Pet sitter arrangement fallen through. Live in Allston MA. Can you help? URGENT

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Claire and Kaz

Claire and Kaz

Member Since 2022
Hello

I am hoping that someone on this site is able to help me or may know of someone in my area that can help me.

I am currently living in Allston Massachusetts (about 15 minutes outside of Boston MA).

I have two cats one is diabetic and requires insulin every 12 hours.

The lady that was going to look after them called me a few hours ago to tell me that her mother is really sick and as of today does not think that she can look after them.
So now I am due to fly to the UK on the 16th June and I do not return till July 5th and I am in desperate need of someone who can look after them.

If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Claire
 
Claire and Kaz said:
Hello

I am hoping that someone on this site is able to help me or may know of someone in my area that can help me.

I am currently living in Allston Massachusetts (about 15 minutes outside of Boston MA).

I have two cats one is diabetic and requires insulin every 12 hours.

The lady that was going to look after them called me a few hours ago to tell me that her mother is really sick and as of today does not think that she can look after them.
So now I am due to fly to the UK on the 16th June and I do not return till July 5th and I am in desperate need of someone who can look after them.

If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Claire
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Oh, Claire, this is just terrible! I am so sorry for this stress on you.
 
Try checking on the Next Door app. There may be neighbors who ca recommend someone local. I'm assuming you tried your vet's office to see if one of the vet techs does pet sitting.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Try checking on the Next Door app. There may be neighbors who ca recommend someone local. I'm assuming you tried your vet's office to see if one of the vet techs does pet sitting.
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Yes I had already been in touch with my vet and pretty much every hospital. Since COVID nobody seems willing to do medical boards which makes no sense to me.
I actually signed up on your neighbors next door when I first started looking for help. I can try reaching out again.
Also got requests out on Rover so far three no's due to the insulin shots and one person can't do four of the days as they are also away.
Have six more requests out on Rover and I have a couple places that are about 2 hours from here that I still have to call they are closed till Tuesday due to the holiday.
 
Claire and Kaz said:
If Kaz was to go off insulin for three weeks what would happen??
I feel like the only way I may get a sitter is if the insulin does not have to be administered.
I'll obviously keep looking but have very uneasy feeling that this may be the outcome each time I have to travel.
Heart breaking.
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Oh my goodness, he could go DKA.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
There has to be a solution. Don’t give up. I’m so sorry for this extra stress on you.
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I'm still waiting on four responses from Rover all said that they do injections. The cost is double my airfare never seen such high prices but they have you basically at gun point.
Sadly the other sitters on the site Bandits Mom sent (some I already contacted) but the rest non give injections and only one is even available.

There is one young girl who can do all but two days but has never done shots before. I'm waiting to hear back from those that have done shots but this may be my best bet.
Better than nothing but I worry that she could become overwhelmed as I did for the first 2-3 weeks. Then I'm gone and she is on her own. She sent me a follow up that she can't change those dates so there would be two days of no insulin. They are two separate days and on these days less food as they would be eating from a timer.



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Here is something someone posted. She said she was a sitter but lived in West Mass
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There is apparently an app called NextDoor which is a pet sitting app.
Also someone mentioned their local ER boarded their diabetic cat. Would be more experienced than a sitter I would imagine but worth a try.
 
You did ring around and try vet techs didn’t you.? That was another suggestion on the fb page.

Someone suggested Gardian Angels Cat Rescue Inc. not sure if that is a fb page or not. Let me know if you can’t contact them except via fb.
 
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Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
You did ring around and try vet techs didn’t you.? That was another suggestion on the fb page.

Someone suggested Gardian Angels Cat Rescue Inc. not sure if that is a fb page or not. Let me know if you can’t contact them except via fb.
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Yes I have a list of all vets and animal hospitals and I called for some reason none are taking medical boards. I called about month ago but am planning on recalling all on Tuesday if something has changed. Not open till then due to the Monday holiday.
 
I am getting a big response from people. Someone asked if you would let the cats go to someone’s house to be cared for.0
She is not offering but says she has a swap arrangement with another FDMB friend.
I’m heading to bed soon but will list any more responses I get tomorrow.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
I am getting a big response from people. Someone asked if you would let the cats go to someone’s house to be cared for.0
She is not offering but says she has a swap arrangement with another FDMB friend.
I’m heading to bed soon but will list any more responses I get tomorrow.
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I will if that's my best option for the best care.

So just so you know. Kaz has only been away from home twice (Sam never) both times it was the hospital and he was in a tiny cage. Both times he refused to eat until I came to the hospital and fed him. Not going to lie this scares me a bit with boarding (mute issue right now as I can't find anything) however if they rub the food simulate on the ear I think he will eat plus if his brother is with him I think this will help.

Again same issue never been to anyone's house before but I am sure this would work as long as they are together and the other person knows where all the hiding places are as they are bound to hide for a few days while they get used to it.

At this point my options are limited so I will take what I can get,
 
Claire and Kaz said:
Hello

I am hoping that someone on this site is able to help me or may know of someone in my area that can help me.

I am currently living in Allston Massachusetts (about 15 minutes outside of Boston MA).

I have two cats one is diabetic and requires insulin every 12 hours.

The lady that was going to look after them called me a few hours ago to tell me that her mother is really sick and as of today does not think that she can look after them.
So now I am due to fly to the UK on the 16th June and I do not return till July 5th and I am in desperate need of someone who can look after them.

If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Claire
Click to expand...

HELLO! I live in Weymouth and friends with a TNR lady who is wanting contact info for you. She may have connections in Allston or immediate community. If you can send me a message here with a phone number so I can put her in contact with you.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Did you try Angell Memorial or Tufts? They have vet techs or may board.
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My cat's vet is actually at Angel and they have a brand new boarding wing however they no longer take medical boards just like everywhere else??
They told me that this may change but this is the policy right now.
Don't think I tried Tufts have to check my list.

I do have one potential person coming to my house on Tuesday. She is young (college student) never given a cat insulin before but is willing to have a go and lives close to me (couple stops on the T).
She says she can do 7.30am/7.30pm so I now have to meet her and see.
Bit scary leaving Kaz with someone with no experience in diabetic cats but unless something else materializes this is my only option.

Jaque has kindly passed my info on to a lady that might know someone that can help.

Claire
 
Another thought -- since Tufts is a vet school, they may have a vet student to pet sits as a way to help with their tuition!! If you can get a friendly person to help you navigate the question, it may be worth checking.

Angell may not board a cat with medical issues if they don't have someone there 24/7. It's actually quite responsible on their part.
 
You may want to check out http://masscats.org/ , an amazing state-wide network of cat rescuers in MA. They work primarily with homeless and feral cats but may have some members in your area who can help or know someone who can. There are contact numbers on their site.

I'm in southern Maine, about 20 minutes from Portsmouth NH, and both cats are welcome to vacation with me if you can't find someone locally. Currently we have only 2 cats - Chance, a 12 yr. old diabetic rescue and 18 yr. old Finnegan. Both are used to living with other cats (we've had up to 17 at a time). We also have a couple of dogs who are so used to cats they just don't notice them anymore.

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Jaque Schitt said:
HELLO! I live in Weymouth and friends with a TNR lady who is wanting contact info for you. She may have connections in Allston or immediate community. If you can send me a message here with a phone number so I can put her in contact with you.
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Hi Jaque

I just got off the phone with your friend she is so nice. She is going to speak to two of her friends (Jamie and Diane) to see if either of them would be interested / able to help.

Thanks for passing my info on and hopefully this may work out.

I also have a young women coming on Tuesday evening to watch me give an injection then if she feels she can do it I would have her back to try a shot while I watched.
The two ladies your friend mentioned are both in their 50s and sound like real pros around cats so I think I would prefer one of them if I have my choice.

Thanks again.

Claire
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Another thought -- since Tufts is a vet school, they may have a vet student to pet sits as a way to help with their tuition!! If you can get a friendly person to help you navigate the question, it may be worth checking.

Angell may not board a cat with medical issues if they don't have someone there 24/7. It's actually quite responsible on their part.
Click to expand...

I think that this is the issue.
I have an email into Dr Brum/Jen to double check but I can't imagine this changed in the past month.
I can reach out to Tufts on Tuesday everything is closed till then.

Thanks again,

Claire
 
Deborah & Muffy(GA) & Wendall said:
You may want to check out http://masscats.org/ , an amazing state-wide network of cat rescuers in MA. They work primarily with homeless and feral cats but may have some members in your area who can help or know someone who can. There are contact numbers on their site.

I'm in southern Maine, about 20 minutes from Portsmouth NH, and both cats are welcome to vacation with me if you can't find someone locally. Currently we have only 2 cats - Chance, a 12 yr. old diabetic rescue and 18 yr. old Finnegan. Both are used to living with other cats (we've had up to 17 at a time). We also have a couple of dogs who are so used to cats they just don't notice them anymore.

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Thank you Deborah

Don't believe I have visited this site so thanks.
That is extremely kind offer but neither of my cats has been around any other animals (except Kaz when he was hospitalized). Not really sure how they would cope. Not the other cats that worry me it's the dogs. Kaz does not take stress well so not sure this would be the best option for him but this was so generous of you.
Wish I could take you up on it.

Claire
 
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Suzanne & Darcy

So I interviewed a young girl (Boston University Student) this evening.
She has a dog that she has to inject so she is ok with needles. She was actually a very sweet young lady.
She's studying law which makes me believe that she is not a partier.
Definitely a bit shy. I am also sure that this is someone I can actually trust in my house.

So what I have said to her is that she should come to my house in the evenings for at least 4-5 days prior to me leaving. This way the cats can get used to her and I am going to have her draw the insulin and inject it while I am there.
I am hoping that one she then gets used to it but more importantly Kaz realizes that he needs to let her give him the injection the same way he allows me.

She is available for the entire time I am gone with the exception of one evening shot. So I am hoping that Laurie (women that usually cares for my cats) can do the one off day. If she can't then I can't imagine that one missed insulin shot is going to hurt.

Bron can we put the new feeding/insulin schedule into affect prior to me leaving so that we know it works?

I really explained (based on my limited knowledge) cat diabetes to her and showed her the spreadsheet so she goes into this with open eyes. I told her that she would not be doing blood tests but she would be doing BG readings for as long as the Libre buttons last.
Now the next bit I guessed but I am assuming that this is close to what the plan will be.

I told her that the cat would be given a lower dose of insulin at a level where he would most likely stay in the reds and pinks and maybe a few blues and that combined with the lower dose of insulin that the carb % would be higher to keep the BG elevated.
Again I made an educated guess with my limited knowledge.

So long story short I am going to book this girl in as this does seem like my only option unless one of you two thinks its a bad idea.
 
Claire and Kaz said:
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Suzanne & Darcy

So I interviewed a young girl (Boston University Student) this evening.
She has a dog that she has to inject so she is ok with needles. She was actually a very sweet young lady.
She's studying law which makes me believe that she is not a partier.
Definitely a bit shy. I am also sure that this is someone I can actually trust in my house.

So what I have said to her is that she should come to my house in the evenings for at least 4-5 days prior to me leaving. This way the cats can get used to her and I am going to have her draw the insulin and inject it while I am there.
I am hoping that one she then gets used to it but more importantly Kaz realizes that he needs to let her give him the injection the same way he allows me.

She is available for the entire time I am gone with the exception of one evening shot. So I am hoping that Laurie (women that usually cares for my cats) can do the one off day. If she can't then I can't imagine that one missed insulin shot is going to hurt.

Bron can we put the new feeding/insulin schedule into affect prior to me leaving so that we know it works?

I really explained (based on my limited knowledge) cat diabetes to her and showed her the spreadsheet so she goes into this with open eyes. I told her that she would not be doing blood tests but she would be doing BG readings for as long as the Libre buttons last.
Now the next bit I guessed but I am assuming that this is close to what the plan will be.

I told her that the cat would be given a lower dose of insulin at a level where he would most likely stay in the reds and pinks and maybe a few blues and that combined with the lower dose of insulin that the carb % would be higher to keep the BG elevated.
Again I made an educated guess with my limited knowledge.

So long story short I am going to book this girl in as this does seem like my only option unless one of you two thinks its a bad idea.
Click to expand...
Claire, I am happy for you. This sounds promising. If she's willing to do all this, then she must be really nice and really interested in helping Kaz. He's such a sweetheart from what you tell us, I am sure she will just LOVE him. It also sounds like you did a good job of explaining things to her. And you're paying her to come over ahead of time, I imagine. Does she live near you?
 
Bron/Suzanne

One other thing she is going to join this site so that if she has any problems she can get in touch with both of you along with Bandits Mum and tiffmaxee.

I showed her how to do the @ sign and your name. I told her to start with the two of you.

Hope this is ok. She knows to reach out to me first but just in case she can't get hold of me and she was worried I thought it was a good back up plan.

She'll tell you who she is and reference Kaz
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Claire, I am happy for you. This sounds promising. If she's willing to do all this, then she must be really nice and really interested in helping Kaz. He's such a sweetheart from what you tell us, I am sure she will just LOVE him. It also sounds like you did a good job of explaining things to her. And you're paying her to come over ahead of time, I imagine. Does she live near you?
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Yes she lives 1 stop away on the train. She passes my house every morning on the way to school. She asked for 7.30am shot times which is easier to adjust from 6.15am as well.
I did like her I felt like I could trust her in my house.

I gave Kaz his insulin when she was here I wasn't sure that he would actually come with her in the house as they are not that keen on people they don't know. I had her sit on a chair and then I called him and showed him the needle. He came flying into the bedroom then came to a complete stop before jumping on the bed as he sized her up. I asked him again to come up and showed him his treat. He jumped straight up ate his treat turned round lay down and waited for the injection while she was watching. This was extremely good news so I think I can train him to take the shot from her with me sitting in the chair.
He should get used to it after 4-5 days.
 
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