Nelli

Sent my dog for 10 days boarding, will def not going back to this pet sitter again due to poor environment

1. My heart was uneasy when Nelli claimed that my 7 years old dog tried to bite her during the food coaching session due to his poor appetite on first few days. My dog’s will only scare the person/ show aggressiveness if the person use “force way on him”, I told Nelli never use force way but I wasn’t sure if she listen to my advice…I don’t know why my dog behave this way.

2. Nelli claimed that my dog start to have a “dog smell” on day 4 after shower! So I suspect that it was because of my dog perspire as I noticed her place only have 2 mini wall fan which is no good for my dog who have a lot of furs! So I raised my concern n her respond was very defensive! From the photo that she took I noticed my dog sleep at a place without fan n next to the power socket with electrical wiring dangling above which is very dangerous!!! Again, she make me feel that she doesn’t care abt the dog’s safety.

3. I pass her the dog treat n asked her to feed him everyday so that to make him happy when I’m not with him or use it to calm him. But she didn’t do it, the treats is return in original condition!

Again, I also she didn’t take all the advices from me as a owner seriously n do it her own ways… I don’t think she care abt my dog as a person who really love dog will care a lot even a small little things.

--- Sitter's reply ---

Hi Jesslyna! Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. Would like to take this opportunity to explain from my end as well.

Firstly, I strongly believe in force-free training techniques. All my animals would never be forced to do anything, especially when they are in a new environment. But, you told me that I have to make him eat, no matter what. I sat with Jayjay for over an hour for his meals in the first few days, just to coax him to eat. If I tried to touch or pat him at all, he would try to bite. He eventually got comfortable with us after a few days and would happily eat on his own.

I always inform owners of every little details of their dog's wellbeing when I can, and when I said that he had a doggy smell on him, because I could shower him for you or if you have any other methods I could do because you are worried he would slip and hurt himself. Instead, you immediately accused me of not providing him with the best of what I can despite my trying to reassure you. Dogs will not stay somewhere they are not comfortable with, and Jayjay is the one who chose the spot. Initially I did encourage him to sleep elsewhere more windy by putting his beds there but he would not budge. Therefore, I moved the bed to his chosen spot as I didn't want your dog, who is still recovering from surgery, to lay on the hard floor.

4 whole packs of treats was also provided for just 10 days. I used only what is needed because too much treats is no good for anyone. I used about half of all the treats. I wasn't aware you meant for him to finish all of the treats.

It is unfair that despite my best efforts to care for your dog, it was gone unappreciated by you, got accused by you repeatedly without caring for explanations as well. Jayjay is not used to boarding in a new environment and I had done the best I can do to make him feel comfortable, which I am happy to report, he had grown more confident during the last few days with us as well.

Very kind sitter. Our cats usually don't like strangers but they warmed up to her very fast. She's very diligent and never missed a day when we booked. She also went above and beyond with our requests. Will book again when needed :)