When Hospitality Goes to the Dogs: The Night I Got Peed On at the Front Desk
If you think working the front desk at a hotel is all about answering phones and handing out keycards, think again. Sure, there are calm nights where all you do is refill the coffee pot and browse the latest memes, but then there are nights when the universe decides to spice up your shift with a dash of chaos. Sometimes that chaos comes in the form of intoxicated guests, or the police being called. And sometimes, it’s a little more… liquid.
I stumbled upon this absolute gem from Reddit’s r/TalesFromTheFrontDesk, where user u/skdnn05 regales us with one of those nights—the kind that makes you question every adulting decision that led you to this moment. The story? Two words: dog pee.
A Not-So-Quiet Night Audit
Let’s set the scene. It’s supposed to be a “quiet” night audit shift—the kind that lulls you into complacency. But last night was anything but. Our storyteller had to deal with a long-term guest from hotel hell, some yelling, threats, and eventually, a police-assisted eviction. That’s enough drama to last a week, but the universe was just warming up.
Fast forward to tonight. Our hero wakes up, already tired of adulting, wishing for a normal, uneventful shift. But the hotel gods have other plans.
Enter: The Excitable Canine
Long-term guests are a breed of their own (pun intended), and so are their pets. For days, our front desk warrior had been politely asking one such guest to bring up his dog. Why? To meet and pet all the animals, of course! Who can resist a fluffy stress-reliever during the graveyard shift?
Finally, the guest obliges. The dog, described as a “beautiful, sweet baby,” bounds in, tail wagging, ready to make friends. But this adorable pup comes with a quirk: he pees when he gets excited. And unfortunately, that warning came about 2 seconds too late—for both dog and desk clerk. One enthusiastic greeting later, our narrator’s leg is drenched, and the shift is off to a moist, mortifying start.
The Perils of Pet-Friendly Hospitality
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work at a pet-friendly hotel, let this story be your crash course. Sure, you get all the tail wags and puppy eyes your heart desires, but you also expose yourself to the hazards of canine overexuberance. Excitement pee is real, folks, and it does not discriminate.
Our Reddit hero took it in stride, though—after all, what’s a little dog pee compared to last night’s police drama? Still, it’s a reminder that even the most mundane customer service gigs can throw curveballs that no training manual covers. One day you’re running IDs and answering room service calls; the next, you’re ringing out your socks in the staff bathroom.
Why We Love These Stories
There’s something universally relatable about this tale—whether you’ve worked in hospitality, retail, or just had “one of those days.” The best-laid plans for an easy shift can unravel in spectacular, unpredictable fashion. And sometimes, you get a story that makes your coworkers laugh until they cry at the breakroom table.
It’s also a nice reminder that behind every front desk is a human—someone juggling policy, people, and yes, pets. They’re the unsung heroes who keep the midnight coffee brewing and handle everything from angry guests to… surprise golden showers.
Lessons Learned from the Front Desk
So, what can we take away from our peed-upon protagonist? Here are a few nuggets of wisdom:
- Never underestimate a long-term guest. They’re either your best friend or your biggest headache.
- If a dog “gets excited,” stand back. Or at least wear shoes you don’t mind washing.
- Humor is a front desk worker’s best friend. If you can’t laugh about it, you’re going to cry.
- Every shift is a new adventure. And you’ll have stories to tell for years.
Tell Us Your Tales!
Have you ever had a shift go sideways in the most unexpected way? Did an animal or a guest leave you with a story no one would believe? Share your tales in the comments! Let’s celebrate the unpredictable, messy, and hilarious reality of working in hospitality—one embarrassing encounter at a time.
Who knows? Maybe next time you’re checking in at a hotel, you’ll remember to ask the front desk clerk if they have any good stories. Just make sure to keep your shoes dry.
What’s your most unforgettable customer service moment? Drop it below! And remember: in hospitality, always expect the unexpected… and maybe bring an extra pair of socks.
Original Reddit Post: I got peed on...