Sandy and Shiloh
Earlier this month Sandy Danes, the owner of Kritter Sitter Professional Pet Sitting in Tennessee, lost her house and all of her belongings to a fire, which is believed to be from an electrical problem. Although her house was completely destroyed Sandy, her dog Shiloh, and her goats Cheyenne and Dakota, are OK.
Sandy and Shiloh are staying at a motel, but the goats are able to stay on her property. She’s gong home every day to care for them, but there’s a lot of driving involved. The motel is quite a few miles from her house and 50 miles round trip from most of her pet sitting clients. So between caring for the goats, Shiloh & herself, and working with the insurance company, she simply doesn’t have time to run her business right now. And the fact that we’re in the busiest (and most profitable) time of the year for pet sitters, means Sandy is taking a big hit financially.
I’ve known Sandy for a number of years. I first met her online through one of the pet sitter Yahoo groups and then at a Cybersitters United pet sitter conference. And during the 2007 pet food recalls, she helped me compile some of the information for The Pet Food List. She’s a dedicated pet professional, and I hate the fact that she’s having to deal with such a tragedy.
Sandy's destroyed home
Shiloh and the goats, Cheyenne & Dakota
Sandy is working with the insurance company, but it’s going to take a while. She, Shiloh, and the goats need help now just to get by. In the past, PetsitUSA has asked for our members, and others, to help out with various charities and natural disasters. This time I’m asking for you to help one of our own.
You can help!
Whether you’re a PetsitUSA member or not, here’s how you can help Sandy get back on her feet.
Become a member of PetsitUSA or renew your existing membership
Now through Christmas Eve, PetsitUSA will donate $10 for every new or renewing member. If you’re a pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare you can become a member and advertise your business in our directory. Memberships are $45/year. Click here to Become a Member.
Send a check, money order, or PayPal donation directly to Sandy:
(this does not include the PetsitUSA membership/renewal)
- Sandy’s PO box:
Sandy Danes
P.O. Box 542
Pleasant View, TN 37146
- If you prefer, you can send your donations to the motel where Sandy is staying:
Sandy Danes
Mainstay Suites
Room 105
115 Fairbrook Place
Clarksville, TN 37043 - PayPal
Send money via PayPal. Her email address: shiloh_acres@yahoo.com
I know you’re asked to help people out every day of the week. If you’re a pet sitter though, I’m sending out a special plea to help Sandy. Many of us know each other online, if not offline, and this is our chance to help one of our own. Sandy really needs our help right now, and I know she appreciates whatever you might be able to do for her.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for doing this, Therese. I’m not a member of Pet Sit USA since I’m Canadian but I sent a donation to Sandy. I hope she gets re-settled soon.
Thank you, Lee!
Thank you for your message Therese, I’ll send $50.00 to Sandy’s paypal account to help out. Please keep us updated.
Antje, thank you so much!
Thank you for her paypal email. Just sent a donation. I hope she is able to get back on her feet soon.
Thank you, Robert!
Thank you so much Therese and everyone who is helping. We appreciate it so much! –Sandy & Shiloh & the goats
We had a housefire back in 2008 and I understand how devastating they can be. I’m so glad you and your furkids made it out safely. I’d love to contribute but unfortunately I don’t have extra funds at this time, however, you’re in my prayers. God bless!
Hi Therese-
We had a Cutest Dog Photo Contest on our facebook page here http://www.Facebook.com/BestBully and the winner of the $200 Luxury Dog Bed has chosen to donate it to Sandy & Shiloh. We are really excited to help such a nice person and hopefully this is a small token in helping them get back on their feet!
Thanks- BestBullySticks.com
That’s so cool!! I’m sure she and Shiloh will appreciate it. Thank you to your winner – what a thoughtful thing to do! 🙂
How are they now??
Just wanted to update everyone.
Shiloh and I moved out of the hotel and into a small rental trailer. It’s still a bit of a drive to go take care of the goats, but not as far as the hotel.
I still don’t have a settlement from the insurance company. So far they haven’t offered enough to rebuild, but I have a public adjuster helping me battle it out with them. Hopefully it’ll be resolved soon so that I can get on with my life and back to my business.
This has all taken a big toll on Shiloh. Three moves in one month and surgery in the middle of all this, has been rough on him. That was the only home he had known for 11 years, and it’s hard for an elderly dog to adapt to new surroundings. Being in this trailer away from the noise of the hotel seems to be helping, but he’s still not the happy-go-lucky dog he was before the fire.
Best Bully Sticks… Shiloh loves his new bed! Thank you so much to you and the contest winner! And again, thank you to everyone who helped. We appreciate all of you so much!