. Well today she never texted me when she arrived. She also is very aware of the camera I have on my dogs so I can see them throughout the day. Well I went back on my recorded videos and she was never there! I even asked her what time she arrived and she said 1:15 pm. My video at 1:20 pm clearly shows them still in the kitchen.


I am pretty accommodating when she has to cancel on me even at the last minute. I rearrange my plans and make sure I go straight home after work to let them out. I even always pay her for the walk because I pay her by the week no matter how many times I use her.


What I cannot stand is being LIED to. I would have been fine is she would have just told me the truth. Now I wonder how many times she did not show up before. I know I should expect this because I get what I paid for but have some work ethic.


I don't like confrontation and have not discussed this with her yet because I am too upset. What I did do is contact the other dog walker I interviewed last month and see if I can work something out with her. She is insured/bonded not young and has her own business as a dog walker. Unfortunately, I went with the cheaper walker. I am having her come next Wed to meet with Boomer and Thumper. Its not that Boomer and Thumper can't wait until I get home but they enjoy their routine and being walked. I also know they will be fine if I need to run an errand before getting home.


I am thinking of texting my dog walker tomorrow and letting her know that next week will be her last week and not mention anything about today. I don't want any drama. I just hope she has the decency to return my apt keys or else I will need to change the locks which my super would not be happy about.


Thanks for letting me vent.

If it were me, I would let her know that you checked your camera, and it shows that she was not there and you will require her services no longer. Maybe that will teach her a lesson in being honest in the future.

Reason I HATE paying in advance, I did that with snow removal guy one winter when I was working, $300. up front, he came 2 times.
Is there a way you can get your keys from her first, tell her the super changed your lock and you have new keys her lol lil white lie, once they are in your hands you can tell her, her services are no longer needed, give her the reason if you wish.
You're better off with the professional walker, they charge more but they know their business grows by word of mouth.
I need to tell you this, I am very proud of the way you are caring for these babies, I remember your first post lol, you wanted A dog lol, then you tell us you got a bonded pair lol, you are very vested in your boys, such a GREAT mom, these guys hit the jack pot with their furever mom.

I understand not liking confrontation or drama . . . but this was a business arrangement you had with the dog walker. She will never learn if you do not talk to her about it.

Taking care of dogs is very important and you placed a lot of responsibility in her hands. If she thinks she can skip a home visit, then who knows what else she might do -- maybe not treat the pets very well on walks?

Talk to her and be matter of fact about it. She should also be made aware that many people have cameras in their homes.

Thank you for the compliment. I love my babies. I didn't realize I could love them as much as I do. When I decided to get get two I thought I was insane. Let alone everyone else who knows me. LOL. But they make my life so much better. I may complain about the cost and waking up at 5 am sometimes but I wouldn't have it any other way. There safety and well being comes first for me.

I spoke to the Dog Walker and she is adamant that she was here today but I don't believe her. I told her to please drop off the keys tomorrow under the mat and that I will leave the money I owe her for the week.

I have a meet and greet with a professional dog walker on Wednesday. It will be more money but I will feel more confident.

I also want to thank everyone on YT; without this forum I don't think I would have learned or been as good of a doggy mom to my boys. I read a lot of the posts and have taken away so much from them.

How can she be adamant when you have a video surveillance camera that proves she was not there? How very strange. I am glad you will not have her services any longer, it is scary to think of how a dishonest person might treat your dog! :eek:

If your video doesn't show her there then she wasn't there....at least she's committed to the lie. Not that it's a great thing though. I'm sorry you have to deal with that....it makes it hard to trust anybody being in your home.

Yorkies have a way of stealing our hearts, we all complain about one thing or another, but we never regret having our babies. For a first time DOG owner taking on 2 adult rescue yorkies was a big step for you, but you sorted it all out, took advise given to you from YT members, now you are totally in love with your boys and that's a wonderful thing. As time goes by your love for them will deepen, you'll wonder how did you ever get along without them, you are a GREAT mom.
Hope your new dog walker meet goes well, I don't think you will regret using a professional walker, that is her BUSINESS. Bless you for rescuing these two little guys.

yeah! what she said!

Even if she returns your key, she could have copied it. I'd bite the bullet and have the super rekey your apartment.

I did change my locks. My super was very nice even after Boomer jumped and nipped on him before I could grab Boomer.

I met with a dog walker from a professional company and she was very nice. She starts on Monday and I showed her how I liked the boys walked and taken care of. IN January she is hiring someone that has four yorkies of her own and that person will become my permanent walker at the time. I will meet her as the date gets closer. It will be nice to have a walker that knows the temperament of yorkies:D

Great that you hired this dog walker,better yet you will have one that knows the breed. Good luck.