If you’re new here, hello! Here’s how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!
You’d think taking care of adorable animals would be easy, right? Try juggling snakes, hamsters and one very talkative parrot…all in the same weekend. That’s exactly what goes down in our latest Bestie Book Club read, Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter, when beloved BSC member Jessi takes charge of a full-blown pet-sitting service while the rest of the club is out of town. But what starts as a good deed for her neighbors spirals into a circus of escaped reptiles, under-the-weather hamsters and muddy paw prints galore.
We asked a few of our Bestie Book Club members to share their own tales from the leash—plus their funniest animal adventures, best pet care tips and what Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter taught them about responsibility (and resilience).
Every great sitter knows no job is too small, especially when it comes with four paws and a wagging tail.
“I have a little dog who’s basically my shadow,” says GL Book Bestie Shelia’Celine. “He follows me everywhere, and half the time, he thinks he’s a human, too!”
In Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter, Jessi quickly finds out that managing a house of pets isn’t all that different from managing a house of kids. There are feedings to track, medicines to give and a whole lot of cleanup to handle. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of experience that builds major trust.
“Pets depend on you for everything,” Shelia’Celine adds. “They teach you to be patient, keep a schedule and put someone else’s needs before your own.”
Hey, Besties! What’s your dream pet-sitting gig?
“I’d love to pet-sit an entire farm! It’d be a lot of work but so much fun.” — Danika & Delaney B.
“A unicorn for sure! I’d braid its mane, feed it glitter snacks and ride it through the sky.” — Shelia’Celine
“Definitely an otter. They’re playful and adorable.” — Kira M.
Jessi’s biggest challenge? Keeping all her furry (and scaly!) clients safe and happy while the BSC’s usual sitters are out of town. And, ofc, things get hectic fast.
GL Book Besties Danika & Delaney B. can relate. “Once, our mom opened the door and our puppy Rita snuck out,” says Delaney. “We had to chase her around the neighborhood!”
“It was terrible at the time, but looking back now, it’s funny to picture us running like crazy trying to catch her,” Danika adds.
Even the most organized sitter (yep, even Jessi!) knows that things don’t always go to plan. But as every good pet watcher learns, those unpredictable moments are where the real lessons happen.
“I’ve learned to never take my eyes off my dogs when I’m watching them.” explains GL Book Bestie Makenzie M. “They want (and deserve!) as much attention as you would give your friends and family because they *are* family.”
The trick? Practice patience, problem-solving and, most importantly, keeping your cool when things get messy. And that’s exactly what Jessi discovers: Staying calm under pressure doesn’t just make you a better pet-sitter, it makes you a better friend, teammate and BSC member.
Hey, Besties! What’s the funniest “oops” moment you’ve ever had with a pet?
“My dog once snagged a bag of chips when no one was looking and ran around the house with it. Like he was going to plop down on the couch and watch TV and just wanted a snack.” — Shelia’Celine
“My dog bolted out of the house, and I had to run up and down the street for hours to catch her. She thought it was a game of tag!” — Kira M.
“My dog decided it would be a good idea to jump on the bed as I was making it. I didn’t notice she was under the blanket until I was putting the pillows on, and I saw a lump moving around at the foot of the bed!” — Makenzie F.
In Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter, what starts as one small favor turns into a weekend of pure pet mayhem. By the end, Jessi’s not just keeping animals fed—she’s running a whole operation. From making feeding charts to calling the vet, Jessi takes control when things get tough, proving she’s not just the youngest BSC member, but also one of the most capable.
That’s a lesson every pet-sitter (and pet owner) can relate to: Real responsibility isn’t about perfection. It’s about patience and heart.
“It’s a lot of work, but there’s so much love in return,” says GL Book Bestie Kierney D. “You always have to think of your pet’s needs first.”
GL Book Bestie Kira M. agrees. “When I’m tired and don’t want to brush my dog, I remind myself she needs my help,” she says. “It’s a much bigger job than I thought at first. But it’s totally worth it.”
Like Jessi, our Bestie Book Club readers have learned that being dependable means showing up—even when it’s hard, messy or way more work than expected. Because whether you’re watching your neighbor’s cat or running your own mini pet-sitting business, caring for someone else (furry or not) teaches you something major about growing up.
Like all great BSC stories, this one’s about more than jobs and paychecks. It’s about growing up, trusting yourself and taking responsibility even when it’s not easy.
Whether you’re helping a neighbor, caring for your own pet or running a mini-sitting empire like Jessi, remember: Responsibility and compassion go paw in paw.
Heading out for your first gig? Take a cue from Jessi Ramsey and don’t leave home unprepared. Pet-sitting might sound like all cuddles and cuteness, but when things get messy (and they will), having the right gear makes all the difference.
Our Bestie Book Club readers shared their must-haves for a smooth sit:
🐾 Treats and toys: Happy pets = easy shifts.
🐶 Water and snacks: Because walks and playtime work up an appetite (for you and them).
🐾 Your phone: For quick check-ins, adorable photo updates and, yes, emergency calls.
🐶 Wipes and poop bags: Trust us, muddy paws happen (and, um, so does other stuff).
Bonus tip straight from Jessi’s playbook: Always jot down each pet’s feeding schedule, medications, vet contact and favorite toys before your first day. Because when you’re prepped, calm and confident, even a whole menagerie feels totally manageable.
Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
SOLO. Snag your copy of Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter and get ready to dive into the wild world of the Baby-sitters Club—where every gig (and every pet!) comes with a lesson in responsibility, friendship and fun.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow BSC fans and animal lovers. Share your funniest pet-sitting stories, cutest pet pics and favorite moments from the book using #BestieBookClub.
WITH YOUR SQUAD. Gather your crew for a BSC-style hangout. Host a mini book club (bonus points for snacks shaped like dog bones), swap pet stories and see which sitter—Jessi, Claudia, Kristy or Mary Anne—your friends are most like.
