We usually have to find someone willing to spend the nights with our dog. She has emotional problems and a deep fear of the dark. We adopted her at 6mos old from a shelter and she had been abused and neglected. We haved used professioal pet sitters before and have loved them.
This year we are using our college aged neice, she will come and spend the week at our house and we are paying her $150.00 for the week. She was willing to do it for free to get a week away from home and to be so close to the Gurnee Mills Mall. I think I may surprise her with a gift card for the Gap Outlet store in the mall. She will take care of the dog, giver her her meds, take care of the trash, mail and newspapers.
Also when looking for a good pet sitter check with your groomer and/or local Humane Society.