One common element could be unexpected events like the dogs getting sick suddenly. When you're dog sitting, you might not be fully aware of their medical history, and a sudden illness can be very scary.
The dogs' behavior can also be a common element. For example, if the dogs start acting really strange or aggressive for no obvious reason. It could be due to something in the environment that you, as the dog sitter, haven't noticed yet. And it can be quite nerve - wracking trying to figure out what's wrong and how to calm them down.
The most common element is probably carelessness. Sitters might not properly secure the dog's living area. For instance, leaving a window open that the dog can jump out of. Another is inexperience. A sitter who has never dealt with a certain breed's specific needs can get into trouble. Also, distractions play a role. If the sitter is too focused on their own things like chatting with friends instead of watching the dog, bad things can happen.
One horror story could be that while dog sitting, a strange noise in the attic made all the dogs go crazy barking at midnight. I was so scared as I didn't know what was up there. I tried to calm the dogs but they just wouldn't stop. Eventually, it turned out to be a raccoon that had found its way in.
One common element is the unexpected change in a dog's behavior. For example, a usually friendly dog becoming extremely aggressive. Another is the dog being associated with a spooky or haunted place, like an old cemetery where a dog is seen roaming around ominously. Also, the idea of a dog having an 'evil' look in its eyes, as if it has some sort of malevolent intent.
Well, I heard of a dog sitter who forgot to feed the dog for a whole day. The poor dog was starving and started chewing on furniture out of desperation. When the owner came back, the house was a mess and the dog was in a really bad state. The sitter clearly wasn't responsible enough.
The behavior of the dog is also a key element. It might act in ways that are not normal for a regular dog, like stalking people, growling at nothing visible, or leading people to dangerous places. This abnormal behavior makes the dog seem like it's possessed or has some connection to the supernatural, creating a sense of horror for the reader or listener.
One time when dog sitting, the dog suddenly started growling at an empty corner in the middle of the night. It was really spooky. I tried to calm it down but it just kept staring and growling. I was so scared that I could hardly move.
One horror story could be when a dog sitter found the dog had chewed through electrical wires while they were gone for just a short time. It was a terrifying discovery as it could have led to a fire or electrocution of the dog.
Often, there's a lack of transparency. Some dog rescue operations seem to be more about making money than actually helping the dogs. They might lie about how the donated money is used or the real situation of the dogs. Also, poor living conditions are frequently seen. Dogs are crammed into small, dirty spaces, which is not only uncomfortable but also a breeding ground for diseases. In addition, improper handling during rescue operations, like rough handling that can cause physical harm to the dogs, is also a common element.
I heard of a story where a dog sitter went to a new client's house. The dog seemed friendly at first. But when the sitter tried to put the dog to bed, it became very aggressive. It turned out the dog had separation anxiety from its owner and was used to a very specific bedtime routine that the sitter wasn't aware of. The sitter had a really tough time calming the dog down that night.
The feeling of being in someone else's space and not fully understanding the history of the place can be terrifying. There might have been a tragic event in the house in the past that you don't know about. And suddenly, you start experiencing things like cold spots or objects moving on their own. It gives you a sense that there's something not right with the place, and it can be very unsettling.