I am wrapping up my first year as a sitter on THS, and just completed my 11th sit. I’ve bonded with all of the pets I’ve met and cared for on this journey, and didn’t think I was the type to pick “favorites” when it came to the personalites of the pets themselves, as they are all special and unique in thier own fascinating ways. However, I now know it’s possible to have a favorite (and that’s OK)!
I am fresh back from sitting for a one year old Golden Retriever, and man did I fall hard for this dog! He is gentle and sweet, funny, well behaved, cuddly, cute beyond words, and basically perfect in every way! I’ve never owned or cared for a Golden before, and don’t know if they are all this way, or if he is a true gem. Probably maybe a little of both? I’ve heard they’re special breeds but I do think this guy broke the mold when they made him!
Which pets were your favorite/s, and why? Would love to hear others’ stories!
I absolutely loved a labrador cross that I sat for a few times. She was a handful while out on walks and I realised that was because her owners neglected her, not walking her enough and not socialising her. I would have adopted her in a flash if her owners had said that they couldn’t look after her. Sadly, she died earlier this year - a part of me really misses her and another part is glad that she is not being neglected any more.
An older border terrier with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Never met a stranger. Comfortable in crowds, with kids and other dogs.
We explored everywhere together. He rode with me on a hop on, hop off tour bus, ferry, tour boat, Ferris wheel. We watched dragon boat racing, Indian New Year’s festivities and more.
One of our first local sits was looking after a Labradoodle and the homeowners never had another sitter than us so we looked after him about seven times and he just passed this last year. Found that breed so gentle and mellow. We’ve looked after different French Bulldogs a few times and also find them a very laid back breed which we really enjoy. My hubby especially took to a Corgi - one of our first sits in San Francisco - haven’t looked after that breed since but he still talks about Grace the Corgi!
I will be sitting for a Labradoodle right after Christmas for 5 days. I met up with the owner prior to booking the sit, and obviously met the pets, and was absolutely charmed by this Labradoodle! She was so funny and sooo happy!
I have only sat on two housesits so far but I know I will really struggle to forget a sweet Labradoodle girl who made my first HS so very special. She was just wonderful and we really did bond.
What a brilliant topic! I hope you don’t mind, but I wanted to add it to our “Featured Topics” section of the Forum homepage, so I added Trusted Housesitters stock photo, so that your post shows up on it.
I wanted to give your post some more visibility and hopefully some more answers and photos
My husband and I don’t housesit year-round; we usually do 3–4 sits per year. However, these experiences stay with us throughout the year in the form of anecdotes and little stories that we keep sharing with each other. I think this makes the whole experience even more special, as we don’t have a constant stream of owned dogs around us but instead get to spend longer periods with just a few.
We definitely have our favorite dogs, just like there are people you instantly connect with, there are also dogs that win your heart right away. And, of course, there are also dogs that you might not feel as strongly about. That’s the beauty of Trusted Housesitters: you get to discover which breeds or personalities you naturally click with and which ones might not be the best match for you.
The same goes for street dogs. We spend several months each year in a place with many street dogs and help out with the local animal welfare organization. Even there, we have our favorites. I’ve developed a deep admiration for street dogs as a whole, most of them have such positive, cheerful, and loving natures despite the hardships they face. Their resilience and capacity for love truly inspire me, and I hold them very close to my heart.
She’s a lovely creature and broke my heart when she started crying at my departure.
After going through images of the time we shared, lots of other pets came to my mind, cats and dogs whom I really miss. Every one of them has something special and distinctive. So, although my first thought went to Frankie, I am afraid I am not able to pick just one favorite pet.
I also tried to pick a favorite breed. Again, Dachshunds came to mind, but then came cockapoos, chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles, Burmese cats, Tonkinese, British short hair…
OMG what a sweetheart Frankie is! I know what you mean, it’s hard to pick “one” favorite. That’s why I was taken by surprise with how hard I fell for the Golden Retriever who is the topic of this post! I’m normally partial towards Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, but he just absolutely stole my heart! Just look at this gorgeous creature!
I’m glad she had you to bring some light into her life though!
