Interviewing a dog walker

For the first time, Jeff and I are interviewing a dog walker tonight. We had some issues with friends who watched out pugs on our honeymoon (we were in New England, but we had to come home early to get the pugs and make other arrangements) so we need other alternatives.

I'm going away next weekend and Jeff has to work some double shifts. Normally I'd ask my dad to walk them, but he's having some issues related to his injury and I can't depend on him. (He's doing one walk, but I need someone to feed them).

A friend of mine reccommended her, so she's coming over to meet the boys tonight. She also does overnights at her house, so this will be something we'll need in a few more weeks when we hit the shore for a night.

Any advice? I'm of course nervous, because, well, my pugs are spoiled rotten. I dropped them off a groomer a month ago and I paced for the whole hour and a half they were there. She is a friend of a friend and did it at her house. She said they were perfect gentlemen and she'd love to have them back. (I asked if perhaps she had the wrong pugs.)

But anyway, I want to ask about how long she stays, how long she's been doing it, and what kind of lead time or cancellation policy she has. Any other questions. (I know she has a pug client in town, so she knows about the breed, at least a little.)

Think back to Adventures in Pet Sitting. What did you want to know from the people you sat for? What would have made your life easier (other than not having to deal with some dogs at all)? Be sure she has all the phone numbers - your cell, Jeff's, and your mom and dad's. Does she know anything about doggie first aid? At what point would she take them to the vet? For me, the most important thing is for Penny to meet them. She is pretty infallible about people, and has loved all three sitters we have used, and they have all been wonderful. Good luck - it is so hard to leave the furkids with someone else!