What strategies do y'all have if any, for managing your emotional attachments to the dogs you sit, and mitigating sadness/depression after they leave (boarding) and/or you go home (housesitting)?
What a great question! Because I have my own pets, I like to pamper them with lots of attention after a long house sit, and they return the favor. I think it's easier to care for pets when I have cultivated a strong bond with them, but I do miss them! If I really adore a dog during our first booking, I make sure to mention it to the owners so they will book with me again. I have a couple of dogs I walk daily and a few more three to four times a week, so that keeps me busy with dogs that are always excited to see me. I take lots of pictures, for the owners, of course, but also for me! And my friends who live vicariously through me petting all the pets! :)
These are great thoughts, thank you! I have noticed that a client becoming a repeat definitely normalizes the bond a little bit so that loss is less intense. ...
...For instance, w/ the dog I'm most intensely bonded with, I cried for 1.5 hours like a crazy person the first time, when i didnt know when/if Id see her, but now it's much less dramatic, lol.
I am so glad I am not the only one that misses the pets when I leave I really do get attached and I am sad when I leave. Sometimes I will text the owner to see how the dogs etc, are doing.
Such a sweet question. I try to stay busy and book recurring sittings as often as allowed. I also like to look back through photos. It helps if you are attached to all the dogs you sit. I will say, I've had one client move and one whose dog passed away between stays - those were difficult.