Another Pet Sitting Question...Long

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I have another question about how much to pay for a pet sitter. I think my situation is a bit unique so I will give you the background. My DD has a friend that she has known for the last 6 years. The mother and I are very friendly and always talk at school and when the girls get together but we do not socialize beyond that. The mom has had to call me off and on for the last 6 years to take her kiddos to school at times because she has MS and many times her DH has had to go to work early. I take her kids to school maybe 5-6 times a year. This past spring her DD...my DD's friend...was hospitalized for over a week. We visited everyday, brought over food for her and sometimes the mom and brother. I asked if there was anything I could do and she asked me to take brother to and from school for about a week. When they got home from the hospital mom's MS was really taking a toll on her. She asked if I could come over and help. I cleaned her house from top to bottom...quite a few hours of work..it was pretty bad. At some point DD's friend mentioned that we were going to WDW and who was going to take care of our new dog. I told her that I didn't know. He is a bit wild for our usual family members that take in the calmer dogs. Mom offered to take in the dog as she loves the breed and also has a wild little dog that would love to have a friend. Mom flat out said she will refuse money after all I have done. I would like to pay them something...at least the kids. I was also planning on giving the family something AND some real nice souvies. I just don't know what would be appropriate. On one hand I want to pay what fair but on the other hand I don't think 10.00-20.00 a day would be fair either. What would you do in my situation?

 

[Micday]

I would not give any money, this is a way the mother can "pay" you back for all your help. Love the giving them a gift from WDW ideal.

Michelle

 

[Lisa_M]

I would not give any money either. The mom is trying to pay you back for all your help by helping you. Let her. It would be nice to bring a small souvenir back for them. Maybe a mug for each kid or something like that.

 

[DMickey28]

I wouldn't give them any money either.

I'd make sure you brought absolutely everything your dog would need for the time as well as maybe a doggie treat for the other dog. Then I would bring back the Mom a nice souvie from WDW and the kids something small like a mug/cup or something like that!

 

[edandcolleen1995]

I would also go with a nice gift instead. You end up spending the same amount, but the "feeling" of it will be much different.

This is the woman's way (the one with MS) of paying you back for the nice things you have done over the last 6 years.

So get her and the daughter something from Disney that is nice. If not that, maybe a spa treatment (no idea if that would be good or bad with MS) for her.

Basically instead of cash, give her a gift of equal value.

 

[sndfan]

I agree...the Mom is limited in what she can do to help...she feels that she can help you to "pay you back"...I would be grateful for her kindness. Sounds like you have been a good friend to her, she's doing the same.

I would bring treats back from WDW!!

Enjoy your trip.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks to everyone that replied. I was planning on bringing everything my dog needs and a few new treats/toys for both dogs before the trip. I was also going to bring back some very nice edible treats for the whole family to share and a few extras for the kids. I would like to bring the family something very nice from WDW but I have no idea what..any suggestions? We are going in Dec if that helps.

 

[TifffanyD]

Bring them a giant mickey rice krispie treat head.

 

[BelleWDW]

I would not give any money either. The mom is trying to pay you back for all your help by helping you. Let her. It would be nice to bring a small souvenir back for them. Maybe a mug for each kid or something like that.

I LOVE the mug idea!

 

[Halle]

I love all the PP ideas, I might add a gift card to a local restaurant.

 

[edandcolleen1995]

Thanks to everyone that replied. I was planning on bringing everything my dog needs and a few new treats/toys for both dogs before the trip. I was also going to bring back some very nice edible treats for the whole family to share and a few extras for the kids. I would like to bring the family something very nice from WDW but I have no idea what..any suggestions? We are going in Dec if that helps.

If it would not offend her (based on religion) how about a nice christmas tree decoration since you are going in dec. She could put it right up on her tree that season.

If she does not celebrate (that is fine of course) then does she like to cook? A disney cookbook from downtown disney is nice. Collect figurines (spelling) again something you can get there..

 

[chyam]

I love all the PP ideas, I might add a gift card to a local restaurant.

I was thinking the same thing...that way on one of her "bad" days she wouldn't have to cook.
Maybe a nice sweatshirt for her and a mug for the kids or maybe some ears for them. Or how about a nice ornament for her tree?