When I met Micaela, we took my puppy on a walk. I went over the needs of our cat and puppy, and the routine we wanted her to maintain. "Of course!" was Micaela's reply. A few times I asked if she had questions-which I hoped she would-but she never did. Our puppy, Tosi, is new to us and very anxious. We are new dog parents and first time Rover users. I couldn't have been more clear in writing and conversation about our expectations; from my initial Rover care questionnaire, to a care binder we left with Micaela. She said that none of this would be a problem, even though she works part-time and goes to school. We were heading to Palm Springs, CA for a week via Amtrak, so leaving Tosi and Simon to someone we didn't know was a real challenge for us. However, we booked with Micaela because, on paper, she was perfect! The reviews were glowing. The fact that she said she was Fear Free Certified cinched it for me. She was cheerful and attentive to Tosi while with us, and very confident. Once we left, I became concerned when Micaela was slow to respond by text, and when she did, it was like pulling teeth to get any kind of narrative. As is Rover's policy, we expected a daily brief narrative and photos like I'd seen in other profiles. Nope. When I asked how they were doing, it was always a pithy "They're great!" or something equally brief. She sent no photos of Simon, but two of Tosi; neither of which showed a playful, loving interaction. Very frustrating, But, what could we do? We were thousands of miles away. I kept telling myself that I was overly concerned and not push for more. One text that must be shared goes like this: “Hello Marybeth, did someone come in the house recently?” That's it. What responsible caregiver sends an excruciatingly brief, cryptic text like this?! I texted back, "No one should be in the house. Why?" When I didn't hear back I texted again to ask for more information. She replied "I just noticed that the blinds were pulled down in the bedroom today." Ummm, okay....? No explanation. Unbelievable. So I called Micaela even though cell service was very spotty out in the middle of the desert. Based on what she told me, and knowing my home and neighbors, I told her that it didn't seem like an issue. Apparently, our conversation wasn't enough. Micaela not only made a gross breach of contract by abandoning Tosi and Simon alone overnight she didn't call the police. Fast forward seven days later. We came home about 9:45 to the following: *Crystallized urine and tracks of smeared feces all over the livingroom and kitchen floors. *Several days worth of dried feces in her crate. * A new runner at our back door had four large urine stains. Micaela just rolled up the rug and left it by the door. *Our back door screen had a large hole in it. I'm convinced that this is due to Tosi's frantic attempts to either get inside or outside of the house. Tosi's extreme anxiety is further evidenced by a torn up sock and fabric coaster, and a ripped towel. Tosi's behavior was skiddish, hesitant, and she was scared to come upstairs with me, which is completely out of character for her. There are indications that Tosi was kept overnight downstairs alone. Absolutely not okay. Simon's litter box hadn't been cleaned in days. Since we've been home, he's attacked Tosi a few times (which he's never done). This leads me to believe that he was never let out of the bedroom. I could be wrong, but based on the unconscionable treatment this vet-in-training, Fear Free Certified trainer showed my family members, my home, and to my husband and I, my concerns are valid. I am furious, sad, and completely baffled as to how this could have happened. I have learned a lot about my own intuition and will no longer doubt it. Had I followed it, none of this would have happened. So, lesson learned.

Such a sweet and accommodating person! Will be booking again