In the competitive world of real estate, agents often go to great lengths to close a deal. For one Rhode Island agent, that commitment involved strapping a 12-year-old Shih Tzu mix to her chest during open houses to accommodate a client's special request.
The unusual situation highlights the creative problem-solving and deep personal service that can define a modern real estate transaction, especially when beloved family pets are involved. This agent's story is a unique example of prioritizing a pet's comfort to facilitate a home sale.
Key Takeaways
- A Rhode Island real estate agent wore her client's dog in a baby carrier during home showings.
- The request came from the homeowner, who was hospitalized and concerned for her dog's well-being.
- The agent, known locally for her animal rescue work, used a Moby Wrap to hold the dog, Cookie.
- The incident illustrates the increasing importance of pets in real estate and the lengths agents go to for clients.
A Unique Request in Barrington
The story began in November 2023 when Karen Wilder, an agent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, listed a three-bedroom ranch in Barrington, Rhode Island. Wilder was chosen by the homeowner precisely because of her reputation in the neighborhood as “the crazy dog lady,” a title she earned through years of animal rescue and fostering.
This reputation proved essential when the homeowner had to be hospitalized shortly after the property was listed. The owner was worried about her 12-year-old Shih Tzu mix, named Cookie. She felt the dog would be distressed by strangers touring the home without a familiar presence.
Her request was simple but unconventional: she asked Wilder to hold Cookie during all showings. Realizing the difficulty of holding a dog for hours during open houses, Wilder proposed a more practical solution inspired by her past experience.
The Moby Wrap Solution
A few years prior, Wilder had fostered a blind and deaf dachshund named Ruby. To keep the dog safe and calm, she often carried her in a Moby Wrap, a soft baby carrier that swaddles an infant—or in this case, a small dog—against the chest.
“I used to carry her around in a Moby Wrap... I would wear Ruby wherever I went, including showing properties, so I got a reputation for being the agent who wears a dachshund strapped to her chest.”
Drawing on this experience, she suggested the same for Cookie. The owner agreed. For the duration of the listing, Wilder conducted business with a small, Muppet-like dog nestled against her. She wore Cookie through two separate open houses and at least six private showings.
The Growing Role of Pets in Real Estate
While wearing a dog is an extreme example, it points to a significant trend in the housing market: the needs of pets are increasingly influencing real estate decisions. The bond between owners and their animals is a powerful factor that agents must now consider.
Selling a home with a pet presents several challenges:
- Managing Anxiety: Many pets become stressed when strangers enter their territory. This can lead to barking, hiding, or even aggression, which can be off-putting to potential buyers.
- Addressing Odors and Damage: Even the most well-behaved pets can leave behind odors or minor damage (like scratched floors) that need to be addressed before a showing.
- Logistical Hurdles: Owners must figure out where to take their pets during showings, which can be a major inconvenience, especially for last-minute appointments.
Wilder's solution for Cookie tackled the anxiety issue head-on. By keeping the dog physically close and secure, she ensured a calm environment for both the pet and the potential buyers, allowing the home to be shown in its best light.
Personal Touch in a Digital Age
In an industry increasingly dominated by digital listings and virtual tours, stories like this underscore the irreplaceable value of human connection and personalized service. An agent's ability to empathize with a client's unique circumstances—such as concern for an aging pet—can be the deciding factor in a successful partnership and sale.
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Real estate professionals are often called upon to be more than just sales agents. They become temporary property managers, counselors, and problem-solvers. Wilder's actions are a testament to the level of dedication required in today's market.
Her established connection to the community and her passion for animal welfare directly led to her getting the listing. It was this personal history that gave the homeowner the confidence to entrust her with not only the sale of her house but also the care of her cherished pet during a vulnerable time.
The story of Karen Wilder and Cookie is more than just a quirky anecdote. It reflects a deeper truth about the modern service industry. Success is often found not just in professional expertise, but in the willingness to show compassion and adapt to the deeply personal needs of a client.
For Wilder, wearing a dog was simply part of the job. It was a creative solution to a human problem, ensuring peace of mind for her client and a smooth sales process for everyone involved. It was a small act of kindness that made a big difference, allowing a home to be sold while a beloved pet remained safe and sound.
