Whenever we plan a trip, the first thing we do is secure a sitter for Piper. We have a handful of wonderful women who take great care of Piper. It is still difficult to leave him but it is only because I will miss him, not because I am worried about him while my husband and I are gone.
Each time, as part of our prep before departure, in addition to the cleaning, packing and getting the house ready for someone to stay there, I have to update the instructions I have created for the sitter. Friends have asked me why this is required every instance, and I suppose that is a good question. There are practical answers. The number of days (and nights) we will be away decides how often food bowls are refilled, if paper needs to be replaced in Piper’s mansion. Time of year plays a part, guidance about opening windows and the heat or air conditioning is necessary.
More importantly, there is the information about Piper’s current behavior, which can change more than you would think. Sometimes he will be in a phase where he chews his sneaker quickly, requiring it be swapped out for a new one. He will switch his preference for play in one of the two boxes we have out for him. Depending on his box du jour, clean-up directions will be different.
I sometimes try to compare the difference a pet sitter would find in staying with Piper versus a dog. Sure, Piper doesn’t have to go out to do his business or be walked, but if my 12-page of instructions are any indication, there is a lot that goes into not just feeding and watering our little man, but tending to his distinct personality and, I will fully admit, spoiledness.
How many pages would your owner’s manual be? We all have our own idiosyncrasies, that’s for sure. I think the first item in my own operating guide would be: TAKE CARE OF PIPER. SEE SEPARATE INSTRUCTIONS.
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