A multiple repeat client just had to cancel a future booking because her dog died. he was old and VERY sick. I'd taken care of him 5 times in the last 8 months. She said my house was the only place he'd sleep through the night. I really like this Owner. Not sure what I can do for her. I have no address to even send a card. Any suggestions?
You could make a small donation to a local animal shelter or ASPCA in the dog's name. But you are going to need to find their address.
I have had to see many of my clients' dogs pass away, and I believe it is very important to offer my condolences to the owners. Acknowledging the dog's passing and communicating that to the owner shows how much you care, and it can help in their grieving process by reassuring them that their dog was well cared for and loved by their dogsitter. I always get a sympathy card for the owner, and I don't just sign it; I put serious thought into what I write in the cards. I let them know how much their dog impacted my life and share with them some happy memories of my time spent with their pet. I find that writing this note gives me a chance to work through any grieving of my own I may have, whether I knew it or not. Depending on how familiar or comfortable you are with the owner, you may want to include some photos of their dog that you've taken. Also, if I don't already know their address, I can get it from the stay itineraries that Rover provided me with in past bookings.
I like Karen's idea about making a donation. Perhaps you could message the owner that you've made a donation in her dog's name (I don't think you need their address for that? But I could be wrong). I think even something small, like donating some toys/blankets to the local shelter in his name would be sweet.
I'd also go through any the photos you have from the dog's prior stays and send them to the owner if you haven't already, and share any funny stories or memories of her dog. As an owner of a senior dog with health issues, I've been preparing myself for 'when it's time', but I would love to hear from others who loved him too. I think knowing how he affected others in his lifetime would make the tears a little more happy.
I love Carly's idea: print out some great photos that you may have snapped when you boarded him! If you can contact her and ask for her home address, I think sending those sweet photos in a card with a handwritten note expressing sympathy for her loss...that would be really nice :)
I am slightly confused, if they are a repeat client, how do you not have the address? If you do, perhaps sending a sympathy card with one or two nice printed photos of the dog would be enough.
Because they are a boarder, not walking.
Okay. I do not offer boarding myself, but assumed that their contact information would be available on the itinerary for their stays with you, as it is shown for drop-ins/walking on mine. Sorry!