Pet/house sitting and sleeping arrangements

[Fros]

I'm currently pet/house sitting for 10 days.

Friend desperately needed a break but due to covid funds were too tight. They were offered the chance to stay at a relatives place (touristy area) while relatives were away, but absolutely no pets.
For complicated reasons, I ended up being the only feasible option for pet/house sitter for these dates.

But to do this, I've had to use my holiday days, and arrange for someone else to look after my pets.
My pet-sitter refused to take payment -so I've left cash for a takeaway, arranged a grocery delivery with food (and drink) for the 10 days, and they had the choice of bed/rooms.

With money being a bit short, I didn't expect my friend to offer to pay me for pet/house sitting, or to order groceries for me, but I didn't even get a "help yourself to the fridge/freezer/cupboard" or a box of chocs - food wasn't mentioned at all.

What I'm really irritated about though are the sleeping arrangements: when I got here I was told they'd already set up the airbed and that there's an electric pump if I need to re-inflate it during my stay (in a room that it doesn't even have a door, and with bobbly sheets too )

There are 3 beds in the house and I'm the only person here for the 10 days, am I really being unreasonable to expect to sleep in a proper bed? especially when I know they're sleeping in other people's beds while they're away?

This cannot be real. No one is this passive surely!!!

A friend of mine used to cat/house sit for me years ago - he loved it because he was still living with his parents at the time (about a mile away and my place was nearer the pub we were both regulars at, so he was happy). He never wanted money, but I always left the cupboards, fridge and booze cabinet full for him to help himself too. I had two bedrooms, both made up fresh for him, he could've slept in either or both, I didn't care. I'm gobsmacked that you've been left an airbed 😳

Op that's terriblr
I really stress about leaving my cat and spend a lot on a cat sitter and have dropped massive hints to friends as to whether they want to stay over while we are on holiday
I'd be so grateful if they did and no way would they be on an air bed
I'm not one for confrontation but on this instance it's so cheeky I would be texting and saying that as you are giving up your time and annual leave you will be sleeping in a bed to make the point

That's terrible behaviour.

Absolutely sleep in a proper bed.

And never do her a favour again.

Just sleep in a bed!

Is it too far for you to drive home in the evenings. If it is then sleep in a bed! Your friend sounds a bit crap when you have really put yourself out for her. You're having someone petsit for you so you can petsit for her?!

@Aquamarine1029

I think I might have just had a stroke because there's no way I've read what I think I have...

You have used your holiday time to house and pet sit for someone else, while you had to get a house and pet sitter for your pets?

This can't possibly be correct because it is literally the most batshit thing ever.

This. Are you normally a people pleaser?

Pet / house sitting can be a great way to visit somewhere you'd like to go, but what you're doing is above and beyond!

Just sleep in the bed. Puncture the air bed.

Sleep in the bed - with you not having a backbone you are risking serious harm sleeping on a blow up bed.

I’m not sure you risk ‘serious harm’ by sleeping on an air mattress, otherwise the whole of the camping world are doomed. 😂 but yes, more comfy on a normal bed.

Film the fridge LOLOL

@Mrstreehouse - Its the lack of a spinal cord that makes it risky 😉

Wtf!? I pay my friend to pet sit but I also make up our bed for her because it is the most comfortable and tell her to help herself to whatever she wants - she never does but the offer is there. I want her to feel as comfortable as possible in my house.

Glad I'm not BU about the bed. One of the kids rooms is shaded most of the day and noticeably cooler so I'm setting up in there for the rest of the stay. Returning home overnight isn't possible as pet care includes medical considerations.

I don't consider myself a pushover - but then who does?
I'd say it was probably more the opposite: I'm blunt, I have resting bitch face, and I've have been described as an intimidating bulldozer
(before anyone accuses me of putting myself down, I'm also generous, calm & dependable, the kind of person other people turn to in a crisis, and intelligent in a book smart kinda way )

@Muma1992 Yes thank you, good advice.

@Mumdiva99 Really like 'filming the fridge'

@icedcoffees (and others) Friend is having a tough time atm, and I want to help, just as she has been there for me in the past (e.g. as I was shielding, this has included both practical and emotional support during the pandemic)
That said, this thread has helped me notice a few things I need to either address or put a stop to before they become problems, so thank you

Now considering sending a message to drop hints about what I'd like as a thank you - DIY help/labour seems about right