u/No-Possible4460

As a previous pet sitter and always pet owner, I would be pretty upset. I would have a higher rate for doing overnights and I'm not sure if that applied to you but I feel like you gave very very clear concise expectations on what you needed from someone. I also feel like it was misleading what they were doing (drop ins) instead of what you expected. You basically did not get a service you paid for.

It is nice that they were honest with you and I would say it depends on how much justice you feel like is needed. Your animals are safe but it does sound like they were stressed (but I think that happens anyways when their humans are gone), but would have been mitigated if the sitter did what they were supposed to do. I would definitely not re-hire.

You can always give a review that's more objective in nature and state that there was some issues with clarification on expectations of the sitting and the sitter was honest about their mistake. At the very least that will help someone else if they have a similar experience (or if previous people have had the same experience), and if there's a pattern. I'd think about if this sitter might get away with doing this to people and because they're honest end up skating by with no bad reviews.

What if you're attempting to give chances such as smiling at them, waving, etc. (with smiles/waves back sometimes when other people are around) but once it is you two in a space you get ignored blatantly with no one else around?

I had a chronically ill kitty for quite some time with a med regimen so I totally understand the process you're talking about. Once you get into a routine with him things start to normalize. I'm also autistic so when there's a new cat there's a lot of change that can happen that is initially stressful where the energy of your space is thrown off and there's adjustments to routine, new smells, and of course a whole new fuzzy friend. It can be a lot and giving yourself support as well through this is important.

If you haven't you should definitely look into the autism sub! I am a lady so the AutismInWomen sub is an amazing place. It's cool to be able to look at yourself in a different light with more understanding - I know that getting late diagnosed can be super clarifying (and also overwhelming at times).

I can totally understand that. It's hard to understand at times because it doesn't always seem like there is a consistent pattern or the social rules are unclear. Honestly my first go to is to not stop showing gratitude or at least acknowledging it in your mind, I think that's got a protective factor as we navigate the world we live in as well being in a marginalized group. Thank you for contributing!!

Just listed a comment. Below is the link and you can find the docket # I believe through the MN website or through Xcel's website. When I just recently called today to ask questions about the discrepancy in billing ($40 last month to $350 this month) I got hit with attitude. I was just asking questions, asking for suggestions from the customer service rep to give me an idea with what would be more helpful moving forward and she wouldn't answer my questions and just hit me with "Is there anything else I can help you with today?" It felt like a lost cause.

https://mn.gov/puc/get-involved/public-comments/

Yes 100%

100%. I couldn't do it and not burnout. I get headaches as the days go on so I have to be mindful of when I work (I am a therapist in private practice so I can kind of make my own schedule but still have to be avail for clients). I am most sharp in the morning and then as the day goes on it gets harder.

I would be super down!!