My first job... the silver spoon kitty

The day I received my business license was also the day I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter. I knew I would be carrying a barf bag around with me for the next 8 1/2 months. But, as a new business owner, I was ready to get started.
I passed out fliers, advertised at vet's offices and pet stores. Pretty soon, my first job arrived.

The Silver Spoon Kitty

I eagerly met with my first client and her kitty. What could possibly be so hard about taking care of a cat? ummm......
Kitty was 21 years old. Mrs. B was not ready to let Kitty go yet. Kitty spent her life on a pillow. Kitty had a tumor coming out of her nose that caused excessive mucus to accumulate around her entire face. She also no longer used the litter box. The kicker came when Mrs. B brought out the silver spoon and told me that was how I was to feed Kitty.
Instinct said run, my pregnant tummy said barf. This was my first client so I was determined to make it work. Seriously, how bad could it really be?

Day 1... I let myself in the front door and am instantly knocked back by the smell. What in the world died? UH OH!!! KITTY????????????? The pregnant tummy instantly rebels and I christen their flowerbed. I wipe my mouth and hold my breath. Terrified of what I might find, I cautiously walk into the kitchen. Kitty is on her pillow, breathing, I think. But what is that all over her head? I walk closer and find that Kitty is indeed breathing, and blowing mucous bubbles out of her nose. I begin the task of using a warm washcloth and cleaning her head. Taking several breaks as the pregnant tummy churns.
Kitty looks up at me and gives a soft meow. Oh, my heart melts just a little. Poor baby. Then the bowel explosion of all bowel explosions. I literally am now covered in poop and snot. What have I gotten myself into?
Over an hour into what was supposed to be a half hour visit, I'm ready to feed Kitty. I find the food, china plate and silver spoon easily enough. I microwave the food and prepare for dinnertime. I sit on the floor in front of Kitty who is still blowing mucus bubbles. All of a sudden it hits me. I am about to feed a cat with a silver spoon off of a very expensive china plate. Shaking my head, I feed Kitty her dinner. Before she explodes out of one end or the other I make my exit.

Days 2..5... The next few days progress the same. Although I now wear a scarf with peppermint oil sprinkled on it. That helps with the nausea just a bit. Kitty continues her routine of bubbles and explosions. By now I've run out of washcloths and towels. So, I now do laundry as well as take care of Kitty. I am really re-evaluating my contract now and think I need to add some explosion stipulations in there somewhere.

Last Day.... Kitty is fed, cleaned and as happy as she can be. Dishes are cleaned, laundry is done and folded. With a deep sigh of relief, I leave for the last time. As I close the door I pause, I'm actually going to miss Kitty. Nah.... what am I thinking?

The Call... Mrs B calls and thanks me profusely for the wonderful care I gave Kitty. She offers to be a reference. I thank her and tell her it's all part of the job and I enjoyed spending time with Kitty. Before she hangs up she says "Oh, just so you know, Kitty died the day after we got home. I decided it was time and had her put down". What? Are you kidding me? I went through all that and then you decide to let Kitty go? How could she do that to Kitty?

So that my friends, is my first job as a pet-sitter. Nine years later I am still at it and still loving it. Stay tuned for many more stories.

Adventures in Pet Sitting

In this blog I will let you all in on the secret life of a pet sitter. I've owned my pet sitting business for over 9 years. The crazy things I've encountered over the years have always made people say "you really should write a book". So, here I am...

All names will be changed to protect the innocent or idiotic, whichever the case may be.