Recently, I had the honor and privileged to sit for a 20 year old canine. She is truly a remarkable pup, who still possesses puppy-like antics! Night zoomies, and peek-a-boo around corners are of her favorite games. During my sit at her home I showered her with tlc, and took extra care of her as her weary bones and laborious breathing reflected her limited time. I worked extra hard to make our departure day extra special, and maintained a calm, safe environment coupled with an upbeat demeanor. But the moment the door closed behind me I was consumed by a wave of emotions, as the realization really touched me that her physical life is coming to a close. Feeling extremely lucky to care for our senior friends, I take comfort in understanding that the power is in the mindful moment. Does anyone else relate to my story?
Yes, I usually feel sad when leaving sit pets, because you won’t necessarily see them ever again, even if they’re young and healthy, much less when they’re old and maybe sickly. To me, leaving the pets is the hardest part of sitting.
My favorite sit dog is in his later years, living abroad. I’ve sat him twice and don’t know if I’ll ever see him again. And I just left a cat sit where I left part of my heart with an endearing, playful rascal. My hosts said they’d welcome me back, but they’re in NYC, which is a popular location and they have previous sitters who’ve repeated a bunch. Who knows whether I’ll get to see him again, a pet I’d happily clone, if I could.
I also had a previous sit where an elderly, sickly dog ended up having to be put to sleep. She was such a sweet soul. I imagine her over the rainbow bridge, young and healthy again. I still keep a picture of her on my desk at home.
Thank you Maggie8k for sharing such a thoughtful reflection​
I’ve not experienced that yet. I do thank you for posting about this. It’s something to take into consideration. I think I’ll be a sitter that takes it hard when I know a dog/cat is near their end. While death is a beautiful event unto itself, it’s still sad when they’re no longer here physically.
You’ll treasure this sit @Gratitude as it’s been so very special. The love and care you have given this elderly dog will remain with you. I have looked after an older Labrador about 9 or 10 times now and each time I have to say goodbye, I wonder will this be the last time I see her. She’s one in a million and her owners are special too. It’s a 5.5 hour drive to this sit but that’s nothing to the joy I experience being able to spend time with my favourite dog once or twice a year. You have been a very special person to this dog and its owners.
SharonV 
You’re most welcome. I also agree with your thoughtful perspective.
@temba you are a special soul, and we share the experiences of these incredible connections. Thank you for sharing, it brings me great comfort to know I am not alone in my experience.
Yes, and I’m absolute rubbish at goodbyes. I always have to explain to owners that if I leave without making a fuss of the animals it’s because if I did they’d have a blubbering mess on their hands! The worst has been receiving messages from owners to let us know that their pet had died. We’ve lost nine in our time as sitters and it’s always heart-breaking.
Oh Jane, I take comfort in knowing we are a lot alike but I’m sorry because I truly understand how you’re feeling. I also realized that I too will be alerted of pet passings as my time with TH grows. Such a privilege to love this deeply​
but certainly not always easy on our hearts. 
You are the perfect example of why people who love, “get,” and have deep respect for animals are the best people.
Your post resonated and brought me to tears. Blessings to you for your presence, care and love for this beloved creature.
toreishi thank you deeply. 
you’re kind and thoughtful words mean a tremendous amount to me perhaps we need to start the big hearts club! I would imagine it would be packed with lovely TrustedHousesitters folks like yourself.
I almost always feel sad leaving the animals that I’ve cared for even when they are young and healthy. I get attached to them especially on longer sits. There were a couple of cats (different sits) that I loved so much I nearly cried (or maybe I did!) after I closed the door and left. I do always make time to say goodbye and give them extra pets right before I go. And they always know I’m leaving because I’m cleaning and packing and they get sad because they’ve seen it all before.
NETime what makes us such special sitters is our ability to open our hearts. No pet is a stranger to us. As I read replies from fellow sitters like yourself I have concluded that those who feel emotion during departure love deeply. There are no better qualifications for a sitter than experience and a big heart.
I’m currently petsitting at a home where I also petsat their previous dog. About a year ago I was all packed to sit for beautiful Lola, an Australian Shepherd, along with my little dog, Shula. The night before the sit, the pet owners called and said she was at the Emergency Vet because she suddenly lost her ability to stand, and was shaking. It was touch and go the next day as they tried to figure out what happened to her and whether or not she would come out of it. I live in the next town so told them I would be on standby. Sadly, she passed from a stroke, the next morning.
I love the new dog, but am kind of haunted by Lola when I’m here and can’t help but think about what would have happened if she had gotten ill the next day, on my watch. We have such an important undertaking—caring for other’s pets.
Thank you Shulasmom for sharing your touching story. I am sorry for your heart ache. I had a strikingly similar experience when my sweet old pup had a stroke. Ironically months prior to my pups passing I had the great privilege of going through death doula training (for pets) with Monique Brignon. Ironically, I took her class to help me as a life coach with my clients suffering loss, and it gifted me valuable training (and understanding) of the transition of death I would months later experience with my sweet girl. Look her up if you are intrigued, or feel free to reach out to me directly. It has forever helped me deal with loss, albeit my heartaches are still a part of the process, I have found peace through understanding the process of death. Blessing to you and your healing heart.
Yes. My first sit was with two mini schnauzer mixes, 14 and 17 years old. The 14 year was pretty sturdy, youthful and still ready to go when we walked. The 17 year old had health issues and would follow me around the house and it would take her ten minutes to catch up with me. So sweet, but very old. I would take the younger one on a good half or more walk every day. But the older one I would simply leash her and walk her around the large yard and she was very happy with this and didn’t seem to stress her. She had to be let out every 2-2.5 hours to pee. But she was the sweetest little dog. Recently another sit came up with them and I wanted to do it, but won’t be here so I couldn’t apply and that’s when I realized there was only one dog…the older one must have passed away. It made me so sad. I think once you spend time with an animal and bond, not matter how long or short the stay, it can be emotional to never see them again. I remember leaving that sit and the younger 14 year old, stood at the glass door with sad eyes and watched me pull out of the driveway. I felt so bad leaving him. They were both great dogs, both seniors and both so lovable. So I do understand your feelings.
Thank you HudsonRiver13 for sharing such a touching story. It was extremely relatable and brought to my own emotional response connecting with yours. Grateful that our big hearts are out there​