Navigating Medical Emergencies as a Full-Time Pet Sitter
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Chapter 1: A Sitter's Worst Nightmare
Being a full-time pet sitter means I don’t have a permanent home. I keep some belongings in storage and travel from place to place across Australia. For instance, I’m currently in Victoria, but next month I’ll be in South Australia. My greatest fear during this nomadic lifestyle has always been the possibility of a medical emergency. Well, I recently faced that fear head-on!
The Homeowner's Concerns
When homeowners consider me for a pet sitting job, they often ask many questions, understandably so. One question that stands out is, “What would happen if you had to cancel?” It conveys their worry about being let down, possibly due to previous bad experiences with other sitters. I firmly believe in maintaining a high standard and never canceling unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, situations can arise that are beyond anyone's control, and I’m honest about my only legitimate reason for cancellation: a medical emergency.
On January 10th, shortly after meeting the pets I was tasked with caring for, the homeowners posed that very question. I assured them that the only reason I would cancel would be if I suddenly found myself in the hospital. We even joked about it, tapping on a bench for luck, only to realize it wasn’t wood. But then, the unexpected happened!
Facing the Unexpected
My medical emergency began with a routine visit to the GP, which quickly escalated into a referral for an urgent procedure requiring general anesthesia. I was in charge of Dougal, a lovely feline whose medication schedule was quite strict. There was no way I could leave him unattended! Fortunately, my doctor prescribed antibiotics, giving me a crucial 18-hour window to figure things out.
I had several options to weigh:
- Could I be in and out within 12 hours? Probably not.
- The emergency department's wait times could be prolonged due to more severe cases.
- Best-case scenario: I would leave after Dougal's morning meds and return that same night.
- Mid-case scenario: I might stay overnight, with Dougal missing just one dose (though I knew this wasn’t ideal).
- Worst-case scenario: I'd end up on antibiotics and hospitalized for a few days.
I braced myself for the worst while discussing my options with the GP and hospital staff over the phone.
A Fortunate Timing
Strangely enough, this happened at a fortuitous moment. My next sitting job was over a week away, and I was in a familiar place with homeowners I had worked with before. Additionally, I was less than an hour away from my best friend, Kristy, who was also acquainted with the homeowners and Dougal.
I reached out to Kristy, explained my predicament, and requested her help. She quickly agreed to assist me. I then contacted the homeowners, explaining the situation and how I planned to solve it.
The Medical Adventure
In short, I went to the hospital after administering Dougal’s morning medication and returned 32 hours later. Kristy had picked up my keys and learned how to give Dougal his meds without him getting upset. She stayed overnight to care for him while her family was away. What a lifesaver! I underwent surgery in the morning, and Kristy kindly drove me home later that day. I set alarms on my phone for both Dougal’s and my own medication to ensure I didn’t miss anything, and we quickly returned to our normal routine.
I even messaged my next homeowner, insisting that her house was magical and that I would never touch wood there again!
Key Takeaways for Sitters and Homeowners
This experience taught me valuable lessons that apply to sitters, homeowners, and really anyone facing unexpected challenges:
- The primary responsibility of a sitter is the well-being of the animals in their care. Homeowners should expect nothing less while also understanding that emergencies can occur.
- Always have contingency plans in place. Know who you can rely on and what options are available.
- Solutions are often plentiful; the key is to remain open-minded rather than be paralyzed by fear.
- Keep homeowners informed, especially when pets are involved. If you can’t find a solution, communicate this and seek their input.
- When problems arise, ask yourself: “What’s the worst-case scenario, and can I handle it?” If you can, you’ll be just fine. If not, seek help.
Embracing Positivity
Did that question about the worst-case scenario catch you off guard? It’s a principle I learned from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. I explored more about this concept in a separate piece on self-reflection.
In conclusion, this incident has forever changed my perspective as a sitter. I now know I have a support system I can rely on. I’m confident that I can handle emergencies as they arise, and I’ve certainly learned not to touch wood in that house again!
Follow my journey for more tales from my adventures in pet sitting!
Chapter 2: My Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Pet Sitter
In this video, discover how a surprising surgery led to a revelation about personal connections and support during challenging times.
Chapter 3: The Importance of Community in Pet Sitting
This video discusses the critical role of community and support networks, especially in unexpected situations like medical emergencies.