It wasn't loud, and it wasn't obvious. In fact, it was just a little puddle of water that first clued me in. My initial reaction upon discovering the puddle was to wonder if one of the cats had decided to go potty outside of the litter box. However, it didn't look like pee... Upon further investigation it was definitely water. And, then the water started dripping on my head....

Let's face it, sometimes home ownership throws you a few curve balls with the unexpected leaks, maintenance, and mishaps that can take place. We hope they are few and far between, however rest assured our team is always on the look out for those unexpected  situations that can take place.

So, let me back up and fill you in on what happened. One of our dear clients was arriving home late last night after having been gone nearly a month. As her flight was coming in to DCA around 10:30 pm, her beloved pet and I went to pick her up at the airport and then take her home to the University of Maryland area. I was on my way back home and even though it was late figured let me swing past and check in on two of our cats again. One of them is battling a urinary tract infection (uti) so I wanted to be sure he was still on the mend, eating his food with the antibiotics, and just feeling better. As it was fairly convenient, I just continued down 295 past National Harbor and across into Old Town, Alexandria. At this point it was close to midnight. 

The two little furry guys, George and Pete, came and greeted me and we had our moment of petting. I checked their food and then headed to the bathroom to inspect the cat litter and that's when I realized all was not right. 

Water leaks are a funny thing. Slowly building, and wreaking havoc. Those pipes hidden behind the drywall, sight unseen, and silently creating an issue for the homeowner. The clue here was the bubble of water being created in the ceiling paint and of course the water that was coming out of the light fixture. Probably not a good thing.

I am blessed that my Dad is one of those guys who can do just about anything. So, what does a daughter usually do at midnight and she needs help finding the water valve to turn off to the entire house? She calls her Dad. Between being on the phone and exchanging a few photos, my dad helped guide me through what needed to be done. First thing, find the main water valve and turn it off! That proved to be a little bit like playing hide and go seek, however finally I found it behind a panel in one of the walls. Water off, I double checked that no more water was coming through the ceiling and everything was all good. Confirming that we had stopped the "drip, drip, drip" we declared SUCCESS!

I'm not going to lie. At this point it was around 2 am and I was hot and sweaty from trying to figure out the various pipes. I finished cleaning up the water, sat down, and sent a message to the homeowners with photos. And, then got back in my car and headed home. 

These are unexpected situations that bring up a good point. Our team not only takes care of your pets, but we help watch out for your home by being observant, aware, and doing what it takes to resolve a situation. Even if your pets are staying with us, we will gladly also check in on your home, collect mail and packages, water plants, etc. If we can do it, we will!

In talking with the homeowners earlier today, they made the comment how grateful they are that I went by last night to check on their munchkins. Had it been the entire night, there would be more water damage.

Life happens and sometimes the unexpected just takes place. Know that our goal is to provide the very best care and companionship, seasoned with love, for your beloved pet. Plus, we also help watch out for the security of your home.

Have a great week!

Jenn and Crew