- TikTok creator @jm.bakered went viral after recounting her experience pet-sitting a toy poodle named Princess for her favorite college professor over fall break.
- Following strict instructions that included spoon-feeding and wearing the owner’s robe, the student sang nightly lullabies to calm the dog to sleep.
- Upon returning, the professor revealed she had forgotten to mention a crucial detail: the pampered pet is completely deaf.
A Fall Break Pet-Sitting Assignment Takes an Unconventional Turn
College students often turn to odd jobs to earn extra money, but one pet-sitting assignment took an unexpected, comedic turn. TikTok creator @jm.bakered posted a video on September 24 detailing the peculiar duties she took on while house-sitting and dog-sitting for her favorite college professor during fall break. By the time of publication, the creator’s story had captured widespread attention across the platform, amassing over 5 million views.
The creator kicked off her video by prompting viewers to share the strangest tasks they had ever completed for cash. She explained that her professor had offered financial compensation, a fully stocked refrigerator, and comfortable accommodations in exchange for caring for her pet while she was away. Expecting a straightforward pet-care assignment, the student arrived at the residence to find a toy poodle named Princess who was initially distant, accompanied by a comprehensive, two-page instruction manual covering Princess’s rigorous walk and nap routines, precise dietary preferences, and preferred television programs.
Lullabies, Wardrobe Changes, and an Unexpected Twist
Adhering strictly to the written itinerary, the student soon found herself jogging for an hour behind the energetic toy poodle before heading back indoors for their designated nap. The high-maintenance care routine also required her to spoon-feed Princess on at least one occasion. However, the routine escalated when Princess resisted sleep well past her regular bedtime one evening.
Concerned, the student contacted the professor for advice. The professor advised her to put on the owner’s robe and shoes so she would project a familiar scent, and instructed her to sing the dog a lullaby. The student complied, noting that the poodle drifted off to sleep immediately. The singing ritual became part of the nightly routine for the duration of the break. The comedic reality set in only after the professor returned from travel; surprised to discover that the student had taken the advice literally and sung aloud, the professor admitted she had forgotten to mention that Princess was entirely deaf.
Social Media Reacts to the Pampered Pet Saga
The creator’s anecdote prompted an outpouring of amused responses across TikTok, with viewers chiming in on both the absurdity of the instructions and the dedicated lengths to which the pet-sitter went. Commenters expressed mixed feelings of bewilderment and amusement regarding pet ownership dynamics. how do people just let others stay at their house alone,
one user commented.
Another user defended the student’s meticulous approach, writing, Excuse me ma’am. You instructed me to SPOON FEED THE DOG. of course I took it seriously when you said she needed her lullaby!!!!
Other pet caretakers joined the discussion to share similarly extreme routines requested by pet owners. A third commenter shared a story about an elderly cat belonging to an acquaintance: she will not eat until everyone is giving her an standing ovation. i cannot make this up,
the commenter wrote.
Why This Matters
Pet-sitting culture has exploded on social media, where stories of humanizing domestic animals routinely garner millions of views. The viral reach of @jm.bakered’s experience highlights the growing trend of pet owners treating companion animals like human children, setting exhaustive, highly individualized care routines for sitters. It also illustrates how domestic misunderstandings resonate broadly in digital spaces, creating relatable, shared humor around the sometimes surreal expectations placed on gig workers and students doing casual labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the creator behind the viral pet-sitting video?
The video was shared on TikTok by creator @jm.bakered on September 24, where it quickly accumulated more than 5 million views.
Why did the student sing to the dog?
When the toy poodle, Princess, refused to go to sleep, the professor instructed the student via text message to put on the owner’s robe and shoes and sing the dog a lullaby to help settle her down.
Did the lullabies actually help the dog fall asleep?
While the dog fell asleep immediately following the routine, the professor later revealed that Princess is completely deaf, suggesting the scent of the familiar clothing or the vibration and calming presence—rather than the singing itself—was what likely comforted the animal.
